Hey, Pumpkin! October 2024 Holidays and Observances

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.
Here for the free stuff? Click the links below to jump right to this month’s downloadables.
Libra (September 23-October 22)
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:
- Birthdays
- Weddings and anniversaries
- New babies and showers
- New jobs, promotions and retirements
- Thank-you notes
- Special events
- People you’re thinking about or praying for
- Folks you’ve been meaning to get in touch with
- Friends who need some extra care
Time to stock up?
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
World Smile Day is October 4.
October Holidays and Observances
All October:
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Clergy Appreciation Month
October 3:
National Boyfriend Day
- Send a handwritten note in a real card with your phone—and we’ll mail it for free! Because when’s the last time you sent a love note?
- Browse romantic ideas
October 4:
National Taco Day
World Smile Day
- Send a Just Because card to make someone smile today.
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.
National Boyfriend Day is October 3.
World Teachers’ Day is October 5.
October 12-20:
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.
- Browse all the ornaments in the 2024 Dream Book.
- Follow Hallmark Keepsakes on Facebook for the latest news.
World Mental Health Day is October 10.
International Day of the Girl is October 11.
October 10:
World Mental Health Day
- Get tips for what to write in a card for someone going through mental health challenges
October 11:
International Day of the Girl
National Coming Out Day
- Find meaningful messages to write to LGBTQ friends
- Add a handwritten note to an encouragement card. We’ll mail it for free!
October 13:
Clergy Appreciation Day
October 14:
Indigenous People’s Day
- If you’re looking to establish some new Thanksgiving traditions for the upcoming holiday, find alternative ways to celebrate here.
National Coming Out Day is October 11.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is October 15.
October 15:
National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day
October 16:
Boss’s Day
- Shop Boss’s Day cards
- What to write in a Boss’s Day card
Sweetest Day is October 19.
Halloween is October 31.
October 19:
Sweetest Day
October 31:
Halloween
More Ideas for October
25+ ways to make Halloween extra sweet for kids
We’ve compiled all of our amazing Halloween ideas for little witches, mermaids, monsters and superheroes, all in one place!
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.
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.
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.
October Celebration Planner

Download this October Celebration Planner page to help you keep track of this month’s special moments. IT’S FREE!
Digital Wallpapers

Psych yourself up for Halloween with these magical illustrations and messages on all your screens. Download your free digital wallpapers below.
October Birthday Cake Toppers
Make October birthday extra sweet with our free printable cake topper! Includes a blank version to write your own celebratory message, too. 🥳
What you’ll need:
• Free printable
• Card stock
• Scissors
• Tape
• Small dowels or wooden skewers
• Decorative twine and/or thin ribbon
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