Sports Holidays and Observances

Welcome to our Sports Holidays and Observances summary page! Whether you are a die-hard fan who considers Super Bowl Sunday the absolute most important holiday of the year, or an active enthusiast who loves getting outside to play, we have covered all the top sports events, fitness awareness days, and quirky athletic observances!

Sports have an amazing way of bringing family and friends together. From gathering around the TV for major championships with a great homemade produce tray and snacks, to participating in a local community race, these days give us a perfect excuse to break up the daily routine and make lasting memories.

Below, you can explore all the sports-related holidays broken down month-by-month, including monthly awareness themes, floating weekly events, and fixed daily celebrations.

January Sports Holidays

January is all about fresh starts, kicking off new health and fitness habits, enjoying winter recreation, and tracking major tournament showdowns!

Month: (Alpha Order)

• Family Fit Lifestyle Month
• Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month
• National Personal Self-Defense Awareness Month
• National Personal Trainer Awareness Month
• National Skating Month
• Shape Up US Month
• Walk Your Pet Month

2026 Weeks: (Alpha Order)

• International Snowmobile Safety and Awareness Week - January 10-18, 2026 
• National Soccer Coaches of America Week - January 14-17, 2026
• National Western Stock Show and Rodeo (Denver, CO) - January 10-25, 2026
• Rolex 24 at Daytona 2026 - January 24-25, 2026 (A 24 hour event)
• The American Express Tournament - January 19-25, 2026
• The World Series of Beer Pong - January 1-5, 2026

2026 Days: (Date Order)

• January 1: Polar Bear Plunge or Swim Day
• January 1: Rose Bowl Game (Celebrated January 2 if January 1 falls on a Sunday)
• January 2: National Personal Trainer Awareness Day
• January 3, 2026: National Play Outside Day (First Saturday of Every Month)
• January 7: Harlem Globetrotter's Day
• January 18, 2026: World Snow Day (Third Sunday in January)
• January 20: National Disc Jockey Day 
• January 20: Take a Walk Outdoors Day
• January 30, 2026: National Preschool Health and Fitness Day (Last Friday in January)

February Sports Holidays

February is when winter sports reach their absolute peak, highlighted by the most anticipated unofficial holiday in America: The Super Bowl! It's also an action-packed month for iconic racing traditions, professional sports showcases, and unique fitness events.

Month: (Alpha Order)

• Bike to Work Month (New Zealand)
• National Goat Yoga Month

2026 Weeks: (Alpha Order)

• Royal Hobart Regatta (Australia) - February 7-9, 2026
• Shape Up with Pickles Time - February 1-7, 2026 (First Full Week of February)
• Simplot Games - February 19-21, 2026
• Yukon Quest - Starts February 7, 2026 (First Saturday of February)

2026 Days: (Date Order)

• February 3, 2026: African American Coaches Day (First Tuesday of February)
• February 3, 2026: NFL Pro Bowl Games (Now held on the Tuesday evening during Super Bowl Week)
• February 4, 2026: National Girls and Women in Sports Day (First Wednesday in February)
• February 4, 2026: National Signing Day (First Wednesday in February)
• February 7: Ballet Day
• February 7, 2026: National Play Outside Day (First Saturday of Every Month)
• February 8, 2026: National Homegating Day (Celebrated the same day as the Super Bowl)
• February 8: National Kite Flying Day
• February 8, 2026: Super Bowl Sunday (Second Sunday in February)
• February 9, 2026: National Football Hangover Day (The Monday immediately following the Super Bowl)
• February 9, 2026: National Pool Day (Day After the Super Bowl)
• February 11, 2026: Daytona Pole Day (Wednesday evening qualifying session)
• February 11: Pro Sports Wives Day
• February 13, 2026: International Winter Bike to Work Day (Second Friday in February)
• February 15, 2026: Daytona 500
• February 15, 2026: NBA All Star Game
• February 17: National Tennis Pro Day
• February 19: International Tug-of-War Day
• February 22: Recreational Sports & Fitness Day
• February 22: Walking the Dog Day
• February 23: Curling is Cool Day 
• February 23: Play Tennis Day
• February 28: US Snowshoe Day

March Sports Holidays

March is when basketball mania sweeps the nation, winter racing crowns its champions on snow and ice, and outdoor sports spring back into action! It's a spectacular month for human fitness challenges, premier international canine sports, and competitive dancing showcases.

