Looking Ahead: Your NSW Cultural Calendar for 2026

January

4 Jan

World Braille Day

Supporting blind and vision-impaired people to access education, communication, and independence.

18 Jan

World Religion Day

Promote understanding, respect, and unity among people of all faiths and beliefs.

24 Jan

International Day of Education

Highlights the importance of education in building a better future and creating equal opportunities for everyone.

February

13 Feb

Anniversary of the Apology to members of the Stolen Generations

Marks the day Australia commemorates the 2008 national apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for the forced removal of children.

14 Feb

Valentine's Day

A day to express love and appreciation for partners, friends, and loved ones.

17 Feb

Lunar New Year

Celebration of the new year in Chinese and many Asian cultures.

17 Feb*

Ramadan (date may vary)

Islamic holy month of fasting, prayer, and reflection.

18 Feb

Lent - Christian (until 2 April)

Christian's season of reflection, prayer, and fasting leading up to Easter, encouraging spiritual renewal and preparation.

20 Feb

World Day of Social Justice

An international day that promotes efforts to address social inequality, poverty, and exclusion, and to create fair and just societies for all.

March

1 Mar

Clean Up Australia Day

Community action to clean local environments.

1 Mar

Zero Discrimination Day

Promote equality, inclusion, and respect for everyone, no matter their background, identity, or circumstances.

8 Mar

International Women’s Day
Celebrates women’s achievements and calls for gender equality.

11 Mar

NSW Seniors Festival (until 12 March)

Celebrates the role and contributions of older adults to our local communities.

16 Mar

Harmony Week (until 22 March)
Celebrates cultural diversity and inclusiveness.

16 - 20 Mar

Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Promotes understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of neurodivergent people, including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more

17 Mar

St Patrick’s Day

A cultural and religious celebration held to honour St. Patrick.

17 Mar

World Social Work Day
Highlights the role of social workers in enhancing community well-being.

19 Mar

National Close the Gap Day

Annual event that raises awareness and action toward achieving health equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

19 Mar*

Eid-al-Fitr (date may vary)

A major Islamic celebration marking the end of Ramadan and a day of prayer, gratitude, and feasting with family and community.

20 Mar

International Day of Happiness

A global day that promotes happiness, wellbeing, and the importance of positive social connections for people around the world.

21 Mar

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Promotes equality and fights racism.

21 Mar

Week of Solidarity with the Peoples Struggling against Racism and Racial Discrimination (until 27 Mar)
Supports global efforts to end racism and promote equality and human rights for all

21 Mar

Cultural Diversity Week (until 29 Mar)
Recognise and celebrate the many cultures and backgrounds that make communities stronger, more connected, and inclusive.

29 Mar

Holy Week - Christian (until 5 Apr)
Remembering the final days of Jesus’ life, including his crucifixion and resurrection leading up to Easter.

April

7 Apr

World Health Day
Promotes global health awareness.

16 Apr

NSW Youth Week (until 26 April)

Highlights young people’s contributions and offers events, activities, and opportunities for youth participation.

22 Apr

Earth Day
Focuses on environmental protection and sustainability.

28 Apr

World Day for Safety and Health at Work
Raise awareness about creating safe, healthy workplaces and preventing work-related injuries and illness.

May

10 May

Mother’s Day

Celebrated to honour and appreciate mothers and mother figures for their love, care, and support.

11 May

National Careers Week (until 17 May)

To encourage people to explore career pathways, skills, and job opportunities, and support career planning at any age.

12 May

Neighbourhood Centre Week (until 17 May)

Celebrates local community centres and their services.

11 May

International Nurses Day

To recognise and thank nurses for their vital work in caring for communities and supporting health and wellbeing.

15 May

International Day of Families

Highlights the importance of families and promote their wellbeing, support, and connection in society.

17 May

IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism & Transphobia)

International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism & Transphobia.

18 May

National Volunteer Week (until 24 May)
Recognises the contributions of volunteers in the community.

21 May

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
Celebrates cultural diversity and encourage respect, inclusion, and understanding between communities.

26 May

National Sorry Day
Acknowledges the harm caused by the forced removal of Indigenous children (the Stolen Generations).

27-30 May*

Eid Al Adha (date may vary)
An important Muslim celebration that honours faith, sacrifice, and generosity, with time for prayer, community, and giving to others.

27 May

National Reconciliation Week (until 3 June)

Promotes reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

June

5 Jun

World Environment Day
Encourages worldwide action for the environment.

12  Jun

World Day Against Child Labour
Raise awareness and drive action to end child labour, so every child can enjoy safety, education, and a fair future.

8 Jun

Men’s Health Week (until 14 June)
Focuses on improving men’s health and well-being.

14 Jun

Refugee Week (until 20 June)
Celebrates the contributions of refugees and promotes understanding.

15 Jun

Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Raises awareness of the abuse of older people.

20 Jun

World Refugee Day
Recognises the resilience and contributions of refugees worldwide.

