National Days in March include Pi Day (3.14), World Backup Day, World Meteorological Day, St. Patrick’s Day, National Doctors’ Day, International Women’s Day, National Certified Nurses Day, National Doctors’ Day, and Zero Discrimination Day.
March opens the door to seasonal transition with a vibrant focus on social empowerment and human rights.
Centered around Women’s History Month, the calendar pays tribute to the vital historical and social contributions of women, punctuated globally by International Women’s Day.
This dedication to equity and dignity is mirrored across observances such as Zero Discrimination Day, World Down Syndrome Day, and the International Transgender Day of Visibility, each advocating for inclusion, accessibility, and fundamental human rights.
Alongside social progress, March recognizes everyday champions and service providers—from healthcare professionals on National Doctors’ Day and National Certified Nurses Day to veterans on National Vietnam War Veterans Day and National Medal of Honor Day.
At the same time, March captures the awakening of the natural world through environmental science, education, and springtime renewal.
With the arrival of the Vernal Equinox, holidays like National Plant a Flower Day, World Wildlife Day, and World Water Day bring critical focus to biodiversity, conservation, and ecosystem restoration.
The month also celebrates curiosity and technical discovery, drawing global audiences together for mathematical milestones like Pi Day (3.14), digital security awareness on World Backup Day, and meteorological science on World Meteorological Day.
Paired with cultural staples like St. Patrick’s Day and playful comfort-food tributes, March strikes a dynamic balance between intellectual growth, civic empowerment, and early-spring optimism.
March carries no federal holiday — one of only two months in the year without one, the other being August.
What it does carry is the oldest continuously proclaimed observance on this site and, in 2027, an unusually crowded single Sunday.
American Red Cross Month has been proclaimed by every president since Franklin Roosevelt in 1943, which makes it older than every other month-long observance covered here, including American Heart Month.
Table of Contents
National days in March 2027
March 2027 is exceptionally busy, and one Sunday carries four separate observances.
| Date | National & International Days Observed |
| March 1 | National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day, Zero Discrimination Day, National Pig Day, National Fruit Compote Day, World Civil Defence Day, Self-Injury Awareness Day, National Horse Protection Day |
| March 2 | Read Across America Day, National Old Stuff Day, National Banana Cream Pie Day, World Teen Mental Health Day |
| March 3 | World Wildlife Day, National Anthem Day, National Cold Cuts Day, National Mulled Wine Day, World Hearing Day, What If Cats and Dogs Had Opposable Thumbs Day |
| March 4 | National Grammar Day, National Sons Day, National Pound Cake Day, National Safety Day, Marching Band Day, World Obesity Day |
| March 5 | National Cheese Doodle Day, Dissolve Differences Day, National Absinthe Day, National Multiple Personality Day, Saint Piran’s Day |
| March 6 | National Oreo Cookie Day, National Dentist’s Day, National Frozen Food Day, National White Chocolate Cheesecake Day, Dress in Blue Day (varies/first Friday) |
| March 7 | National Cereal Day, National Flapjack Day, National Crown Roast of Pork Day, National Be Heard Day |
| March 8 | International Women’s Day, National Proofreading Day, National Peanut Cluster Day, National Oregon Day |
| March 9 | National Meatball Day, National Get Over It Day, National Crabmeat Day, National Barbie Day, Panic Day |
| March 10 | Mario Day (MAR10), National Pack Your Lunch Day, National Blueberry Popover Day, National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, International Day of Women Judges |
| March 11 | National Worship of Tools Day, National Oatmeal Nut Waffles Day, National Promvertising Day, World Plumbing Day, Johnny Appleseed Day (spring) |
| March 12 | National Plant a Flower Day, National Girl Scout Day, National Baked Scallops Day, World Glaucoma Day |
| March 13 | National K9 Veterans Day, National Jewel Day, National Coconut Torte Day, National Open an Umbrella Indoors Day, Earmuff Day |
| March 14 | Pi Day ($3.14$), National Potato Chip Day, National Learn About Butterflies Day, National Children’s Craft Day, International Day of Action for Rivers, Genius Day |
| March 15 | World Consumer Rights Day, National Everything You Think Is Wrong Day, National Peanut Lovers Day, National Pears Hélène Day, Ides of March, Dumbstruck Day |
| March 16 | National Freedom of Information Day, National Everything You Do Is Right Day, National Artichoke Day, National Panda Day, Curlew Day |
