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100 Offbeat Holidays You Can Celebrate In 2020
While everybody else is celebrating New Year's Day, Valentine's Day, Easter, Fourth of July, and the various other national holidays throughout 2020, you can stand out by celebrating National Hangover Day (or celebrate not celebrating National Hangover Day) and these 99 other offbeat holidays throughout the year.
1. January 1: National Hangover Day
If you find yourself nursing a serious hangover on New Year’s Day, you can at least rest easy in the fact that someone has made an official day dedicated to your misery.
2. January 4: National Trivia Day
Obviously, we are all for—and about—National Trivia Day. So feel free to steal any of these essential bits of trivia and share them with a friend.
3. January 14: National Dress Up Your Pet Day
Your pet may not love the fact that there’s an entire day dedicated to making them look extra fancy, but your Instagram followers will thank you for it.
4. January 18: National Thesaurus Day
British lexicographer Peter Mark Roget—who is most famous for publishing The Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases (a.k.a. Roget’s Thesaurus) in 1852—was born on January 18, 1779. As such, this is a day to honor, celebrate, extol, laud, praise, revere, salute, etc. his contributions.
5. January 20: Penguin Awareness Day
Not to be confused with World Penguin Day (which happens on April 25), Penguin Awareness Day encourages you to cultivate even more knowledge of the Spheniscidae family. (Here are 20 fascinating facts to get you started.)
6. January 24: National Compliment Day
National Compliment Day? You’ve got this. You’re fabulous. And you look amazing. Keep up the great work!
7. January 27: Thomas Crapper Day
Often incorrectly credited with inventing the toilet, Thomas Crapper was a plumber and businessman who did, in fact, champion the modern wash closet and also invented the ballcock—that floating ball in the body of your toilet. His apropos surname was just a coincidence: The word crap already existed in the English language at the time of his birth.
8. January 27: Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day
Celebrated on the last Monday of January, Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day is a day to give thanks for the many hours of joy this beloved packing product has brought us all. And to share all that you know about it with others (like how it was originally meant to be wallpaper, and could potentially offer real-life mental health benefits). And if you don’t know much about it, here are 50 facts for you.
9. February 2: National Tater Tot Day
Take National Tater Tot Day to reconsider what might be the finest form of fried potatoes.
10. February 2: Hedgehog Day
It might technically be Groundhog Day, but just look at this cuddly creature. He also needs celebrating.
11. February 9: National Pizza Day
You already crave it every day, so take February 9 to treat yourself to your favorite slice (and learn some pizza history, too).
12. February 13: Get A Different Name Day
If you're called Phil, but you always wanted to be named something a little more flowery (say Barnaby), or unusual (how about Pilot Inspektor?), or hip (hello, Noah), today's the day to take the plunge and give yourself a new moniker.
13. February 20: Northern Hemisphere Hoodie-Hoo Day
On this day, residents of the Northern Hemisphere take to the streets at noon, toss their hands in the air, and exclaim, "Hoodie-Hoo!" It's meant to chase away winter, and while it might sound ineffectual, we challenge you to come up with a better idea.
14. February 23: Curling Is Cool Day
As if anyone needed convincing.
15. February 27: National Chili Day
With about a month to go until spring, be sure to enjoy some piping hot bowls while it's still prime chili season.
16. February 28: National Tooth Fairy Day
Smile wide and celebrate everyone's favorite tooth collector.
17. March 1: National Pig Day
Sure, they like to roll around in mud, but that's just a pig's clever way of keeping cool on a hot day. Pigs are fascinating creatures—and one of the most intelligent members of the animal kingdom. Spend the first day of March paying tribute to oinkers around the world.
18. March 1: National Peanut Butter Lover's Day
If you love peanut butter, this is the day to proudly polish off your PB-based sandwich of choice. Reflect on all of the amazing qualities of peanut butter, from its delicious taste to its amazingly effective gum-removing capabilities. If that’s not enough, there’s even a year-round website for lovers of the legume-based spread.
19. March 4: National Grammar Day
The people who care most about this holiday will also want to know that National Proofreading Day is just a few days later, on March 8.
20. March 7: National Cereal Day
Cereal first, then milk. Learn your history.
21. March 8: National Proofreading Day
Sure, it may seem scary—but the red pen is your friend. As is giving that missive you’re about to send a second (and very careful) reading. A typo might not seem like a big deal … until it costs you $80 million (or some serious embarrassment).
22. March 10: International Bagpipe Day
There are more than 130 different kinds of bagpipes played worldwide, and this is an international holiday to celebrate every single one of them. Be prepared!
