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ADA Lovelace Day

Don't miss out on celebrating the incredible contributions of Ada Lovelace - join us for ADA Lovelace Day and honor her legacy!

Tuesday

October 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATESecond Tuesday in October

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYFamous People

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

It's time to celebrate the accomplishments of women in tech on ADA Lovelace Day, which occurs every year on the second Tuesday of October. This day honors Ada Lovelace, a mathematician and writer who is widely considered to be the first computer programmer. Her work laid the foundation for modern computing, and her legacy lives on today. On this special day, take some time to recognize and appreciate all the incredible women making their mark in the tech world – from software engineers to data scientists and more. Let's come together and celebrate their achievements!

TIMELINE

ADA Lovelace Day Timeline

Ada Lovelace's Birth

Ada Lovelace was born on December 10, 1815, to English poet Lord Byron and Anne Isabella Milbanke.

Meeting Charles Babbage

At age 17, Lovelace met mathematician and inventor Charles Babbage, who became a significant influence on her future work.

Notes on Babbage's Analytical Engine

Lovelace's notes about Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine, including the first computer algorithm, were published.

Lovelace's Untimely Death

Ada Lovelace died of uterine cancer in 1852, when she was just 36 years old.

Recognition in Modern Computing

The U.S. Department of Defense named a computer language "Ada" in honor of Lovelace's contributions to computing.

First ADA Lovelace Day

The first ADA Lovelace Day was established by Suw Charman-Anderson, and it's now celebrated annually on the second Tuesday of October.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

How to Celebrate ADA Lovelace Day

Share your knowledge of Ada Lovelace

Take some time to share what you know about Ada Lovelace with friends and family. Spread the word about her achievements and why she is an inspirational role model for women in STEM.

Read a book about Ada Lovelace

Reading a book about Ada Lovelace is a great way to learn more about her life and accomplishments. There are several books available that can provide insight into her life and the impact she had on computing.

Attend an event honoring Ada Lovelace

Many cities host events that honor the contributions of Ada Lovelace. Events can range from panel discussions about her work to group activities that celebrate her achievements.

Create something inspired by Ada Lovelace

Whether it’s writing a piece of code, creating a short film, or designing a logo, create something that honors the legacy of Ada Lovelace.

Donate to an organization devoted to women in STEM

There are several organizations dedicated to helping empower women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Consider donating to one of these organizations in order to help support their mission.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why ADA Lovelace Day is Important

It encourages girls to get interested in STEM

Ada Lovelace Day is also a great way to encourage younger generations of girls to get interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). By recognizing inspiring female role models like Ada Lovelace, we can show young women that there are countless opportunities within these fields.

It celebrates a pioneering woman in the field of computing

Ada Lovelace was a pioneering figure in the field of computing science, having developed an algorithm for a mechanical computer back in 1843. Celebrating her contributions to technology serves as an inspiration for young women looking to pursue science and engineering.

It promotes gender equality

The tech industry is still largely dominated by men, but Ada Lovelace Day helps to promote gender equality by increasing visibility for female scientists and engineers. This celebration reminds us that women in tech are making tremendous contributions to our modern world and should not be overlooked or underestimated.