Annual Observances Calendar
Observances 2026
Thoughtful acknowledgment of cultural, heritage, and religious observances fosters belonging, invites learning, and strengthens connections. Through this effort, the Office of University Engagement and Enrichment (OEE) serves as a connector and amplifier—curating resources, highlighting events, and creating space for awareness.
In collaboration with campus partners (the Office for Global Engagement, Office for Student Success, Religious & Spiritual Life, University Student Life, URochester Medicine Employee Wellness, The Warner School of Education, and The School of Nursing) OEE recognizes the richness of traditions represented across our institution.
Within each month listed below there is a helpful infographic that highlights observances for that particular month. Please feel free to click the image and download the infographic at your convenience.
Coptic & Eastern Orthodox Christmas – Jan 7
International Holocaust Remembrance—Jan 27
Martin Luther King Remembrance Day—Jan 19
Indian Cultural Celebrations Jan 13—Jan 26
- Lohri (Jan 13, 2026)
- Makar Sankranti / Pongal (Jan 14-15, 2026)
- Republic Day (Jan 26, 2026)
- Ramayan Mela (Jan 14-20, 2026)
- Vasant Panchami (Jan 23, 2026)
Black History Month (also known as African American History Month)
Ramadan- Feb 18 or 19
Lunar New Year- February 17
Maha Shivaratri (Hindu) – Feb 26
Women’s History Month
Purim – March 2-3
Ash Wednesday (Christian) – Mar 5
Holi (Hindu) – Mar 14
Hola Mohalla (Sikh) – Mar 14
Indian Celebration
Ramadan end (Islamic) – Mar 19 or 20
Trans Day of Visibility- March 31
International Women’s Day- March 31
Arab American Heritage Month
National Deaf History Month (March 13-April 15)
Autism Acceptance Month
Passover* (Jewish) – Apr 1-9
Easter (Christian) – Apr 5
Vaisakhi (Sikh / Hindu) – Apr 14
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month
Vesak / Buddha Day (Buddhist) – May 12
Shavuot* (Jewish) – 21-23 *work is traditionally prohibited
Eid al-Adha* (Islamic) – May 26-May 27* involves morning prayer and community gatherings
July’s observances invite reflection on disability inclusion, identity, freedom, and remembrance. Highlights include:
- Disability Pride Month: Celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of the disability community and the ongoing work toward accessibility and full inclusion.
- Independence Day (July 4): Reflect on the nation’s founding ideals of freedom and equality.
- International Non-Binary People’s Day (July 14): Recognize non-binary identities, experiences, and contributions.
- Tisha B’Av (July 22–23): A Jewish observance of mourning and fasting, beginning at sundown.
Download the July observances flyer for more information or to print and share.
August’s observances recognize cultural heritage, human rights, and the ongoing pursuit of equality. Highlights include:
- International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples (August 9): Honor Indigenous peoples’ rights, knowledge, and living traditions.
- Women’s Equality Day (August 26): Commemorate the certification of the 19th Amendment and reflect on the continuing work toward gender equality.
- International Day for People of African Descent (August 31): Celebrate the heritage and contributions of the global African diaspora and reaffirm a commitment to dignity and equity.
Download the August observances flyer for more information or to print and share.
September brings opportunities to celebrate heritage, recognize workers’ contributions, and honor traditions of reflection and renewal. Highlights include:
- Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15): Celebrate Hispanic histories, cultures, and contributions.
- Deaf Awareness Month: Recognize Deaf culture and sign languages, with special significance for Rochester’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.
- Labor Day (September 7): Honor workers and the American labor movement.
- Jewish holy days: Rosh Hashanah (September 11–13), Yom Kippur (September 20–21), and Sukkot (September 25–October 2) begin at sundown. Observance may require scheduling flexibility.
- Mid-Autumn Festival (September 25): Recognize harvest traditions celebrated across East Asian and diaspora communities.
Download the September observances flyer for more information or to print and share.
October’s observances highlight accessible workplaces, cultural heritage, and traditions of peace, renewal, and remembrance. Highlights include:
- National Disability Employment Awareness Month: Recognize workers with disabilities and the value of inclusive, accessible workplaces.
- Hispanic Heritage Month: Celebrations continue through October 15.
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day (October 12): Honor Native and Indigenous peoples’ histories, cultures, resilience, and continuing presence.
- Cultural and religious traditions: Observances include Gandhi Jayanti (October 2), Simchat Torah (October 3–4), Sharad Navratri (October 11–19), Durga Puja (October 17–20), and Dussehra (October 20).
- Samhain (October 31–November 1): Mark the end of the harvest season, beginning at sundown on October 31.
Download the October observances flyer for more information or to print and share.
Native American Heritage Month (also known as American Indian Heritage Month)
Christmas (Christian) – Dec 25
Kwanzaa (African American cultural celebration) – Dec 26–Jan 1
Hanukkah 4-12
This observances calendar is intended as an educational and awareness-building resource rather than an exhaustive list of all cultural, religious, heritage, and international observances. Major national holidays are generally not included, as they are already reflected in the University’s institutional calendar. Instead, this resource aims to highlight and increase awareness of the diverse cultures, religions, traditions, and communities represented across our students, staff, and faculty.
The events listed below are drawn from the University’s events calendar and are intended to highlight programs connected to cultural, heritage, religious, and related observances. To have your event considered for inclusion, please use #OEE when submitting it to the calendar.