23. March 12: National Alfred Hitchcock Day
Nobody’s particularly sure why March 12th is Alfred Hitchcock Day: it’s neither the Master of Suspense’s birthday (that’s August 13), nor does it commemorate the date of his death (that happened on April 29, 1980). Still, it’s as good a time as any to regale your movie-loving friends and family members with your encyclopedic knowledge of Hitchcock trivia.
24. March 14: Pi Day
Don’t let the sound of the name fool you: 3/14 does not commemorate the sweet, baked circuitous treat (but feel free to grab a slice). It is the official day of the Greek letter symbolizing the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter, pi, also known as 3.14159265359 …
25. March 14: International Fanny Pack Day
From grandparents to Normcore hipsters, this holiday spans generations. And, for better or worse (but definitely worse), the fanny pack doesn’t seem in danger of going anywhere.
26. March 20: Won't You Be My Neighbor Day
Everyone's favorite neighbor, Fred Rogers, was born on March 20, 1928 and this holiday now serves as an occasion to remember the beloved TV star, and honor him by being kind, generous, and, well, downright neighborly.
27. March 21: Play the Recorder Day
Limber up those fingers and celebrate this ubiquitous childhood instrument with a rousing rendition of "Hot Cross Buns."
28. March 23: National Puppy Day
Most of us don't really need an excuse to spend all day watching adorable young pups playing. But on March 23, it’s your nationally mandated duty. If merely observing puppies is not enough for you, consider donating to your local animal shelter—or just take the plunge and adopt one already (and send us pictures, please)!
29. March 25: International Waffle Day
A tradition that originated in Sweden, International Waffle Day basically encourages the consumption of all things bready and waffled. It’s hard to disagree with that.
30. March 31: Eiffel Tower Day
One of the world’s most famous “towers” was dedicated to the city of Paris on March 31, 1889. Named for its designer, Gustav Eiffel, the structure was intended to commemorate the French Revolution. This Parisian landmark isn’t the only famous structure with Eiffel’s paw prints all over it; he also helped design the framework of New York’s Statue of Liberty.
31. April 2: National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day
Who doesn't love this classic childhood snack? Eat one today, and then get the answer to something you've wondered since childhood: What's the difference between jelly and jam?
32. April 2: National Ferret Day
We'll definitely be celebrating these furry little guys.
33. April 5: National Deep Dish Pizza Day
A day to appreciate sky-high pies, or argue over the best pizza in all the land.
34. April 6: International Pillow Fight Day
Have a pillow fight!
35. April 7: National Beer Day
On March 22, 1933, Franklin Roosevelt signed the Cullen–Harrison Act, legalizing the sale of beer (as long as it was 3.2 percent alcohol by weight or less) after many years of Prohibition. The thirsty public had to wait two long weeks before they could legally imbibe again, and on April 7, the law finally went into effect. Beer drinkers around the country rejoiced, and celebrated with a nice cold one, presumably.
36. April 10: National Siblings Day
Celebrate the brothers and sisters who drive you mad and keep you sane—often all at the same time.
37. April 12: National Licorice Day
This offbeat holiday—designed to celebrate black licorice specifically—will surely be a contentious commemoration. For those of you who cringed, please enjoy your Twizzlers.
38. April 13: National Scrabble Day
Created by Alfred Mosher Butts in 1938, Scrabble did not become a national phenomenon until the 1950s. It has since inspired less mobility-impaired games like Bananagrams and Words With Friends. But to honor the holiday, use a classic board and show off your robust vocabulary.
39. April 19: National Garlic Day
We all know it's supposed to keep a vampire away, but did you know these 11 facts about garlic?
40. April 21: National Bulldogs Are Beautiful Day
If you didn't already know this, you can see yourself out.
41. April 22: National Jelly Bean Day
When you grab a handful to celebrate this year, just make sure you don't get "BeanBoozled."
42. April 23: Talk Like Shakespeare Day
We have of late, but wherefore we know not, lost all our mirth. What a perfect day to get it back! In honor of the Bard’s birthday, drop some thous and thees, master iambic pentameter, and cast people away by exclaiming “get thee to a nunnery!” Talk Like Shakespeare Day is the one time of year you can express yourself in rhyming couplets; wethinks thou oughtest useth the opportunity.
43. April 25: World Penguin Day
Seriously, all the animal holidays are fine with us.
