International Men's Day is on November 19, which is a Thursday in 2026. Local groups use it for events and recognition, but an event can also fall on a nearby day, so check its program if you plan to go.
The next three calendar dates
| Year | Date and weekday |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Thursday, November 19 |
| 2027 | Friday, November 19 |
| 2028 | Sunday, November 19 |
Confirm event times and opening hours with the organizer before you travel.
How the day began
The International Men's Day organizers' history traces the November 19 observance to Dr Jerome Teelucksingh in Trinidad and Tobago in 1999.
Teelucksingh wrote about the day in a 2016 article published by the University of the West Indies. He describes how it was revived in 1999 and has been held each year on November 19, with aims that include recognizing men's contributions to family and community and improving gender relations. There's no single required way to mark it.
How it differs from Father's Day and Movember
Father's Day is about fathers and falls on different dates around the world. International Men's Day has a fixed November date and a wider focus, so you don't need to be a dad to take part. If you're planning a Father's Day gift instead, the country-by-country Father's Day date guide lists the dates by country; check the year you need.
Movember is a separate fundraising campaign that runs all month. Its community guidance explains how people raise money and awareness during November. You can join Movember, mark November 19, do both or do neither. A mustache or a bracelet won't tell anyone which one you're doing.
Ways to mark the day
Thank someone for something specific, go to an event that interests you or help set up an optional activity with a group. Let the relationship or the local program guide you. You don't need to buy a gift, and not every man wants public recognition.
For an event, look for who's organizing it, what it's for, the date and how to join. Check any collection or donation details on their own. The November 19 label won't tell you who gets the money, whether the venue is accessible or whether you need to book.