| March 17 | St. Patrick’s Day, National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day, Submarine Day, Camp Fire Girls Day |
| March 18 | National Transit Driver Appreciation Day, Global Recycling Day, National Sloppy Joe Day, National Lacy Oatmeal Cookie Day, Supreme Sacrifice Day, Awkward Moments Day |
| March 19 | National Certified Nurses Day, National Chocolate Caramel Day, National Poultry Day, National Let’s Laugh Day, World Sleep Day (Friday before Equinox) |
| March 20 | International Day of Happiness, World Storytelling Day, World Sparrow Day, National Ravioli Day, National Proposal Day, Spring Equinox / Vernal Equinox |
| March 21 | World Down Syndrome Day, World Poetry Day, International Day of Forests, National Single Parent Day, National French Bread Day, National Fragrance Day, International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination |
| March 22 | World Water Day, National Goof Off Day, National Bavarian Crepes Day, As Young As You Feel Day |
| March 23 | National Puppy Day, World Meteorological Day, National Chip and Dip Day, National Melba Toast Day, National Tamale Day, Near Miss Day |
| March 24 | World Tuberculosis Day, National Cheesesteak Day, National Chocolate Covered Raisins Day, International Day for the Right to the Truth Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations |
| March 25 | National Medal of Honor Day, International Day of the Unborn Child, National Waffle Day (International), National Lobster Newburg Day, Tolkien Reading Day, International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery |
| March 26 | National Spinach Day, Make Up Your Own Holiday Day, National Nougat Day, Purple Day for Epilepsy Awareness |
| March 27 | World Theatre Day, National Spanish Paella Day, National Joe Day, Celebrate Exchange Day, Quirky Country Music Song Titles Day |
| March 28 | National Something on a Stick Day, Respect Your Cat Day, National Black Forest Cake Day, National Triglycerides Day, Weed Appreciation Day |
| March 29 | National Vietnam War Veterans Day, National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day, National Lemon Chiffon Cake Day, World Piano Day (88th day of the year) |
| March 30 | National Doctors’ Day, World Bipolar Day, National Take a Walk in the Park Day, National Turkey Neck Soup Day, I am in Control Day |
| March 31 | International Transgender Day of Visibility, World Backup Day, National Clams on the Half Shell Day, National Crayon Day, Bunsen Burner Day |
Sunday, March 14, 2027 is also a 23-hour day, because the clocks move forward at 2:00 a.m. The Academy Awards ceremony begins at 7:00 p.m. Eastern inside it.
None of these is a federal holiday. Good Friday closes the stock exchanges but not banks or federal offices — the reverse of the Columbus Day and Veterans Day pattern.
Easter is early in 2027
Easter Sunday falls on March 28, 2027, six days from the earliest date it can ever occupy. That pulls Palm Sunday, Good Friday and the whole Holy Week calendar into March rather than April, and it is why Ash Wednesday fell as early as February 10.
Below is the complete day-by-day guide to the key national and international days celebrated across March.
March 1: National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day / Zero Discrimination Day
Celebrates the protein-packed pantry staple that anchors sandwiches, desserts, and snacks. Globally, the United Nations observes Zero Discrimination Day to promote diversity, equality, and inclusion across gender, race, sexuality, and health status.
March 2: Read Across America Day / National Old Stuff Day
Timed to coincide with the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss, this day encourages reading and youth literacy nationwide. It also pairs with a creative nudge to break old habits and clean out attic relics.
March 3: World Wildlife Day / National Anthem Day
A United Nations global celebration honoring wild fauna and flora while spotlighting conservation efforts against poaching and habitat loss. In the U.S., it commemorates the 1931 congressional adoption of “The Star-Spangled Banner” as the national anthem.
March 4: National Grammar Day / National Sons Day
Founded in 2008 by Martha Brockenbrough to celebrate the art of clear writing, language precision, and good punctuation. Families also use the day to celebrate and connect with their sons.
March 5: National Cheese Doodle Day / Dissolve Differences Day
Honors the bright orange, puffed or crunchy extruded cheese snack beloved at casual gatherings. Social advocates also encourage people to reach across personal or political aisles to find common ground.
March 6: National Oreo Cookie Day / National Dentist’s Day
Marks the date in 1912 when the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) first developed and sold the iconic sandwich cookie. Concurrently, patients and clinics show appreciation for dental practitioners and oral healthcare teams.