44. April 27: Morse Code Day
Break out your best dots and dashes, it’s the birthday of Samuel Morse—co-inventor of the eponymous Morse Code. These days any Joe Schmoe can try his hand at transmitting lights, clicks, and tones to send a secret message. But this system of communication used to be a highly specialized field that required a license and a proclivity for spying on communists.
45. May 1: Mother Goose Day
Founded in 1987 by Gloria T. Delamar in conjunction with the publication of her book, Mother Goose: From Nursery to Literature, this is a day to "re-appreciate" the old nursery rhymes.
46. May 4: Star Wars Day
May the fourth be with you!
47. May 11: National Eat What You Want Day
Though it's definitely not healthy, this is a food holiday that we want to celebrate more than once a year.
48. May 15: National Pizza Party Day
Party is a relative term, by the way. You and a pizza is definitely a party.
49. May 18: International Museum Day
On this day, the entire planet celebrates museums and all the amazing things they have to offer. We recommend checking for events and activities in your area: Hundreds of thousands of museums join the party every year.
50. May 23: World Turtle Day
Celebrate by reading 20 things you didn't know about sea turtles right here.
51. May 25: Towel Day
To honor author Douglas Adams, fans carry around a towel all day. The tradition is a nod to a passage in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy about the importance of towels: "A towel, [The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy] says, is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have." Good enough for us.
52. May 25: National Wine Day
As you're enjoying a glass of cab sav or chardonnay with friends this National Wine Day, drop a few of these wine-related facts.
53. June 4: National Cheese Day
There are so many different types of cheese to celebrate. Here's a quick refresher on how some of the most popular cheeses got their names.
54. June 5: National Doughnut Day
One of two National Doughnut Days celebrated every year. Why are there two, you ask? We've got you covered.
55. June 6: National Yo-Yo Day
Donald F. Duncan had more to celebrate about his life than an amazing name; he helped popularize the yo-yo. Though technically invented by a man named Pedro Flores in the late 1920’s, the yo-yo didn’t hit the mainstream until the entrepreneurial Duncan purchased Flores’s Yo-Yo Toy Company, mass-produced this circular piece of plastic and string, and introduced it to the world. June 6th is believed to be Duncan’s birthday.
56. June 8: World Oceans Day
In 2008, the United Nations officially designated June 8 as a day to honor the part of the planet covered in water. Which is to say, most of it. Even before that it was celebrated by the Ocean Project and the World Ocean Network. These days, it's a growing global event with a focus on education and preservation.
57. June 12: National Jerky Day
No explanation required: chew and be merry.
58. June 18: International Sushi Day
Any food worth its salt, or umami, has its own holiday. But if you're looking for an excuse to eat sushi, June 18th seems as good a day as any other.
59. June 19: World Sauntering Day
A man named W.T. "Bill" Rabe, a publicist allegedly rampant self-promoter, is said to have conceived this holiday in the 1970s on Mackinac Island, Michigan. According to Merriam-Webster, to saunter one must merely “walk about in an idle or leisurely manner.” So for all of you who balked at a running holiday, thank Rabe for providing a much more casual holiday for getting around.
60. June 26: Take Your Dog To Work Day
Created in 1999 by Pet Sitters International, this is a day intended to encourage people to adopt pets from animal shelters—presumably by making all your dog-less coworkers incredibly jealous.
61. July 3: Compliment Your Mirror Day
If you haven't quite gathered it yet, this holiday isn't about the mirror (wink).
62. July 6: National Fried Chicken Day
Not all fried chicken is created equal. Before finding the best in your state, learn about how it used to be made.
63. July 14: National Mac and Cheese Day
You can thank none other than Thomas Jefferson for popularizing this delightful dish.
64. July 19: National Ice Cream Day
Our third president also had a hand in making ice cream a thing—in fact, according to the Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia, "he can be credited with the first known recipe [for ice cream] recorded by an American," and it probably stems from his time in France.
65. July 27: Take Your Houseplants For A Walk Day
It doesn't matter if your neighbors think you're crazy. Set those plants free!
66. August 1: National Mustard Day
We'll use any excuse to eat a hot dog—or three.
67. August 7: National Lighthouse Day
The one day a year in which we shine a light on these beautiful beacons.
68. August 10: National S’mores Day
No need to wait until the middle of August to get this party started. The holiday just means you should have extra.
69. August 12: Middle Children’s Day
We have just the thing to send those oft-overlooked kids who could use some encouragement.
70. August 15: National Relaxation Day
Preferably celebrated in a hammock, on a beach, or with a pooped pup.
