Previous Day Next Day

February 16, 2026 Holiday:

Presidents' Day

Presidents' Day is a federal holiday that honors the lives and legacies of all U.S. presidents, past and present. While it's often associated with the birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, the holiday has evolved to recognize the contributions of all American presidents. Traditionally, many schools and government offices close on this day, and some businesses offer sales and promotions. It's also a popular day for family outings, picnics, and outdoor activities. Overall, Presidents' Day is a celebration of American history and the leaders who have shaped the country's growth and development.

Learn more about Presidents' Day
Holidays on February 16, 2026:

Family Day

Family Day, 2/16/2026: Strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories with loved ones through quality time, fun activities, and heartfelt gestures. more >>

National Almond Day

National Almond Day, 2/16/2026: Discover the nutritious and delicious benefits of almonds, from protein and fiber to healthy fats, and get inspired for a tasty celebration! more >>

National Innovation Day

National Innovation Day, 2/16/2026: Recognize innovators, honor groundbreaking ideas and products, and inspire a culture of innovation. more >>

Shrove Monday

Shrove Monday, 2/16/2026: Indulge in sweet treats and revelry before the Lenten fast, a festive holiday rooted in medieval Europe's tradition of spiritual preparation. more >>

Cream Bun Day (Iceland)

Iceland's Cream Bun Day: Join the sweet tradition on 2/16/2026 as families gather to bake and share cream-filled buns, socializing and exchanging treats. more >>

International Syrah Day

International Syrah Day, 2/16/2026: Discover the rich flavors and aromas of Syrah-based wines, from the Rhone Valley to global adaptations, and explore the unique characteristics of this beloved varietal. more >>

Kyoto Protocol Day

Kyoto Protocol Day, 2/16/2026: Learn why this day doesn't exist and discover environmental holidays instead. more >>

Nova Scotia Heritage Day

Nova Scotia Heritage Day, 2/16/2026, a day honoring the people, places, and events that shaped Nova Scotia's unique identity, with events, exhibits, and activities showcasing its diverse heritage. more >>

Tim Tam Day

Discover the truth about Tim Tam Day on 2/16/2026. Is it a real holiday or just a myth? Find out here! more >>
Birthdays on February 16:

The Weeknd

34 Years Old

A Grammy-winning R&B sensation known for his soulful, dark, and atmospheric sound, as well as his energetic live performances.

Mahershala Ali

50 Years Old

Academy Award-winning actor renowned for his nuanced, powerful performances in films like "Moonlight" and "Green Book", bringing depth and complexity to characters on screen.

John McEnroe

65 Years Old

A tennis legend and outspoken commentator, known for his fiery temper and iconic matches, as well as his current work as a TV analyst and broadcaster.

Ice-T

66 Years Old

A pioneering rapper and actor who helped popularize gangsta rap and starred in the iconic TV show "Law & Order: SVU".

Elizabeth Olsen

35 Years Old

A talented actress starring in Marvel's Cinematic Universe as Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch, and known for her versatility in indie films and TV shows.

Kim Jong Il

Died in 2011, aged 70

The authoritarian leader who ruled North Korea with an iron fist, known for his eccentric personality, love of cinema, and development of nuclear weapons. He maintained a cult of p...

Valentino Rossi

45 Years Old

A legendary motorcycle racer with nine Grand Prix World Championships, known for his speed, agility, and charismatic personality.

LeVar Burton

67 Years Old

A beloved figure in American television, he's a talented actor, director, and producer who brought iconic characters to life, including Kunta Kinte in Roots and Geordi La Forge in ...

Otis Blackwell

Died in 2002, aged 71

Pioneering rock 'n' roll songwriter and pianist behind hits like "Don't Be Cruel" and "All Shook Up" for Elvis Presley, shaping the sound of early rock music.

Jerome Bettis

52 Years Old

A legendary running back who powered through defenses with his punishing style, earning him a Hall of Fame career and iconic "The Bus" nickname.

Sonny Bono

Died in 1998, aged 62

A talented entertainer turned politician, known for his iconic music duo and later serving as a U.S. Representative. He's also famous for his wife, Cher, and their hit song "I Got ...

Warren Ellis

56 Years Old

A renowned author and screenwriter, best known for his dark, gritty, and often provocative works in the comic book and science fiction genres, including Transmetropolitan and Iron ...