Month: (Alpha Order)

• National Athletic Training Month
• National Cheerleading Safety Month

2026 Weeks: (Alpha Order)

• AKC National Agility Championship - March 20–22, 2026 (An elite annual dog sports event showcasing speed and obstacle precision) 
• Crufts - March 5–8, 2026 (The world's largest dog show, featuring elite international championships in Dog Agility, Flyball, and Obedience trials)
• Iditarod Race - March 7-22, 2026 (Starts First Saturday in March)
• National Cheerleading Week - March 1-7, 2026 (First Week in March)
• NCAA March Madness - March 17 -April 6, 2026 (The premier men's and women's college basketball tournament; specific dates vary annually but always dominate mid-to-late March)
• Paralympic Winter Games - March 6-15, 2026

2026 Days: (Date Order)

• March 1: Refired, Not Retired Day
• March 3, 2026: National Sportsmanship Day (First Tuesday in March)
• March 3: World Tennis Day
• March 4: National Dance the Waltz Day
• March 7, 2026: National Play Outside Day (First Saturday of every month)
• March 14, 2026: National Urban Ballroom Dancing Day (Second Saturday in March)
• March 21, 2026: International Sports Car Racing Day (Third Saturday in March)
• March 21, 2026: Walk in the Sand Day (Saturday after March Equinox)
• March 26, 2026: Major League Baseball Opening Day (Last Thursday in March)
• March 30: National Fitness Recovery Day
• March 30: Take a Walk in the Park Day

April Sports Holidays

April brings the beautiful transition to green grass, legendary golf traditions, and major street marathons! It's a high-energy month packed with youth sports safety awareness, international dance celebrations, and competitive spring championships.

Month: (Alpha Order)

• Canine Fitness Month
• Move More Month
• National Kite Month
• National Youth Sports Safety Month
• Physical Wellness Month

2026 Weeks: (Alpha Order)

• Grand National (Melling, Liverpool, UK) - April 9–11, 2026 (The iconic British hunt horse racing festival, culminating on the second Saturday of April)
• National Dance Week - April 17–26, 2026 (A 10-day celebration that traditionally begins on the third Friday of April)
• NCAA March Madness - March 17 -April 6, 2026 (The premier men's and women's college basketball tournament; specific dates vary annually but always dominate mid-to-late March)
• The Masters Tournament - April 9–12, 2026 (The first major golf championship of the year, ending on the second Sunday of April)
• World Irish Dancing Week - April 8-11, 2026 (The International WIDA stepdance championships)

2026 Days: (Date Order)

• April 1, 2026: National Walking Day (First Wednesday in April)
• April 3, 2026: International / National Kids Yoga Day (First Friday in April)
• April 3, 2026: National Walk to Work Day (First Friday in April)
• April 4, 2026: Every Day is Tag Day (First Saturday in April)
• April 4, 2026: National Play Outside Day (First Saturday of every month)
• April 6: International Day of Sport for Development and Peace
• April 6: National Student Athlete Day
• April 6: World Table Tennis Day
• April 10: Golfer's Day
• April 11, 2026: Grand National (Second Saturday in April)
• April 14: National Ex-Spouse Day (Reminder: Go smash a few golf balls at the range or hit up a batting cage! Take out any anger and move on!)
• April 15: Jackie Robinson Day
• April 17: National Kickball Day 
• April 19: Bicycle Day
• April 19, 2026: Go Fly a Kite Day (Third Sunday in April)
• April 20, 2026: Boston Marathon (Third Monday in April)
• April 25, 2026: National Dance Day (Fourth Saturday in April)
• April 25, 2026: World Tai Chi & Qigong Day (Last Saturday in April)
• April 27: Babe Ruth Day
• April 29: International Dance Day

May Sports Holidays

May kicks off the high-energy summer sports season with incredible traditions on the racetrack, the golf course, and the biking trail! It's a spectacular month to celebrate community physical education, employee wellness initiatives, and legendary global athletic championships.

