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Free Open Source Software Month

It's time to celebrate Free Open Source Software Month and support the amazing community that provides us with free, high-quality software!

Monday

1–28

February 2027

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

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YEARLY DATEAll of February

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYTech

SUBCATEGORYSoftware

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate the power of collaboration and innovation during Free Open Source Software Month on February 1! This month-long observance was first established in 2004 to raise awareness about the benefits of using open source software, which is developed and shared by a community for free. It's a great opportunity for individuals and businesses alike to explore different tools and programs that can enhance their productivity without breaking the bank. So join the global movement and discover all the amazing possibilities that come with open source software!

TIMELINE

Free Open Source Software Month Timeline

GNU Project begins

Richard Stallman announces his intention to create a whole system-compatible alternative to Unix, which becomes the GNU Project.

Linux Kernel Development

The development of the Linux kernel by Linus Torvalds begins, which eventually forms the basis of the Linux operating system.

Open Source Definition

The term "open source" is officially adopted and the Open Source Definition is created by the Open Source Initiative.

Ubuntu Launch

The first release of Ubuntu, a popular open-source Linux distribution, kickstarted by Mark Shuttleworth and Canonical Ltd.

Android Open Source Project

The Android Open Source Project (AOSP) is set up by Google, leading to a boon in open-source mobile operating systems.

GitHub Popularity Increase

GitHub, a web-based platform for version control and collaboration, gains widespread recognition, becoming a key player in open source software development.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Free Open Source Software Month

Contribute to an open source project

Use your coding skills to contribute to an open source project on GitHub or other platforms. This is a great way to give back to the open source community and celebrate Free Open Source Software Month.

HOST

Host a workshop or seminar on open source software

Share your knowledge and passion for open source software by hosting a workshop or seminar. You can teach others about the benefits and importance of using open source software.

ATTEND

Attend an open source conference or meetup

Connect with other open source enthusiasts by attending a conference or meetup. These events are great for networking, learning new skills, and celebrating all things open source.

ORGANIZE

Organize an open source hackathon

Gather a group of developers and organize an open source hackathon. This is a fun and productive way to celebrate Free Open Source Software Month while also making valuable contributions to open source projects.

SPREAD

Spread the word on social media

Use your social media platforms to spread awareness about Free Open Source Software Month. Share your own experiences with open source software and encourage others to join in on the celebration.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Free Open Source Software Month

It's customizable and adaptable

With FOSS, users have the freedom to modify and adapt the software to suit their specific needs. This empowers individuals and businesses to tailor their technology solutions, resulting in more efficient and effective processes.

It's accessible to everyone

Free and open source software (FOSS) is available for anyone to use, regardless of their financial situation. This means that more people have access to technology and can learn valuable skills without any barriers.

It promotes collaboration and community

One of the key principles of FOSS is collaboration. Developers from all over the world work together to create and improve software, leading to a strong sense of community within the open-source world. Through sharing ideas and working together, the quality of software continues to improve.

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