Cultural Calendar Dates For October 2024

Did you know? On 7 October 1920, women became eligible for full membership at Oxford University and gained the right to earn degrees. Or that on 26 October 1863, the English Football Association was formed, documenting the first rules of soccer. Meanwhile on 30 October 1925, Scottish inventor John Logie Baird made the first television transmission of a moving image. October is a astoundingly historic month — here are some opportunities to make your own histories.

Key dates for your October 2024 calendar

📅 Global Diversity Awareness Month | starts 1 October 2024

👉 Global Diversity Awareness Month celebrates and promotes cultural diversity, encouraging respect and inclusion. It highlights the benefits of diversity in communities and workplaces through various activities and events.

📅 UK Black History Month | starts 1 October 2024

👉 UK Black History Month celebrates the contributions and achievements of Black people throughout history. It aims to educate and raise awareness about Black heritage and culture through events, activities, and educational programs. This year's theme“Reclaiming Narratives,” marks a significant shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of Black history and culture. Explore PepTalk's top Black history speakers.

📅 ADHD Awareness Month | starts 1 October 2024

👉 ADHD Awareness Month is dedicated to raising awareness about ADHD. It aims to educate the public, reduce stigma, and support individuals with ADHD through events, resources, and advocacy.

📅 World Smile Day 2024 | 4 October 2024

👉 A day dedicated to spreading joy and kindness, encouraging people to do acts of generosity and share smiles with others.

📅 National Work Life Week 2024 | starts 7 October 2024

👉 A week focused on promoting a healthy work-life balance, raising awareness of the importance of maintaining boundaries between your workplace and maintiaining personal wellbeing.

📅 Dyslexia Awareness Week | starts 7 October 2024

👉 See also World Dyslexia Awareness Day 2024 on 10 October. Recommended PepTalk speaker: Dr Chris Arnold. Rather than viewing neurodiversity as a disability, Chris uses his creative background and insights to encourage organisations to embrace it as an "affability," a different ability to revolutionise their operations.

📅 World Sight Day 2024 | 10 October 2024

👉 A global event to raise awareness about blindness and vision impairment, promoting eye health and access to eye care for all.

📅 World Mental Health Day 2024 | 10 October 2024

👉 A day to advocate for mental health awareness, education, and support, aiming to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

📅 National Coming Out Day | 11 October 2024

👉 A day to support and celebrate individuals who come out as LGBTQ+, fostering a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. Explore recommended PepTalk speakers for LGBTQ+ inclusion and Pride.

📅 International Skeptics Day 2024 | 13 October 2024

👉 A day to encourage critical thinking and questioning, promoting a healthy skepticism towards information and claims.

📅 World Menopause Day and Menopause Awareness Month | 18 October 2024 and all month

👉 A month dedicated to raising awareness about menopause, providing education, and supporting those experiencing this natural phase of life. A talk is a great opportunity to help your team understand what their colleagues, clients and loved ones may be going through. Explore our expert speakers on menopause and perimenopause and guide the way.

📅 World Values Day 2024 | 18 October 2024

👉 An opportunity to reflect on and promote personal and organizational values, encouraging actions that align with these values in daily life.

📅 Anti-Slavery Day | 18 October 2024

👉 Anti-Slavery Day is dedicated to raising awareness about human trafficking and modern slavery. It encourages people to take action against these crimes by supporting anti-slavery organisations, advocating for stronger policies and laws, and participating in events and campaigns that highlight the ongoing issue of slavery in the modern world. Recommended PepTalk speaker: Teun Van de Keuken.

📅 Recycle Week 2024 | 21 October 2024

👉 A week-long campaign to promote recycling practices and raise awareness about the benefits of recycling for the environment. Here are some hashtags to get your started: #RecycleWeek, #RecyclingMatters, #SustainableLiving, #ReduceReuseRecycle, #WasteReduction, #GreenLiving, #EnvironmentalAwareness

Of course, this is just a selection of dates! If we've missed any days or events that are key for your HR, Culture or People team, be sure to let us know on Twitter or LinkedIn.

Explore The Rest of 2024

Key cultural calendar dates, weeks and observances for the rest of 2024:

💡 Would you like to mark any of these events with an expert speaker? Let us know, and we’ll find the perfect PepTalk expert for your organisation. Email us at hello@getapeptalk.com or send us a message via the chat. You can also call us on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US). Remember, it’s always a good time to get a PepTalk!

Culture Calendar

Success favours the prepared. That’s why we’ve compiled a free calendar of awareness days and weeks to support your business.

From health and wellbeing to culture and DEI, adding the calendar will keep you on the pulse of what’s happening and ahead of the game. Plus, it works across all platforms.