23 saved#4,218 of 6,224

D.B. Cooper Day

Honor the mysterious legend of D.B. Cooper on his day - grab your parachute and join in the search for clues and answers to this unsolved mystery!

Tuesday

November 2026

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

Have an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATENovember 24

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYFamous People

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate D.B. Cooper Day on November 24! This unique holiday commemorates the infamous hijacking and disappearance of a plane by a man known only as "D.B. Cooper" in 1971. Despite numerous investigations and theories, the true identity and whereabouts of Cooper remain a mystery to this day, making him one of the most elusive figures in modern history. From skydiving competitions to reenactments, there are many fun ways to honor this daring criminal and his legendary heist on D.B. Cooper Day. So put on your detective hat and join in on the excitement!

TIMELINE

D.B. Cooper Day Timeline

The D.B. Cooper Hijacking

On November 24, 1971, an individual using the alias "D.B. Cooper" hijacked Northwest Airlines Flight 305 and extorted $200,000 in ransom before parachuting to an uncertain fate.

FBI Investigation Begins

The FBI launched what would become one of the longest and most exhaustive investigations in its history, codenamed NORJAK (Northwest Hijacking).

Discovery of Cooper's Money

A young boy discovered a decaying package containing $5,800 in $20 bills with serial numbers matching the ransom money on a Columbia River beach.

DNA Evidence Unveiled

The FBI announced that it obtained a partial DNA profile of D.B. Cooper from the tie he left behind on the hijacked plane.

FBI Suspends Investigation

The FBI announced it was suspending the active investigation of the D.B. Cooper case, effectively turning this into a cold case.

First D.B. Cooper Day Celebration

Enthusiasts and mystery solvers start organizing events and activities such as skydiving and costume parties to commemorate the day of the infamous hijacking.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate D.B. Cooper Day

Watch a documentary about D.B. Cooper

Learn more about the mysterious D.B. Cooper by watching a documentary or film about his famous unsolved case. This is a great way to commemorate D.B. Cooper Day and maybe even discover new theories or clues.

VISIT

Visit the site of the D.B. Cooper hijacking

Take a trip to the Pacific Northwest and visit the site where D.B. Cooper hijacked his plane in 1971. You can see the exact location and imagine what it was like during the infamous hijacking.

HIJACK

Hijack your own party

Gather some friends and family and throw a D.B. Cooper themed party! Dress up as the elusive hijacker, serve airplane-inspired snacks, and play games related to the case. It’s a fun and creative way to celebrate D.B. Cooper Day.

CREATE

Create a D.B. Cooper scavenger hunt

Get your friends or family involved in a D.B. Cooper themed scavenger hunt! Create clues related to the case and have participants follow the trail to find a hidden treasure.

MAKE

Make a parachute craft

In honor of D.B. Cooper’s parachute escape, make a fun parachute craft with your kids or friends. Use materials like paper, string, and plastic bags to create your own mini parachutes and see whose can glide the farthest.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why D.B. Cooper Day is Important

It brings people together

Conspiracy theories, fan theories, and speculations about what really happened on that November night in 1971 continue to swirl around D.B. Cooper. On this day, people from all walks of life come together to share their thoughts and theories, making it a day of lively discussions and fascinating conversations.

It keeps the mystery alive

D.B. Cooper Day commemorates one of the most notorious unsolved criminal cases in American history. The fact that the identity and whereabouts of the hijacker is still unknown adds to the intrigue and captivates people's attention every year.

It's a reminder of an incredible feat

The daring mid-flight ransom demand made by D.B. Cooper has become part of folklore, with many admiring his bold moves and cunning planning. Celebrating D.B. Cooper Day is a way to remember this incredible and audacious feat.