71. August 24: National Waffle Day
Would it be a surprise if we told you that Jefferson loved these delicious discs so much he brought back four waffle irons from France? He liked to serve them with (duh) ice cream.
72. August 26: National Dog Day
This was what we looked like when we found out about this holiday.
73. September 5: Be Late For Something Day
While a lot of people don't need an excuse to be late, all of you punctual people out there should try to cut loose on this day and be tardy for something for once.
74. September 13: National Hug Your Hound Day
If you don't have a hound of your own to hug, may we suggest looking at photos of people hugging their hounds?
75. September 16: World Play-Doh Day
Today's the perfect day to do something with your favorite childhood clay! It's OK with us if you mostly just smell it.
76. September 22: Hobbit Day
September 22 is the birthday of cousins Bilbo and Frodo Baggins from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings world. Go barefoot, have a Hobbit party, journey somewhere, and most of all, be brave.
77. September 24: National Punctuation Day
Because how would you be expressive without it???!!!!
78. September 25: National One-Hit Wonder Day
Get your playlist started now. (We have some suggestions for you.)
79. September 29: International Coffee Day
We won't talk to you before you've celebrated this one.
80. October 4: National Ships-In-Bottles Day
Someone spent a lot of time making this art happen, so let's take a little time to appreciate it.
81. October 8: National Pierogi Day
On this day in 1952, pierogies were first delivered to a grocery store in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, and we’ve been devouring them ever since.
82. October 15: National Grouch Day
For those who love one, and those who are one.
83. October 16: Dictionary Day
October 16th is Noah Webster’s birthday, so take a break from your lackadaisical use of the English language, k?
84. October 17: National Pasta Day
There are myriad ways to celebrate National Pasta Day, so why not consider some of these unique pasta shapes?
85. October 17: Sweetest Day
Traditionally celebrated in the Midwest and Northeastern United States, Sweetest Day is a lot like Valentine's Day, which—depending on your outlook—is either a very good thing or a very bad thing.
86. October 29: National Cat Day
We know you don’t need a date in the calendar for this, but it makes your Instagrams all that much more justified.
87. October 30: National Candy Corn Day
Feel free to debate the merits of a holiday for this highly controversial, tricolored confection.
88. October 31: National Magic Day
Halloween, shmalloween. This holiday is fittingly held on the anniversary of the death of Harry Houdini.
89. November 3: Cliché Day
All's fair in love and war and holidays, and what goes around comes around so have the time of your life this November 3 by celebrating this fit as a fiddle celebration. You'll be like a kid in a candy store.
90. November 3: Sandwich Day
The birthday of John Montague, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, is as good a day as any to do what you normally do: eat a sandwich.
91. November 19: “Have A Bad Day” Day
This isn't a celebration of the inevitable bad day, but rather an occasion for those working in customer service to break their usual (and tired) refrain of "have a nice day" and wish customers a bad one instead.
92. November 21: National Stuffing Day
If you're worried about celebrating the right food, make sure you know the difference between stuffing and dressing.
93. November 27: National Flossing Day
PSA: This is not a suggestion to floss just once a year.
94. November 30: Stay Home Because You’re Well Day
You probably just spent the last several days gorging with in-laws—you deserve this.
95. December 4: National Cookie Day
December isn’t exactly lacking in opportunities to indulge in sweet treats, but today it’s your offbeat-holiday-given right to mix, bake, and/or eat as many cookies as you can handle.
96. December 6: National Pawnbrokers Day
If you thought good ol' St. Nicholas was the patron saint of reindeer and stockings, think again: The actual Nikolaos of Myra was the patron of things like the falsely accused and pawnbrokers, and on this day we acknowledge the latter.
97. December 12: Poinsettia Day
This day doesn't just celebrate the festive flower—it also marks the death of its namesake, Joel Roberts Poinsett. The botanist (and first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico) brought clippings of Euphorbia pulcherrima back to the States from southern Mexico, and grew the plant at his South Carolina home.
98. December 14: Monkey Day
Officially, Monkey Day is an “annual celebration of all things simian, a festival of primates, a chance to scream like a monkey and throw feces at whomever you choose.” The origins of the holiday are unknown, though it has been observed since at least 2003.
99. December 17: Wright Brothers Day
Made an official holiday in 1963 by Presidential Proclamation, this holiday marks the day in 1903 when Orville and Wilbur Wright achieved the first ever successful (documented) controlled airplane flight near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
100. December 21: Humbug Day
Get out all your bahs and scowls and growls now: no one will tolerate them come Christmas.