Thursday
October 19
21 holidays and observances fall on this day.
International Credit Union Day
International Credit Union Day is marked annually on the third Thursday of October to celebrate people‑focused financial cooperation.
International Gin And Tonic Day
Join the fun on October 19, International Gin & Tonic Day, as gin lovers around the world toast to Mary Edith Keyburn’s memory and celebrate the timeless G&T — its heritage, its flavors, and its community.
World Pediatric Bone and Joint Day
World Pediatric Bone & Joint Day highlights musculoskeletal health in children and youths—raising awareness, promoting early care, encouraging prevention, and supporting research.
International ShakeOut Day
Join millions worldwide on International ShakeOut Day (third Thursday in October) to practice earthquake safety and preparedness.
World Humanitarian Action Day
World Humanitarian Action Day honors humanitarian workers—especially those who died in service—and inspires action, solidarity, and support for humanitarian causes.
Evaluate Your Life Day
Evaluate Your Life Day is a gentle annual pause to reflect, reassess, and realign your life’s path—inviting intentional growth rather than drift.
Wear Purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Day
Wear Purple Day is observed in October to honor survivors, promote awareness, and unite communities in the fight against abuse.
Spirit Day
Spirit Day is marked on the third Thursday of October to show support for LGBTQ youth and stand against bullying.
Respiratory Care Week
Respiratory Care Week in late October honors breathing specialists and reminds us to care for our lungs.
National Kentucky Day
National Kentucky Day celebrates the heritage, culture, and identity of Kentucky—the 15th U.S. state—highlighting its landmarks, traditions, and community spirit.
Conflict Resolution Day
The day encourages peaceful approaches to disagreement through mediation, dialogue, and understanding.
National Healthcare Quality Week
National Healthcare Quality Week highlights the work of healthcare quality professionals and promotes excellence in patient care and safety improvement.
National Retirement Security Week
National Retirement Security Week encourages individuals and organizations to prioritize retirement planning, boost savings, and increase awareness of retirement readiness.
Pharmacy Week
Pharmacy Week celebrates the contributions of pharmacists and pharmacy teams while promoting safe medication use, public health, and pharmacy services.
Dress Like a Dork Day
Dress Like a Dork Day is a fun, tongue‑in‑cheek observance inviting people to wear mismatched, “dorky” clothing with pride—and enjoy some self‑parody and humor.
National Get Smart About Credit Day
Get Smart About Credit Day (third Thursday in October) encourages youth and communities to learn how credit works and manage debt wisely.
National Veterinary Technician Week
National Veterinary Technician Week (third week of October) celebrates the essential role of vet techs in animal care, recognizing their skills, compassion, and dedication to veterinary healthcare.
National Seafood Bisque Day
National Seafood Bisque Day is celebrated on October 19 to honor the rich, creamy, flavorful soup made from shellfish—encouraging cooking, tasting, and sharing this elegant dish.
National Wolf Awareness Week
National Wolf Awareness Week celebrates wolves, raises awareness of their ecological role and threats, and promotes conservation, education, and coexistence efforts.
LGBT Center Awareness Day
LGBT Center Awareness Day is a day to honor and spotlight the crucial role of LGBTQ+ community centers: safe spaces, support systems, advocates, and pillars of community life.
World Mission Sunday
World Mission Sunday is celebrated on the second-to-last Sunday of October, focusing the global Catholic Church’s prayer, solidarity, and support for missionary communities and outreach worldwide.
Coming up next
International Day of the Air Traffic Controller
The International Day of the Air Traffic Controller, celebrated every year on October 20th to commemorate the establishment of the IFATCA in 1961.
International Sloth Day
International Sloth Day, held on October 20, celebrates sloths and raises awareness for their protection and habitat conservation.
International Chefs Day
International Chefs Day honors the culinary profession, promotes food culture, and encourages chefs to inspire, educate, and innovate.
World Student Day
World Student Day celebrates and supports students globally through connection, reflection, and encouragement.
World Statistics Day
World Statistics Day, celebrated on October 20 (every five years), raises awareness of the vital role of reliable data in society.
World Osteoporosis Day
World Osteoporosis Day – October 20 – raises global awareness about osteoporosis and encourages bone health prevention.
World CRISPR Day
World CRISPR Day (October 20) celebrates gene editing technology’s breakthroughs and encourages public reflection on its ethical, scientific, and societal implications.
National Chicken and Waffles Day
National Chicken and Waffles Day celebrates the savory‑sweet dish of fried chicken and waffles, encourages culinary creativity.
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