There are special days and months all through the year, to celebrate and commemorate important themes and social issues – a great way to add depth and variety to your cafe or restaurant marketing calendar. There may be ways to include them in the calendar of events at your cafe or restaurant, on social media or just as a reminder to staff. Customers respond very positively to your support for social and environmental issues.
Check the full Calendar of Hospitality Industry Events and Promotions – trade fairs, workshops, webinars and promotional ideas.
January – suggestions coming soon.
February
February 14 – Valentine’s Day. How can you extend the meaning of this beyond red roses and sentimentality?
March
March 8 — International Women’s Day. Here are some ways to celebrate the women you work with.
21 March – Harmony Week – celebrating the diversity of cultures and races in Australia.
21 March – Clean Up Australia Day – community campaigns for reducing litter
22 March – World Water Day – highlighting the importance of sustainable water supplies.
Share the Dignity Month – giving those experiencing period poverty the dignity they deserve. Twice a year the public is asked to donate pads, tampons, period underwear, incontinence pads etc. to Dignity Drives across the country.
April
April 22 — Earth Day, supporting environmental protection.
May
May 9 — Mother’s Day. Celebrating the mothers who raised us, mothers who work with us, and the women who raise children in the face of difficulties. There are many ways to celebrate this throughout the week.
11 May – International Nurse’s Day – on the birthday of Florence Nightingale, founder of modern nursing
17 May – Day against Homophobia and Transphobia
31 May – World No-Tobacco Day. Highlighting the health dangers of tobacco, and an opportunity to support your staff to Quit. Hospitality workers smoke at more than twice the rate of the general population.
June
27 May – 3 June – National Reconciliation Week – a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements
5 June – World Environment Day – raising awareness and encouraging action for the protection of the environment. What are local issues you could highlight, or share your achievements?
June 20 Refuge Week – supporting the needs and achievements of refugees in Australia and internationally
Pride Month – supporting Gay, Lesbian and Trans Pride with events and celebrations
Build loyalty and respect for your restaurant by supporting social issues
July
4-11 July – NAIDOC Week. Celebrating the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders in Australia.
Dry July – supporting people to go alcohol-free in July, and raise funds for cancer support.
August
Share the Dignity Month – giving those experiencing period poverty the dignity they deserve. Twice a year the public are asked to donate pads, tampons, period underwear, incontinence pads, menstrual cups etc. to Dignity Drives across the country.
7 August – Aged Care Employee Day – honouring the people who look after our family as they grow old
September
September 5 — Father’s Day – celebrating the fathers who raised us, other fathers in your family and the many fathers who work in hospitality. Make it more than just a day for a packed booking diary.
September 9 – RUOK Day. Supporting mental health, when people are urged to support colleagues and friends struggling with life’s difficulties by asking ‘are you OK?’
September 21 — International Day of Peace, supporting the end of war and violence.
September 21 – Gratitude Day – share what you are grateful for: workplace ideas
October
Breast Cancer Awareness Month – raising awareness and funds for breast cancer support and treatment.
7 October – Teachers Day in Australia, often extended into Teacher Appreciation Week. Dates vary internationally.
11 October – International Day of the Girl – for awareness of challenges facing girls, celebrate achievements, and advocate for human rights.
16 October – World Food Day – raising awareness of hunger and increasing food security.
19-25 October – Gambling Harm Awareness Week. Talking about the harms associated with gambling and the effects they can have on communities, families, friends, workplaces and individuals.
20 October- International Chefs Day. Celebrate your cooking staff, their skills and traditions.
31 October – Grandparents Day. To celebrate the bonds between grandparents and grandchildren.
November 2021
Movember month – grow a moustache and raise funds through sponsorship to raise awareness of men’s health issues and suicide.
December
1 December – World AIDS Day. Raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic, and remembering those who have died from the disease.
We will keep adding to this calendar, and your suggestions are very welcome. Many more dates are listed on the Social Justice Calendar and the Health Events Calendar.
🤚 Check the weekly discoveries on Hospo Reset – information & inspiration for restaurant, cafe & foodservice operators.