March 7: National Cereal Day / National Flapjack Day
Celebrates the breakfast favorite that transformed morning meals with the invention of cold grain cereals in the late 19th century, paired with a culinary nod to thick, hearty griddle cakes.
March 8: International Women’s Day / National Proofreading Day
A major global United Nations day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, while accelerating gender parity. It also highlights the meticulous work of editors and proofreaders.
March 9: National Meatball Day / National Get Over It Day
Celebrates the savory comfort food staple across Italian-American, Swedish, and international cuisines. It also offers a humorous psychological reminder to move past grudges, stress, and past disappointments.
March 10: Mario Day (MAR10) / National Pack Your Lunch Day
Celebrated by Nintendo and video game enthusiasts worldwide because the date spelling (“MAR10”) resembles the name “MARIO.” It also encourages packing budget-friendly, nutritious homemade work lunches.
March 11: National Worship of Tools Day / National Oatmeal Nut Waffles Day
A playful day for woodworkers, DIY enthusiasts, and handymen to clean, sharpen, and reorganize their home workshops and toolboxes.
March 12: National Plant a Flower Day / National Girl Scout Day
Welcomes early signs of spring by encouraging gardeners to plant early blooms and indoor seed starters. It also marks the 1912 founding of the first Girl Scout troop by Juliette Gordon Low in Savannah, Georgia.
March 13: National K9 Veterans Day / National Jewel Day
Honors military, police, search-and-rescue, and border patrol dogs who serve alongside first responders. Concurrently, jewelers and gem enthusiasts celebrate artisanal jewelry design.
March 14: Pi Day / National Potato Chip Day
Celebrated globally on 3/14 in honor of the mathematical constant $\pi$ (3.14159…), often marked by eating baked pies. It also honors the classic salty potato chip, invented in Saratoga Springs, New York.
March 15: World Consumer Rights Day / National Everything You Think Is Wrong Day
Promotes global awareness regarding consumer protections, digital market fairness, and product safety. It is paired with a quirky, humbling holiday reminding us that human perception is often flawed.
March 16: National Freedom of Information Day / Everything You Do Is Right Day
Commemorates the birthday of James Madison, the “Father of the Constitution,” highlighting government transparency, open public records, and a free press.
March 17: St. Patrick’s Day / World Sleep Day (Friday before Spring Equinox)
The cultural and religious celebration of Ireland’s patron saint, celebrated worldwide with green attire, parades, and Irish cuisine. Sleep specialists also promote the vital cognitive and physical benefits of restorative sleep.
March 18: National Transit Driver Appreciation Day / Global Recycling Day
Recognizes the dedicated bus, subway, and light-rail operators who keep cities moving every day. Globally, environmental organizations spotlight circular economy practices and resource conservation.
March 19: National Certified Nurses Day / Spring Equinox (Astronomical)
Honors the dedication, continuing education, and clinical expertise of board-certified nurses. It frequently aligns with the vernal equinox, marking the official astronomical start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
March 20: International Day of Happiness / World Storytelling Day
Established by the United Nations to recognize happiness and emotional well-being as universal human goals and public policy priorities. It also honors oral storytelling traditions across global cultures.
March 21: World Down Syndrome Day / World Poetry Day
Recognized by the UN on the 21st day of the 3rd month to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome. UNESCO also marks World Poetry Day to celebrate linguistic diversity and creative verse.
March 22: World Water Day
A major United Nations observance focusing on the global water crisis, advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources and universal access to clean sanitation.
March 23: National Puppy Day / World Meteorological Day
Founded in 2006 by Colleen Paige to celebrate the joy puppies bring while raising public awareness about puppy mills and animal shelter adoption. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) also highlights climate tracking and atmospheric science.
March 24: World Tuberculosis Day / National Cheesesteak Day
Commemorates Dr. Robert Koch’s 1882 discovery of the bacterium that causes tuberculosis, promoting efforts to eradicate the disease. Concurrently, food lovers celebrate Philadelphia’s legendary sliced ribeye and melted cheese sandwich.
March 25: National Medal of Honor Day / International Day of the Unborn Child
A federally designated day paying tribute to the recipients of the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration for valor under fire in the United States.
March 26: National Spinach Day / Make Up Your Own Holiday Day
Honors the nutrient-packed leafy green rich in iron and vitamins, popular in salads, smoothies, and hot dishes. It also unleashes personal creativity by encouraging individuals to invent their own festive micro-observance.