Events from History on February 16:
162 years ago
Ulysses S. Grant captures Fort Donelson, Tennessee (Fort Donelson, Tennessee, USA) 1862
General Ulysses S. Grant's persistence paid off as he led his troops to victory, capturing Fort Donelson, Tennessee, a crucial stronghold on the Cumberland River. After a series of skirmishes, Grant's forces, though vastly outnumbered, breached the Rebel defenses, forcing the Confederate generals to surrender. This triumph opened the door to Nashville and paved the way for Grant's future successes.
65 years ago
Fidel Castro becomes Premier of Cuba after Batista's fall (Havana, Cuba) 1959
Fulgencio Batista, the Cuban dictator, had been clinging to power for years, but on January 1, his regime finally crumbled. Fidel Castro, the charismatic leader of the 26th of July Movement, had been leading a guerrilla war against Batista's government since 1953. With the dictator's fall, Castro, now 32, stepped into the power vacuum, becoming the new Premier of Cuba. It marked the dawn of a new era, as Castro vowed to bring about radical social and economic reforms. Little did the world know, this marked the beginning of a tumultuous relationship between Cuba and the United States.
19 years ago
Russia ratifies Kyoto Protocol, sparking global climate action (Unknown Location) 2005
Russia's crucial ratification of the Kyoto Protocol on February 16, 2005, marked a monumental milestone in the fight against climate change. This pivotal moment ushered in an era of international cooperation, as the world's nations united to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the devastating effects of global warming. By surpassing the requisite 55% emission reduction threshold, Russia's endorsement triggered the treaty's entry into force, compelling over 140 countries to adopt stricter environmental policies and paving the way for future climate agreements.
88 years ago
Popular Front wins 1936 Spanish general election (Spain) 1936
As the winds of change swept across Spain, the Popular Front, a coalition of left-wing parties, seized the reins of power, defying expectations and sending shockwaves throughout the nation! Following a tumultuous campaign, the Popular Front, comprising various socialist, communist, and anarchist groups, emerged victorious, capturing 278 seats in the Cortes (Spanish parliament) and ushering in a new era of reform and progress. This landmark win marked a significant shift in Spain's political landscape, empowering the working class and paving the way for sweeping social and economic reforms.
106 years ago
Lithuanian Council declares independence from Soviet rule. (Vilnius, Lithuania) 1918
The Council of Lithuania, a group of twenty ambitious visionaries, boldly took matters into their own hands, unanimously adopting the Act of Independence on this momentous day. This daring declaration effectively severed Lithuania's ties with the Soviet regime, proclaiming the country's autonomy after centuries of foreign domination. The document, signed by renowned figures like Jonas Basanavičius and Antanas Smetona, rekindled the nation's fervor for self-determination, paving the way for a brighter, autonomous future.
101 years ago
Howard Carter uncovers Pharaoh Tutankhamun's tomb (KV62, Valley of the Kings, Luxor, Egypt) 1923
Deep within the Valley of the Kings, a mysterious silence had shrouded the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun for over 3,200 years. That was until British archaeologist Howard Carter, sponsored by George Herbert, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, made the discovery of a lifetime. On a fateful day, Carter carefully made a breach in the door of the antechamber, and the dust of centuries literally blew away, revealing the first glimpse of the tomb's treasures. As the dust settled, the golden glow of Tutankhamun's funeral mask beckoned, sparking an archaeological frenzy that would captivate the world.
Notable Deaths on February 16:
2015Lesley Gore Legendary American singer-songwriter with a soulful voice
2001William Masters Trailblazing gynecologist and sexologist
1990Keith Haring Artistic graffiti pioneer
2024Alexei Navalny Russian activist and opponent of corruption
2019Bruno Ganz Swiss actor renowned for his versatility and depth
2012Anthony Shadid Award-winning Middle East journalist
2011Len Lesser Veteran American actor
2016Boutros Boutros-Ghali Egyptian diplomat and politician who served the United Nations
2012Gary Carter Baseball Hall of Famer
2001Howard W. Koch Renowned American film director and producer
2012Elyse Knox Legendary fashion icon and actress
2006Johnny Grunge Legendary professional wrestler
2006Ernie Stautner African American football coach and player
1961Dazzy Vance American baseball trailblazer
1996Brownie McGhee Famous American singer-songwriter and musician
1996Roger Bowen American actor and performing arts author
1974John Garand Innovative engineer and inventor
1996Pat Brown Distinguished American politician and lawmaker
2015Lorena Rojas Mexican actress and singer with a charismatic stage presence
1992Angela Carter Prolific English writer of fiction and literary critique