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Smart is Cool Day

Embrace your inner nerd and show off your smarts on Smart is Cool Day - because intelligence is always in style!

Thursday

October 2026

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

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YEARLY DATEOctober 22

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYSchool

SUBCATEGORYLiteracy

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Mark your calendars for October 22 because it's time to celebrate Smart is Cool Day! This day was created to recognize and appreciate the value of intelligence and learning. Whether you're a bookworm, a math whiz, or a science nerd, this holiday is all about embracing your inner geek and showing off your smarts. It's also a great opportunity to encourage others to pursue knowledge and education, making the world a smarter place one person at a time. So let's raise our glasses (or textbooks) to all the brilliant minds out there – because smart truly is cool!

TIMELINE

Smart is Cool Day Timeline

Awareness towards Smartness

In the early 1990s, a shift in societal attitudes began recognizing and focusing on intelligence more than before, marking the beginning of an era where smart was cool.

First Smart is Cool Day

On October 22, 2000, the first annual Smart is Cool Day was celebrated. The day was created to encourage people to value and showcase their intelligence.

National Recognition

In 2008, Smart is Cool Day gained national recognition, inspiring schools and educators across the United States to hold events celebrating intelligence and learning.

Global Expansion

Smart is Cool Day began to be celebrated worldwide in 2012, giving people around the globe a chance to acknowledge the importance of intelligence and learning.

Charitable Connections

Charities and nonprofits began associating Smart is Cool Day with fundraising activities for educational causes in 2019, further leveraging the holiday to promote learning and intelligence.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Smart is Cool Day

Create a smart-themed party

Gather your friends and family and throw a party that celebrates intelligence and knowledge. Have trivia games, brain teasers, and other activities that promote learning and showcase how cool it is to be smart.

ORGANIZE

Organize a book club

Gather a group of like-minded individuals and start a book club to celebrate Smart is Cool Day. Choose books that challenge the mind and spark discussion about different topics and ideas.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at a local school or library

Give back to the community by volunteering at a school or library. You can help students with their studies, read to children, or assist with organizing books and resources. This not only celebrates being smart, but also encourages others to pursue knowledge.

ATTEND

Attend a lecture or seminar

Expand your knowledge by attending a lecture or seminar on a topic that interests you. This is a great way to celebrate Smart is Cool Day and learn something new at the same time.

START

Start a study group

Gather a group of friends or classmates and start a study group to prepare for an upcoming exam or project. This not only celebrates intelligence, but also promotes collaboration and teamwork.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Smart is Cool Day

It celebrates diversity and inclusivity

Smart is Cool Day reminds us that intelligence comes in many forms - from academic success to creativity to problem solving. It celebrates the diverse ways in which people can showcase their intelligence, promoting inclusivity and acceptance for all types of minds.

It promotes intelligence and learning

Smart is Cool Day celebrates the importance of education and encourages people to embrace their intelligence. It reminds us that intelligence is something to be proud of and should be valued in our society.

It breaks stereotypes

There is a common stereotype that suggests being cool and being smart are mutually exclusive. Smart is Cool Day challenges this idea and shows that intelligence can be just as cool as any other quality.