September 16 Holidays

Your guide to every national day and holiday on September 16

National days: 24
Day of the year: 259
Days left in the year: 106
Days until: 22

September 16 brings 24 observances, led by National Guacamole Day, with National Play-Doh Day and National Stepfamily Day offering easy reasons to make time together.

National Guacamole Day

Learn to make guacamole at home, and discover some of the many versatile uses for this tasty invention, from a simple dip to a sandwich spread and more.

Canada
Mexico
United States

Start with a bowl and a cutting board

Pick up two ripe avocados, a lime, salt, and a bag of tortilla chips. Mash the avocado with a fork, add lime juice and a good pinch of salt, then taste before adding finely chopped tomato, onion, or garlic. It takes about 10 minutes, and a rough mash is better than a perfectly smooth puree. Put vegetable sticks or warm tortillas alongside the chips so everyone has a preferred way to scoop.

September 16 also coincides with Mexican Independence Day. Keep the meal simple but intentional: use the guacamole in tacos or quesadillas, or spread it on toast for a quick lunch. For a small group, put fillings in separate bowls, such as shredded cheese, black beans, salsa, and lettuce, so each person can build their own plate. Make enough for seconds, because the bowl tends to empty quickly once people gather around it.

Make a little creative mess

Set out a few tubs of modeling compound, a washable mat, and everyday tools such as a plastic knife, cookie cutters, and a rolling pin for National Play-Doh Day. Give everyone 20 minutes to make something connected to the meal, perhaps an avocado, a taco, or the chips they wish came in a larger bag. Skip the contest. Put the finished creations on a plate or tray, take one photo, then pack the compound away before food reaches the table.

National Play-Doh Day

Just because we grow up doesn’t mean we have to stop having fun. Let your inner child out and play with play-doh! Get creative and have fun sculpting and mashing.

United States

Set a table with room for everyone

National Stepfamily Day is a good prompt to invite the people who make up your household, rather than chasing a picture-perfect family gathering. Ask each person to choose one job: mash, chop, set out napkins, or pick the music. A shared task keeps arrivals from feeling awkward and gives children a clear place in the plan. If someone cannot join, send a photo of the spread with a simple message: “Wish you were here for chips and guac.”

National Stepfamily Day

Even if they weren’t there at birth, stepfamilies can be as much your family as birth families. Let your stepfamily know you love them, and spend time together.

Australia
Canada
United States

Wind down without overplanning

Leave the remaining guacamole covered tightly in the refrigerator, with plastic wrap pressed directly onto its surface, for lunch the next day. Before cleaning up, let each person name one small thing they enjoyed making or eating. That takes less than five minutes and leaves the day feeling shared, not scheduled.

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National Guacamole Day

Learn to make guacamole at home, and discover some of the many versatile uses for this tasty invention, from a simple dip to a sandwich spread and more.

Canada
Mexico
United States

National Play-Doh Day

Just because we grow up doesn’t mean we have to stop having fun. Let your inner child out and play with play-doh! Get creative and have fun sculpting and mashing.

United States

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

Our planet's natural sunscreen is in need of some TLC! Let's rally together to protect the Earth's protective shield.

Australia
Canada
India
and 3 more

Trail of Tears Commemoration Day

Trail of Tears Commemoration Day is a time to honor the memory of the Native Americans who suffered during the forced relocations known as the Trail of Tears. This tragic chapter in history saw thousands of Cherokee and other tribes removed from their ancestral lands and sent to what is...

Canada
United States

National Stepfamily Day

Even if they weren’t there at birth, stepfamilies can be as much your family as birth families. Let your stepfamily know you love them, and spend time together.

Australia
Canada
United States

National Fitness Day (UK)

Whether it's lifting weights, running a 5k, or just going for a walk, taking care of your body is important for health and happiness.

United Kingdom

National Working Parents Day

For parents trying to balance work and raising kids, a day off is more than needed. Help out a working parent you know, or do some extra chores for your own.

Australia
Canada
United Kingdom
and 1 more

Mayflower Day

A voyage across the Atlantic, a new land to call home, and the beginning of a story that would shape a nation.

United Kingdom
United States

Pet Promise Day

Supporting pet well-being involves sincere commitment, ensuring animals receive comprehensive care for a fulfilling, healthy life.

Canada
United Kingdom
United States

Collect Rocks Day

Be a geologist for a day and see what interesting rocks you can find. Pick up a book on local rocks or hop on the internet to identify what you find.