Month: (Alpha Order)

• Employee Health & Fitness Month
• Family Wellness Month
• Global Employee Health and Fitness Month
• Move More Month
• National Bicycle Safety Month
• National Bike Month
• National Kite Month 
• National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
• National Tennis Month

2026 Weeks: (Alpha Order)

• Healthy and Safe Swimming Week - May 18-24, 2026 (Week before Memorial Day Mon-Sun)
• International Coaching Week - May 11-17, 2026
• National Bike to Work Week - May 11-17, 2026 (The week containing Bike to Work Day)
• National Bike Week - May 9-17, 2026
• National Foul Ball Week - May 16-21
• National Physical Education and Sports Week - May 1-7 (First Week in May) (Also called National Keep Fit Week)
• PGA Championship - May 14-17, 2026 (Major golf championship; dates vary annually)
• World Orienteering Week - May 16-24, 2026 (An international movement encouraging navigation sports)

2026 Days: (Date Order)

• May 1, 2026: Kentucky Oaks (Friday before the Kentucky Derby)
• May 1: National Learn to Ride a Bike Day
• May 2, 2026: Kentucky Derby (First Saturday in May)
• May 2, 2026: National Fitness Day (First Saturday in May)
• May 2, 2026: National Play Outside Day (First Saturday of every month)
• May 2, 2026: Pilates Day (First Saturday in May)
• May 2, 2026: World Beer Pong Day (First Saturday in May)
• May 3, 2026: National Ride a Bike Day (First Sunday in May)
• May 4: National Kids Fitness Day
• May 6, 2026: National Walk Bike & Roll to School Day
• May 6, 2026: Project Aces Day (First Wednesday in May) (Aces = All Children Exercise Simultaneously)
• May 9: National 5K Day
• May 9, 2026: National Miniature Golf Day (Second Saturday in May)
• May 13, 2026: World Orienteering Day
• May 15, 2026: National Bike to Work Day (Third Friday in May)
• May 16, 2026: National Learn to Swim Day (First Saturday in June)
• May 16, 2026: Preakness (Third Saturday in May)
• May 17, 2026: Bay to Breakers Race (San Francisco, CA) (Third Sunday in May)
• May 17, 2026: National Ride a Unicycle Day (Third Sunday in May)
• May 19: National NASCAR Day
• May 20, 2026: National Employee Health and Fitness Day (Third Wednesday in May)
• May 24, 2026: Indianapolis 500 (Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend)
• May 25: National Tap Dance Day
• May 27, 2026: National Senior Health & Fitness Day (Last Wednesday in May)

June Sports Holidays

June is spectacular for getting outside, hitting the water, or celebrating your favorite physical activities! From the crisp grass courts of Wimbledon and legendary racing tracks to whimsical backyard games and community recreation weeks, this month is a paradise for outdoor sports and active fitness lovers.

Month: (Alpha Order)

• Great Outdoors Month
• National Camping Month

2026 Weeks: (Alpha Order)

• National Fishing & Boating Week - June 6-14, 2026 (Starting the first Saturday in June and running for 9 days)
• National Little League Baseball Week - June 8-14, 2026 - (Week beginning on the Second Monday in June)
• National Play Catch Week - June 21-27, 2026 (Third Full Week in June beginning on Father's Day)
• National Tennis Week - June 21–27, 2026 (Celebrated the fourth full week in June)
• Royal Ascot - June 16-20, 2026 (The premier British royal horse racing meet)
• US Open Golf Championship - June 18-21, 2026
• Water Ski Days - June 25-28, 2026 (Last Full Weekend in June)
• Wimbledon - June 29 - July 12, 2026, held at the All-England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club in Southwest London, England

2026 Days: (Date Order)

• June 3, 2026: Global / National Running Day (First Wednesday in June)
• June 3: World Bicycle Day
• June 6, 2026: Belmont Stakes (Held exactly five weeks after the Kentucky Derby and three weeks after the Preakness Stakes)
• June 6, 2026: National Cheer Coach Day (First Saturday in June)
• June 6, 2026: National Family Recreation Day (First Saturday in June)
• June 6: National Gardening Exercise Day
• June 6, 2026: National Learn to Row Day (First Saturday in June)
• June 6, 2026: National Play Outside Day (First Saturday of every month)
• June 6, 2026: National Trails Day (First Saturday in June)
• June 6, 2026: The Wicket World of Croquet Day (First Saturday in June)
• June 6: YMCA Day
• June 12: Little League Girls Baseball Day
• June 13, 2026: Family Health and Fitness Day (Second Saturday in June)
• June 13, 2026: World Bike Naked Day (Second Saturday in June)
• June 13: World Softball Day
• June 15: Fly a Kite Day
• June 18: Go Fishing Day
• June 20: International Surfing Day (Third Saturday in June)
• June 20: National Hike with a Geek Day
• June 20: Polar Bear Swim (Nome, Alaska) - June 20, 2026 (Closest Saturday to June 21 - Summer Solstice)
• June 21: Go Skateboarding Day
• June 21: International Day of Yoga
• June 23: International Olympic Day
• June 23: Runner's Selfie Day
• June 24: Swim a Lap Day
• June 27, 2026 - World Paintball Day (Held on the Fourth Weekend in June)