26 Jun

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
Raise awareness about the harms of drug use and support efforts to prevent drug abuse and illegal drug trade.

26 Jun

International Day in Support of Victims of Torture
Raise awareness of the impact of torture, and promote human rights and justice worldwide.

July

1 Jul

Tartan Day (Australia)
Celebrates Scottish heritage, culture, and the contributions of Scottish Australians.

5 Jul

NAIDOC Week (until 12 Jul)
Celebrates the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

30 Jul

International Day of Friendship
Celebrates the value of friendship and encourage kindness, connection, and peace between people and communities.

August

3 Aug

Loneliness Awareness Week (until 9 August)
Raises awareness about social isolation and mental health.

4 Aug

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day
Celebrates First Nations children and their culture.

4 Aug

Homelessness Week (until 10 Aug)

Raises awareness about people experiencing homelessness and advocates for action to address housing insecurity.

12 Aug

International Youth Day
Highlights issues affecting young people.

19 Aug

World Humanitarian Day

Recognising humanitarian workers and raising awareness about people affected by crises worldwide.

28 Aug

Wear it Purple Day
Supports LGBTIQA+ young people and promotes inclusivity.

30 Aug

Legacy Week (until 5 Sep)
Helping the families of Australian veterans through services, care, and community support.

September

3 Sep

Australia National Flag Day
Recognises the Australian National Flag and what it represents.

6 Sep

Father’s Day
A day to recognise and celebrate fathers and father figures.

7 – 13 Sep

National Child Protection Week
Raise awareness of the importance of keeping children safe and supporting their wellbeing in families, schools, and communities.

10 Sep

R U OK? Day
Encourages people to check in on others’ mental health and well-being.

30 Sep

International Translation Day
Recognises the important work of translators and interpreters in connecting people across languages and cultures.

October

1 Oct

Mental Health Month (entire month)
Promotes mental health awareness and wellbeing.

1 Oct

International Day of Older Persons
Recognises the contributions and challenges of older people.

1 Oct

National Safe Work Month (entire month)

Promotes workplace safety, reduce risks, and encourage healthier work environments.

2 Oct

International Day of Non-Violence

Promotes peace, kindness, and non-violent solutions to conflict.

5 Oct

World Teachers Day

Recognises teachers for their important role in education and shaping future generations.

10 Oct

World Mental Health Day
Raises global mental health awareness.

11 Oct

National Carers Week (until 17 October)
Celebrates people who provide unpaid care and support.

11 Oct

Anti-Poverty Week (until 17 October)
Focuses on understanding and tackling poverty in Australia.

16 Oct

World Food Day

Raises awareness about hunger, food security, and access to nutritious food for everyone.

17 Oct

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 

Emphasises the need to eradicate poverty and reduce global inequality.

19 Oct*

NSW Aboriginal Languages Week

Supports the revival, use, and preservation of Aboriginal languages across NSW.

24 Oct

United Nations Day

Marks the founding of the United Nations and promote peace, human rights, and global cooperation.

25 Oct

Grandparents Day

Appreciates grandparents for their love, support, and important role in families and communities.

31 Oct

Halloween
A celebration featuring costumes, trick-or-treating, and community events.

November

1 Nov

All Saints’ Day

A Christian day to honour all saints and faithful people who have lived lives of faith.

2 Nov

All Souls’ Day

Day of remembrance for those who have passed away, with prayers for their souls.

8 Nov

Diwali
Hindu festival of lights celebrating the victory of light over darkness.

9 Nov

World Freedom Day

Celebrates freedom and human rights, marking the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of division.

9 Nov

National Recycling Week (until 15 November)
Encourages recycling and waste reduction.

11 Nov

Remembrance Day
Honours Australians who have died in wars and conflicts.

13 Nov

Kindness Day

Encourages people to spread kindness, compassion, and positive actions in everyday life.

16 Nov

International Day for Tolerance
Promotes respect, acceptance, and understanding between people of different backgrounds.

20 Nov

World Children’s Day

A global day focused on supporting children’s rights, well-being, and future opportunities.

25 Nov

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Start of 16 Days of Activism to end gender-based violence.

December

2 Dec

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

Raises awareness of modern slavery and supports action to end human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation.

3 Dec

International Day of People with Disability
Promotes inclusion and rights for people with disabilities.

4 Dec

Hanukkah (until 12 December)
Jewish festival of lights celebrating the rededication of the Holy Temple.

5 Dec

International Volunteer Day
Recognises volunteer contributions.

10 Dec

Human Rights Day
Marks the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

18 Dec

International Migrants Day

Recognises the contributions of migrants and promotes their rights, safety, and inclusion.

20 Dec

International Human Solidarity Day

Encourages global unity and working together to build a fairer, more supportive world for everyone.

While many of the dates listed above are fixed, some events, including religious observances and week-long observances, may shift slightly each year due to official announcements or lunar calendars. We recommend checking closer to the date for final confirmation.