Hey, Pumpkin! October 2026 Holidays and Observances

Orange card with

Don’t you look adorable in your Halloween costume! (Or scary. Or, you know, oddly sexy for a werewolf.) As you gear up for the festivities, there are many other things to celebrate this month—from teachers to tacos to treat bags.

It’s time to flip the calendar page, check out October holidays and observances and start thinking about who we’re connecting with this month. We’ve shared some ideas to help you celebrate.

Inspired? Create and share by tagging @HallmarkStores.

Illustration of scales against pink background with Libra lettered at the top.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

Illustration of a scorpion against a yellow background with Scorpio lettered underneath

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

Your Special Days in October  

Grab your calendar and a notepad. For your personal list of notes to write and cards to send, think about:

 

Time to stock up?

Lettered quote: Take care of yourself so you can keep taking on the world.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Cartoon: Pizza with one slice removed saying,

October 3 is National Boyfriend Day.

October Holidays and Observances  

All October:

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Clergy Appreciation Month


October 2:

World Smile Day


October 3:

National Boyfriend Day

 

October 5:

World Teachers’ Day

 

October 6:

National Coaches Day

  • Let them know how much their support and encouragement means with a thank-you card.
Lettered sentiment that reads

National Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month is September 15–October 15.

In person, virtual or hybrid...teachers are always there. Thank you so much!

World Teachers’ Day is October 5.

October 10-18:

Keepsake Ornament Debut

Kick off the Countdown to Christmas and take advantage of event-only promotions. And shop 150 newly released Keepsake Ornaments—there’s at least one that’s perfect for everyone on your list.

Lettered quote: Reach out. Connect. Be there with your hugs or your voice or your screens...and always with your heart.

World Mental Health Day is October 10.

Lettered quote: Listen to her. Believe in her. Lift her up.

International Day of the Girl is October 11.

October 10:

World Mental Health Day

 

October 11:

International Day of the Girl

Ministry Appreciation Day

 

National Coming Out Day

 

Lettered quote: Fall in love with yourself.

National Coming Out Day is October 11.

In our hearts there is love that will be there, always.

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is October 15.

October 15:

National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day

 

October 16:

Boss’s Day

You're sweet! You're hot - Funny Valentine Quote

Sweetest Day is October 17.

 

Halloween is October 31.

October 17:

Sweetest Day

 

October 31:

Halloween

More Ideas for October  

An illustration of adult friends dressed in different costumes and gathered in a home for a Halloween celebration.

Host the ultimate Halloween night at home: activities, decorating ideas and more

Whatever your Halloween vibe is, we’ve got ideas to help you make the most of the evening at home with friends or family!

 

A white bowl filled with tissue paper wrapped, pumpkin shaped treat bags with green stems and googly eyes.

Make a pile of easy pumpkin treat bags

Here’s a DIY that’s sweet and fun to do. All it takes is tissue paper, candy and basic craft supplies to make party favors, classroom snacks or surprises for neighbors.

Lettered quote: I am my family's refuge, and they are mine. —Melvina Young

Read about making home a healing place

In the time of legal racial segregation, writer Melvina Young’s family worked hard to protect her innocence and dreams. Now she shares ways to make home a soft space when the world can be hard.

Hands hanging cut-paper banners (papel picado) on a stuccoed wall

LOOKING AHEAD: Día de los Muertos

Create your own papel picado (cut paper banners) for a Day of the Dead altar or celebration and learn about the holiday’s rich, meaningful and festive traditions.