July Sports Holidays

July shifts the athletic spotlight onto historic baseball milestones, epic cycling achievements across Europe, and lighthearted celebrations of sports pop culture! It's a gorgeous mid-summer month dedicated to vibrant outdoor park recreation, inclusive adaptive sports, and refreshing water-based fitness days.

Month: (Alpha Order)

• Family Golf Month
• Park and Recreation Month
• Tennis Month
• Tour de France Month

2026 Weeks: (Alpha Order)

• National Triathlon Week - July 20-26, 2026 (7 Days starting Third Monday in July)
• Sports Cliche Week - July 12-18, 2026 (Week of the MLB All-Star Game)
• Therapeutic Recreation Week - July 5-11, 2026 (Second Week of July)
• Tour de France - July 4-26, 2026 (The world's premier multi-stage cycling race)
• Wimbledon - June 29 - July 12, 2026, held at the All-England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club in Southwest London, England

2026 Days: (Date Order)

• July 2: Special Recreation for the Disabled Day
• July 2: World Sports Journalists Day
• July 4, 2026: National Play Outside Day (First Saturday of every month)
• July 13: World Cup Soccer Day (Anniversary Observance)
• July 14, 2026: Major League Baseball All Star Game
• July 18, 2026: Women's Dive Day - (Third Saturday in July)
• July 21: National Tug of War Tournament Day
• July 25, 2026: National Water Gun Fight Day (Last Saturday in July)
• July 25, 2026: Paddle for Perthes Disease Awareness Day (Last Saturday in July)
• July 28: National Soccer Day
• July 30: World Snorkeling Day

August Sports Holidays

August keeps the summer heat moving with great individual physical challenges, elite global tennis slams, and iconic community sports traditions! From the professional courts of the US Open to the youth baseball fields of South Williamsport and unique backcountry adventures, this month is packed with athletic excitement.

Month: (Alpha Order)

• National Golf Month

2026 Weeks: (Alpha Order)

• Exercise With Your Child Week - August 2-8, 2026 (First Full Week of August)
• Little League World Series - August 19-30, 2026 (Mid-to-late August, held in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania)
• National Championship Chuckwagon Races - August 29 - September 6, 2026 (An extraordinary equestrian sport tradition running through Labor Day Weekend in Clinton, Arkansas)
• US Amateur Golf Week - August 10-16, 2026 (The premier annual golf tournament for amateur players organized by the USGA)
• US Open Tennis Championships - August 25 - September 13, 2026 (The final Grand Slam tennis tournament of the year kicks off in late August)

2026 Days: (Date Order)

• August 1, 2026: National Disc Golf Day (First Saturday in August)
• August 1, 2026: National Play Outside Day (First Saturday of every month)
• August 1: Play Ball Day
• August 8, 2026: National Bowling Day (Second Saturday in August)
• August 8: National Pickleball Day
• August 11: Play in the Sand Day
• August 12: Baseball Fans Day
• August 14: National Wiffle Ball Day
• August 15: International Geocaching Day (Third Saturday in August)
• August 26: Musical Yoga Day 
• August 26, 2026: Tug of War Day (Last Wednesday in August)

September Sports Holidays

September officially welcomes the crisp autumn air, bringing the highly anticipated return of football season, major gymnastics milestones, and essential community fitness events! It's a spectacular month packed with national dance initiatives, yoga awareness, and inclusive health and wellness days for the whole family.

