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Roald Dahl Day

Get ready to enter a world of magic and wonder on Roald Dahl Day. Celebrate the beloved author's imagination with fun activities and events!

Sunday

September 2026

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

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YEARLY DATESeptember 13

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYPop Culture

SUBCATEGORYBooks

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate the magical world of Roald Dahl on September 13 for Roald Dahl Day! This day honors the beloved children's author, who has captured the hearts and imaginations of readers young and old with his timeless stories such as "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "Matilda". Not only was he a gifted storyteller, but he also had a fascinating life filled with adventures and unique experiences that inspired his writing. So grab your favorite Dahl book, snuggle up with a cup of tea, and transport yourself to a world full of wonder and whimsy. Happy Roald Dahl Day!

TIMELINE

Roald Dahl Day Timeline

Roald Dahl's Birth

Roald Dahl was born on September 13, 1916, in Llandaff, Wales, United Kingdom.

First Children's Story

Dahl's first full-length story for children, "James and the Giant Peach," was published.

"The Twits" Publication

In 1980, one of Dahl's most creatively imaginative books, "The Twits" was published.

Roald Dahl's Death

Roald Dahl passed away on November 23, 1990. His stories continue to inspire and entertain readers worldwide.

First Roald Dahl Day

The first Roald Dahl Day was celebrated on what would have been the author's 90th birthday.

Centenary Celebration

Universal celebrations in schools and libraries across the globe marked Roald Dahl's centenary.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Roald Dahl Day

Host a Roald Dahl themed party

Invite friends over for a party inspired by the imaginative world of Roald Dahl. Decorate with characters and quotes from his books, serve themed snacks and drinks, and even have a reading of your favorite Dahl story.

DRESS

Dress up as your favorite character

Get into the spirit of Roald Dahl Day by dressing up as your favorite character from one of his beloved books. From Matilda to Willy Wonka, the options are endless!

CREATE

Create a Roald Dahl inspired craft

Get creative and make a craft inspired by Roald Dahl's stories. You could make a dream jar from The BFG, a golden ticket from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, or even a paper-mache giant peach from James and the Giant Peach.

HAVE

Have a movie marathon

Gather some friends and spend the day watching movie adaptations of Roald Dahl's books. From Matilda to The Witches, there are plenty of options to choose from.

VISIT

Visit a local library or bookstore

Spend the day at a local library or bookstore and immerse yourself in the magical world of Roald Dahl. Pick up a new book or reread an old favorite to celebrate his legacy as a beloved children's author.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Roald Dahl Day is Important

It encourages imagination and creativity

Roald Dahl was known for his imaginative stories filled with fantastical characters and worlds. On Roald Dahl Day, families can engage in activities that promote imagination and creativity, such as arts and crafts based on his books or acting out scenes from his stories.

It celebrates the beloved children's author

Roald Dahl is one of the most popular and well-known authors of children's literature, with classic titles such as Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and The BFG. Celebrating Roald Dahl Day allows us to honor his contributions to literature and appreciate his creative genius.

It promotes reading and literacy

Roald Dahl's books have captivated generations of children and encouraged them to read. On Roald Dahl Day, libraries, schools, and families can come together to celebrate his books by hosting storytimes and book talks, promoting a love for reading and literacy.

Related holidays

Children’s Book Week

Unleash imagination and nurture curiosity during Children’s Book Week! Dive into whimsical tales that both enlighten and entertain.

Harry Potter Book Day

Get your wands ready and dive into the magical world of Harry Potter on this special day dedicated to the beloved book series! Don't forget to wear your house colors.

National Young Readers Week

Dive into adventures and unlock imagination during National Young Readers Week! Nurture the love for books in our young minds, one page at a time.

Children’s Picture Book Day

Get ready to dive into a world of imagination and wonder on Children's Picture Book Day - the perfect day to share stories and create memories with your little ones!

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