New Years - Jan 1st 

Fireworks displays and iconic events such as the ball drop in found in downtown

Martin Luther King Jr. Day - 3rd Monday of January

Celebrating the renowned American civil rights leader who devoted his life to securing equality for individuals of all races. ( No classes for GVSU)

Inauguration Day - Jan 20

The event when the President and Vice President of the United States are officially sworn into office, marking the beginning of their term. 

National Freedom Day - Feb 1

Honors the ratification of the 13th Amendment, which end slavery.

African American Month

Also known as Black History Month, honors the accomplishments, talents, and tenacity of African Americans across time. 

Groundhog Day - Feb 2

A tradition where a groundhog's behavior is believed to predict the weather, specifically whether there will be an early spring or 6 more weeks of winter.

Super Bowl Sunday

the annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL), celebrated with extensive festivities and widely regarded as a major event in American culture. 

Valentine's Day - Feb 14

A day to express love and affection through the exchange of cards, gifts, and romantic gestures. 

Presidents Day - 3rd Monday of the month

Honors all U.S presidents, with particular recognition of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. 

National Wear Red Day - 1st Friday of the month 

Raises awareness about heart disease in women. 

Daylight Saving Time begins

Clocks are set forward 1 hour to extend evening daylight.

St. Patrick's Day - March 17

People celebrating Irish culture with Parades, wearing green, celebrations, and enjoying traditional Irish food and drink. 

Pi Day - March 14

Honors the Mathematical constant π with pie eating and educational activities. 

Cesar Chavez Day - March 31

Commemorates the life and legacy of civil rights and labor movement leader Cesar Chavez, celebrating his contributions to social justice and workers'rights.

April Fools' Day - April 1

Lighthearted occasion marked by playful pranks, jokes, and hoaxes, fostering laughter and camaraderie among friends, family, and colleagues. 

Federal Income Taxes - April 15

Deadline for US taxpayers to file their annual federal income tax returns and pay any owed taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Good Friday - Friday before Easter

Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. 

Easter - the date of full moon determines the date of Easter

Celebrated by Christians on a Sunday in spring, marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, symbolizing new life and hope. 

Earth Day - April 22

Promotes environmental awareness and conservation efforts. 

Arbor Day - Last Friday in April 

Promotes growing trees and caring for the environment. 

American Mother's Day - May 12th 

Honors mothers with gifts, cards, and family activities.

Armed Forces Day - 3rd Saturday of May

Honors those serving in the military with parades and ceremonies. 

Memorial Day - Last Monday in May 

Honors military personnel who have died in service. ( GVSU campuses closed) 

Mental Health Awareness Month 

Raise awareness about mental health issues, reduce stigma, and promote access to resources and support for individuals affected by mental illness. 

Flag Day - June 14

Celebrates the adoption of the U.S. flag, often with flag-raising ceremonies.

Juneteenth - June 19th 

Commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. 

American Fathers Day - Third Sunday in June

Honors fathers with gifts, cards, and family activities.

LGBTQIA+ Pride Month

Honor and Support the diverse identities and contributions of the LQBTQIA+ community, while advocating for equal rights and acceptance.

United States of America's Independence- July 4

known as Independence Day, is a federal holiday in the United States celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Labor Day - First Monday in September

Honors the American labor movement and workers' contributions.

9/11 Memorial - Sept 11

Remembers the victims of the September 11 attacks with ceremonies and moments of silence.

Constitution Day - Sept 17

Celebrates the signing of the U.S. Constitution with educational events.

Columbus Day - 2nd Monday in October

Honors the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas.

Halloween - October 31

Includes events like haunted houses, costume parties, pumpkin carving, and trick-or-treating that combine lighthearted spookiness with neighborhood celebrations.

National Hispanic Heritage Month

Celebrates Hispanic and Latino heritage and contributions.

Veterans Day - Nov 11

Honors military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces with ceremonies, parades, and expressions of gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Daylight savings time ends (clocks go back an Hour): 

End of Daylight Saving Time, when clocks must be advanced by one hour to coincide with regular time and grant an additional hour of sleep.

Thanksgiving Day- 4th Thursday in November

Celebrates the harvest and blessings of the past year, with Family gatherings with a traditional meal (often including turkey).

GVSU will be closing on this day.

Black Friday- the day after Thanksgiving 

Major shopping day with sales and promotions.

Election Day - 1st Tuesday after 1st Monday in November

Citizens vote in federal, state, and local elections. 

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day - Dec 7 

Honors the victims who lost their lives during the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. 

Christmas Eve - Dec 24

Marks the anticipation of Christmas Day and is often observed with festive gatherings and traditions. 

Christmas Day - Dec 25 

Commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is marked by festive traditions, gift-giving, and family gatherings. 

Kwanzaa - Late Dec

Honors African heritage and culture through 7 principles, including unity and self-determination. 

New Year's Eve - Dec 31

Marks the final day of the year with festivities and countdowns to welcome the new year.