Month: (Alpha Order)

• International Square-Dancing Month
• Little League Month
• National Yoga Awareness Month

2026 Weeks: (Alpha Order)

• Line Dance Week - September 14-19, 2026 (Starts on Second Monday through Saturday in September)
• National Ballroom Dancing Week - September 13-19, 2026
• National Championship Chuckwagon Races - August 29 - September 6, 2026 (Thursday to Sunday of Labor Day Weekend)
• National Go-Kart Week - September 13-19, 2026 (Third Week in September)
• US Open Tennis Championships - August 25 - September 13, 2026

2026 Days: (Date Order)

• September 2: Spalding Baseball Day
• September 3: U.S. Bowling League Day
• September 5, 2026: National Play Outside Day (First Saturday of every month)
• September 7: Super Human Day
• September 8: National Dog Walker Appreciation Day
• September 11: Women's Baseball Day
• September 16: Teenager Workout Day
• September 19, 2026: National Dance Day (Third Saturday in September)
• September 19, 2026: National Gymnastics Day (Third Saturday in September)
• September 21: Miniature Golf Day (Global)
• September 26, 2026: Family Health & Fitness Day (Last Saturday in September and also on June 13, 2026)
• September 30, 2026: National Women's Health & Fitness Day (Last Wednesday in September)
• September 30: The Time for Yoga

October Sports Holidays

October brings the crisp fall air, making it an incredible time for hiking, running, and championship matchups! From the high-stakes drama of the baseball World Series to family bowling initiatives, inclusive walking events, and coaching appreciation days, this month celebrates both elite athletic achievements and community fitness.

Month: (Alpha Order)

• National Learn to Bowl Month

2026 Weeks: (Alpha Order)

• National Walk Your Dog Week - October 1-7 (First Week of October)
• World Series - October 23-31, 2026 
• X-Terra World Championships - October 8-11, 2026

2026 Days: (Date Order)

• October 3, 2026: National Play Outside Day (First Saturday of every month)
• October 4: National Golf Day
• October 4: World Walking Day
• October 5: National Kiss a Wrestler Day
• October 6: National Coaches Day
• October 8: American Touch Tag Day
• October 9, 2026: National Family Bowling Day (Second Friday in October)
• October 10, 2026 - National Kids Bowl Free Day (Second Saturday in October)
• October 15: National Sports Day

November Sports Holidays

November transitions sports into cozy indoor matchups, historic marathon runs, and active family traditions before massive holiday meals! From fan appreciation days and global basketball celebrations to legendary high school rivalry games and community Thanksgiving football bowls, this month emphasizes team pride, deep traditions, and gratitude.

Month: (Alpha Order)

• None

2026 Weeks: (Alpha Order)

• High School Football Rivalry Week - Week of Thanksgiving 2026 (Dates vary by region — While many public schools hold their rivalries in October, historic leagues nationwide proudly play their legacy bowl games over Thanksgiving week!)

2026 Days: (Date Order)

• November 1: National Sports Fan Day
• November 1, 2026: New York City Marathon (First Sunday in November)
• November 5: American Football Day
• November 6: National Basketball Day
• November 7: Little League Girls Day
• November 7, 2026: National Play Outside Day (First Saturday of every month)
• November 13: National Walk to Work Day (In Australia)
• November 20: Globally Organized Hug a Runner Day (G.O.H.A.R.D.)
• November 26, 2026: Thanksgiving Day Football (Fourth Thursday in November)

December Sports Holidays

December rounds out the year with unique global sports trick displays, international sportsmanship events, and winter wonderland celebrations! From backyard family challenges to professional basketball milestones and fresh powder on the snowboard slopes, this month proves that cold weather can't stop athletic passion.

Month: (Alpha Order)

• None

2026 Weeks: (Alpha Order)

• Gluten-Free Baking Week - December 13-19, 2026 (Week containing December 16) - (Be sure and make some high protein snacks for your workouts!)

2026 Days: (Date Order)

• December 1, 2026: World Trick Shot Day (First Tuesday in December)
• December 2: Play Basketball Day 
• December 3: International Spirit of the Game Day
• December 5, 2026: National Play Outside Day (First Saturday of every month)
• December 21: World Basketball Day (recognized by the United Nations)
• December 21, 2026: World Snowboard Day

🥑 Leigh's Game-Day Secret: The Ultimate Produce Tray

Let's be honest—major game days and sports watch parties can easily become a total minefield of junk food. If you want to keep your crowd cheering and healthy, a spectacular, colorful platter is the ultimate secret weapon.

Over the years, my family has literally banned me from bringing anything else to our potlucks—I am always designated as the official tray maker! For massive events like Super Bowl Sunday or World Series watch parties, I love building themed platters using vibrant, seasonal fruits, crunchy veggies, and homemade yogurt or chocolate dips.

👉 Check out my Produce Trays Guide for my favorite time-saving chopping shortcuts, seasonal budget tips, and step-by-step instructions on how to design beautiful holiday food displays!