United States

National Choose Your Chocolate Day

No matter what type of chocolate you love, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate or bittersweet chocolate, National Choose Your Chocolate Day is great fun for everyone! History of National Choose Your Chocolate Day Chocolate has been around for thousands of years, starting as a drinking chocolate in the Olmec...

Canada
United Kingdom
United States

National School Backpack Awareness Day

National School Backpack Awareness Day is a reminder to students, parents, and teachers about the hidden risks of improperly carrying backpacks. Many students unknowingly strain their backs and shoulders by overloading or wearing backpacks incorrectly, which can lead to pain and even long-term issues. The day focuses on teaching kids...

Canada
United Kingdom
United States

Stay Away From Seattle Day

Stay Away From Seattle Day is a quirky observance that asks people to steer clear of the Emerald City for just one day. It’s not about disliking visitors; rather, it’s a playful nudge for outsiders to give the city a brief pause. Locals, often juggling the buzz of tourists and new...

United States

World Barber Day

World Barber Day celebrates the craft, care, and creativity behind every cut. It’s a global nod to barbers who do much more than shape hair—they shape confidence. Walk into a barbershop and you’ll find more than scissors and clippers. You’ll see trust, style, and stories being shared. From classic trims to...

International Day for Interventional Cardiology

Fixing a heart without open surgery sounds like science fiction—but it’s real, and it’s saving lives every day. That’s what interventional cardiology is all about. Instead of making large cuts, doctors slide tiny tools through blood vessels to clear blockages or open narrowed arteries. It’s precise, fast, and often means patients...

United States

Teenager Workout Day

Teenagers, it’s time to get in shape. Parents of teenagers, it’s time to help your kids learn about safe, daily exercise routines that can keep them healthy.

Australia
Canada
United Kingdom
and 1 more

National Tattoo Story Day

Some tattoos are wild and colorful. Others are small and simple. But almost every tattoo hides a story. National Tattoo Story Day invites people to talk about those stories. A tattoo might honor someone special, mark a turning point, or carry a quiet reminder of something meaningful. Every design has...

National Sit With a Stranger Day

National Sit With a Stranger Day invites people to break their usual routine and start a conversation with someone unfamiliar. Instead of scrolling through phones or keeping to ourselves, this day encourages sitting beside someone new and sharing a moment. It’s about turning everyday spaces—parks, buses, cafés—into places where fresh connections...

National GED Day

National GED Day lifts up people who chose a different road. Some left school early. Others faced tough times that got in the way. This day celebrates the moment they stepped back in, worked hard, and finished strong. It’s more than a test—it’s about guts, goals, and second chances. The energy...

National Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day

It’s got cinnamon. It’s got raisins. It’s got sweet, bready goodness. That’s right, try out your own cinnamon raisin bread recipe and impress your friends and family.

Canada
United Kingdom
United States

National Uniform Day

Honoring the service and dedication of the tens of millions of people across the world who wear uniforms as part of their daily work, National Uniform Day celebrates and recognizes the unwavering commitment of these important workers! Why Celebrate National Uniform Day? More than just an outfit to wear to work, a...

Australia
International
United Kingdom
and 1 more

Anne Bradstreet Day

Did you know there's a special day dedicated to celebrating the legacy of America's first female poet, Anne Bradstreet? It's called Anne Bradstreet Day, and it happens every year on September 16th. This day marks the anniversary of her death and is a time to remember her pioneering contributions to...

United Kingdom
United States

Mexican Independence Day

An important moment in Mexico's history, a celebration of freedom and resilience that unites people in colorful festivities and pride.

Mexico
Spain
United States

Hari Malaysia

Malaysia Day, also known as Hari Malaysia, is a celebration of the country's unity and diversity. On this day, Malaysians from all walks of life reflect on the strength that comes from being a united yet diverse community. People in Sabah, Sarawak, and the Peninsula gather to honor their shared...

Indonesia
Malaysia
Singapore

Explore

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National Inclusion Week

Embracing diversity in all its forms, and fostering environments where every individual feels valued and heard.

United Kingdom

Team of professional doctors and nurses examining newborn baby at the hospital.

National Neonatal Nurses Week

Providing compassionate care to newborns and support for families, these healthcare heroes play a crucial role in healthcare.

United States

Chef Appreciation Week

The culinary maestros who elevate dining experiences with their talent and dedication, adding sprinkles of joy to the gastronomic world.

