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World Smile Day

It's World Smile Day - spread kindness and bring joy to those around you with a simple smile!

Friday

October 2026

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

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YEARLY DATEFirst Friday in October

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYValues

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

It's time to smile and spread some joy on World Smile Day, which falls on the first Friday in October! This day was created by Harvey Ball, a commercial artist from Worcester, Massachusetts in 1963. He designed the iconic yellow smiley face as part of an advertising campaign for the State Mutual Life Assurance Company. Since then, it has become a symbol of happiness and positivity all over the world. So don't forget to take a few moments out of your day to smile and make someone else's day brighter – you never know how far it can reach!

DEALS & OFFERS

Past offers

No active deals yet — here’s who’s celebrated before.

Nothing yet for 2026

Brands typically announce offers a week before the date. Check back closer to the day.

1 brand has run a deal

Corner Bakery Cafe

See past offers

TIMELINE

World Smile Day Timeline

Origin of Smiley Face

Harvey Ball, a commercial artist, designed the iconic yellow smiley face for an advertising campaign for State Mutual Life Assurance Company.

Global Popularity of Smiley Face

The yellow smiley face gained widespread popularity globally, becoming a recognized symbol of happiness and positivity.

Establishment of World Smile Day

Harvey Ball's belief in the power of a smile led to the establishment of World Smile Day to spread kindness and joy worldwide.

Passing of Harvey Ball

After Harvey Ball's death, the Harvey Ball World Smile Foundation continued promoting World Smile Day in his honor.

Worldwide Celebrations

World Smile Day celebrations spread to countries all over the world, with various events dedicated to spreading happiness and positivity.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate World Smile Day

Smile at strangers

Start your day by smiling at everyone you come across. This simple act can make a big difference in someone's day.

SEND

Send a smiley card

Write a card to someone you know, or even a stranger, and make sure to include a smiley face for good measure.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer your time

Volunteering your time to those in need can bring a smile to many faces.

POST

Post a smiley selfie

Post a selfie of yourself smiling on social media and encourage others to do the same.

SEND

Send a smiley text

Send a text message with a smiley face to someone you care about.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love World Smile Day

Smiling spreads kindness

World Smile Day is a great way to show kindness and appreciation to those around us. By spreading smiles to friends, family members and even strangers, we can make their day a little bit better and help create a kinder world for everyone!

Smiling is contagious

Smiling is contagious, and by having a World Smile Day we can spread positivity to people all around the world. Smiles are infectious, and even when we may not feel our best, just seeing someone's smile can brighten up our day.

Smiling is good for your health

Studies have shown that smiling helps reduce stress, lifts our moods, lowers blood pressure and boosts the immune system. When we smile it releases endorphins - the brain's natural happy hormones - making us feel happier and more relaxed.

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