Event Date
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The Multicultural Calendar serves as a resource for students, staff, and faculty to plan events, activities, meetings, retreats, and courses throughout the year. It is a resource for understanding religious and cultural observances.
Multicultural Calendar - October 2026
Sukkot
Jewish
Recommended Accommodation: Significant. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities after sundown on the first evening and on the following two days. If planning an event, provide food accommodation (kosher restrictions apply).
A week-long celebration that begins with the building of Sukkah for sleep and meals. Sukkot is named for the huts Moses and the Israelites lived in as they wandered the desert before reaching the promised land.
Date Details: Begins at sundown of the first day. Work holiday varies by denomination.
Friday, September 25 to Friday, October 2, 2026
Mehregan
Zoroastrian
This day honors Mehr, the one who is believed to create bonds of friendship and love. This is also the time for the Autumn Festival in Iran.
Friday, October 2, 2026
Simchat Torah
Jewish
Recommended Accommodation: Significant. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. If planning an event, provide food accommodations (kosher restrictions apply).
Simchat Torah marks the completion of the annual cycle of the reading of the Torah in the synagogue and the beginning of the new cycle.
Date Details: Begins at sundown on the first day.
Evening of Saturday, October 3 to Sunday, October 4, 2026
Blessing of the Animals
Christian
Christian observance of showing respect for the domestic animals that mean much to people. Observed on various dates, especially related to St. Francis.
Sunday, October 4, 2026
Saint Francis Day
Roman Catholic
The feast commemorates the life of St. Francis, who was born in the 12th century and is the Catholic Church's patron saint of animals and the environment. It is a popular day for pets to be blessed.
Sunday, October 4, 2026
Navratri
Hindu
Navarati is one of the greatest Hindu festivals and celebrates the triumph of good over evil. During this time, Hindus worship Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.
General Practices: Durga is the mother goddess, and so Hindus try to visit their mothers and other relatives during this time. Some Hindus will pray and fast, and there are often feasts and dances.
Sunday, October 11 to Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Dasara / Dussehra
Hindu
Hindu celebration of victory and valor. Celebrates the victory of King Rama from defeating the demon, Ravana, who stole King Rama's wife.
General Practices: Many people perform "Aditya Homa" as a "Shanti Yagna" and recite Sundara Kanda of Srimad Ramayana for five days. These Yagna performances are thought to create powerful agents in the atmosphere surrounding the house that will keep the household environment clean and healthy.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Sikh
First Installation of Guru Granth Sahib in the Golden Temple
General Practices: Sikh remembrance of the eternal installation of the holy books, Granth Sahib.
Milvian Bridge Day
Christian
Christian day of solemn reflection on the relationship of the spiritual community and the powers of civil government. On October 28, 312 CE, Emperor Constantine prevailed in a battle and proceeded to make Christianity the legal religion of the Roman Empire.
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
All Hallows' Eve / All Saints' Eve / Halloween
Roman Catholic
Christian celebration of mystery combining prayers and merriment involving children and families. It is a prelude to All Saint's Day and begins the three-day observation of Allhallowtide dedicated to remembering the dead.
Saturday, October 31, 2026
Reformation Day
Protestant
Protestant Christian anniversary of their tradition and its emphasis on the place of the Bible and religious freedom. On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted a belief statement on Wittenberg Church door.
Date Details: The date of public observation is the Sunday before October 31.
Saturday, October 31, 2026
Samhain
Pagan, Wiccan, Druid
One of the four "greater Sabbats" and considered by some to be the Wiccan New Year. A time to celebrate the lives of those who have passed on, welcome those born during the past year into the community, and reflecting on past relationships, events, and other significant changes in life.
Date Details: Begins at sundown on the first day.
Saturday, October 31 to Wednesday, November 11, 2026