Toronto International Film Festival

If there's a film festival that truly captures the spirit of cinema, it's the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Celebrated annually, TIFF draws a global audience of filmmakers, actors, and fans. It's a place where emerging talents can shine alongside established stars. While it lasts, TIFF transforms Toronto into a bustling...

Canada

Rtveli

Rtveli is a vibrant grape harvest festival celebrated across Georgia. It is a joyful blend of hard work and celebration. It's a time when people unite to collect the fruits of their labor and honor the cultural heritage of winemaking that has been cherished for generations. The festival extends beyond...

Georgia

Heritage Open Days

Heritage Open Days is a vibrant celebration of England's rich cultural and historical tapestry. Held annually, this festival allows people to explore hidden gems and experience new activities, all free of charge. Volunteers and organizations across the country open their doors, offering unique insights into the nation's heritage. This event...

United Kingdom

National Jeans for Genes Day

National Jeans for Genes Day brings communities together for a common cause. People wear jeans to raise awareness about genetic disorders, and the day focuses on the struggles and stories of those affected. By simply wearing jeans, participants can show support and solidarity with the cause. This small gesture has...

United Kingdom

Fiesta de San Pacho

Fiesta de San Pacho is a vibrant celebration that fills the streets of Quibdó with music, dance, and color. The festival honors Saint Francis of Assisi, blending Catholic traditions with Afro-Colombian culture uniquely and joyfully. As the day unfolds, the city becomes a stage where people showcase their rich heritage...

Colombia

Folic Acid Awareness Week

Folic Acid Awareness Week focuses on the importance of folic acid, especially for those who are pregnant or may become pregnant. This B vitamin helps the body produce red blood cells and supports the development of the brain and spine in unborn babies. It’s most critical in the early weeks of...

United States

Hispanic Heritage Month

Join an event, forum, or exhibition for Hispanic Heritage Month, and appreciate the art, history, and cultural offerings of this rich and expansive heritage.

United States

National Drive Electric Month

While the gasoline car has certainly been the most popular in automobile history, many people don’t realize that some of the first cars invented ran on electric power! Experimental prototypes of these cars showed up in Europe in the 1830s, and the first viable option may have been in 1890...

Canada
Mexico
United States

Recycle Now Week

Recycle Now Week is a lively celebration focused on boosting recycling efforts across the UK. This special week brings together communities, businesses, and local authorities to emphasize the importance of recycling the right materials more often. Through engaging campaigns and fun activities, Recycle Now Week inspires everyone to participate and...

United Kingdom

National Assisted Living Week

When older folks who need a little help move into an assisted living facility, it can sometimes feel isolating. National Assisted Living Week is here to bring attention to the ways that communities can live in a more multi-generational manner, and honor those in all phases of life while promoting...

United States

Biscuits and Gravy Week

National Biscuits and Gravy Week offers a perfect opportunity for lovers of this delicious dish to pay it some well-deserved respect, or for some of the more inexperienced to learn more and discover some new flavors! History of National Day A decidedly American dish, biscuits and gravy are believed to have...

United States

Semana de la Chilenidad

Semana de la Chilenidad is a vibrant celebration of Chile's rich culture and traditions. This special week highlights the nation's love for its roots, bringing together people from all walks of life. Everywhere you look, you’ll find joyful expressions of national pride. The streets are filled with music, traditional dances...

Chile

Healthcare Environmental Services Week

Healthcare Environmental Services Week honors the crucial role of EVS professionals in keeping healthcare spaces clean and safe. These skilled workers use careful cleaning and disinfection to stop harmful pathogens. Their efforts help prevent infections that could harm patients, families, and staff. This week highlights their daily dedication, commitment, and...

United States

Housekeepers Week

Housekeeping is tough and often thankless work, so make sure to give a big thank-you and even a small gift to the housekeepers who keep hotels and the like clean.

National Parent Teacher Home Visits Week

Building bridges through educator and family interactions, strengthening support networks to nurture student growth and achievement.

Professional Care Workers’ Week

Dedicated to aiding, professional care workers uplift lives through compassion, ensuring well-being in every interaction.

United Kingdom

World Mitochondrial Disease Week

Mitochondrial diseases are a group of rare genetic disorders that impact the way the mitochondria in a person’s cells produce energy. While there is currently no cure for this range of conditions, the hope is that raising awareness and improving support will help provide care for those who need it...

United States

National Recovery Month

The journey to reclaiming lives, marked by resilience and transformation, where individuals find strength amidst adversity to rediscover their inner light.