March 27: World Theatre Day / National Spanish Paella Day
Created in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI) to celebrate the cultural value of stage arts and live theatrical performance. Food lovers also honor Spain’s iconic saffron-infused rice dish cooked in wide, shallow pans.
March 28: National Something on a Stick Day / Respect Your Cat Day
A playful carnival-food day celebrating everything served on skewers, from corn dogs and popsicles to satay and fruit kebabs. Pet owners also focus on understanding feline boundaries and showing affection to their cats.
March 29: National Vietnam War Veterans Day / National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day
Formally established by federal law to recognize and thank veterans who served during the Vietnam War era. It also champions small, independent, family-owned neighborhood storefronts.
March 30: National Doctors’ Day / World Bipolar Day
Honors physicians for their leadership, clinical care, and life-saving dedication, commemorating the first use of general anesthesia in surgery in 1842. Globally, advocates also raise awareness to eliminate stigma surrounding bipolar disorder.
March 31: International Transgender Day of Visibility / World Backup Day
Celebrates transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals, recognizing their cultural resilience and courage while raising awareness about discrimination. In the tech realm, it prompts essential data protection and routine cloud backups.
Month-Long March Observances
| Observance | Founding Organization / Originator | Year Established | Purpose & Context |
| Women’s History Month | US Congress / National Women’s History Project | 1987 | Officially expanded from Women’s History Week to honor the foundational historical and societal contributions of women. |
| National Nutrition Month | Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics | 1973 | Educates the public on informed food choices, daily physical activity, and developing sound dietary habits. |
| National Craft Month | Craft & Hobby Association (now NAMTA) | 1994 | Inspires people to explore needlework, painting, ceramics, paper crafting, and DIY home artistry. |
| Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month | President Ronald Reagan (Proclamation 5619) | 1987 | Encourages community inclusion, employment opportunities, and full accessibility for individuals with developmental disabilities. |
| National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month | President Bill Clinton (Proclamation 7273) | 2000 | Urges adults to participate in routine preventive screenings, early detection, and colon health awareness. |
| Music in Our Schools Month (MIOSM) | National Association for Music Education (NAfME) | 1973 | Raises public awareness regarding the vital importance of quality music education programs in primary and secondary schools. |
Notable Floating Observances in May
- National Teacher Appreciation Day: Tuesday of the first full week in May (Teacher Appreciation Week)
- World Asthma Day: First Tuesday in May
- Military Spouse Appreciation Day: Friday before Mother’s Day
- Mother’s Day: Second Sunday in May
- National Pizza Party Day: Third Friday in May
- National Endangered Species Day: Third Friday in May
- Armed Forces Day: Third Saturday in May
- Memorial Day: Last Monday in May
One date the Red Cross’s own material disagrees on
The American Red Cross states that Roosevelt signed the first Red Cross Month proclamation in March 1943.
On the same page it quotes the proclamation text, which reads: “do hereby designate the month beginning March 1, 1944 as ‘Red Cross Month'” (American Red Cross).
The likeliest explanation is that Roosevelt issued proclamations in successive years and the quoted text is the 1944 one, captioned as the first.
But the organisation’s own page carries both dates without reconciling them, and no source consulted resolves it.
The 1943 date is the one universally cited, including by Britannica, and is used here.
Anyone needing the exact founding instrument should go to the Federal Register text rather than to any secondary account.
Women’s History Month began as a week
Congress designated March as Women’s History Month in 1987, and presidents have issued annual proclamations since 1988.
It grew out of a National Women’s History Week established earlier in the decade, which itself grew out of a local celebration in Sonoma County, California.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a federal holiday in March?
No. March is one of two months in the year with no entry in the federal holiday schedule under 5 U.S.C. 6103; August is the other. St. Patrick’s Day, Good Friday and Easter are all widely observed and none closes federal offices.
What is the oldest awareness month?
American Red Cross Month, proclaimed annually since Franklin Roosevelt’s first proclamation in 1943. American Heart Month follows in 1964, and most others are considerably later.
Why is March 14, 2027 so crowded?
Four unrelated authorities landed on the same Sunday. Daylight saving time begins at 2:00 a.m. under 15 U.S.C. 260a, Pi Day falls by convention on 3/14, the NCAA holds Selection Sunday, and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences scheduled the 99th Academy Awards for that evening. None of them coordinates with the others.
