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April 20, 2026 Holiday:

420

The laid-back and festive holiday of 420! This unofficial celebration is all about embracing a relaxed vibe and having a good time with friends. At its core, 420 is a tribute to cannabis culture, with many enthusiasts using the day to, ahem, indulge in their favorite herb. You can expect to see plenty of gatherings, parties, and festivals where people come together to enjoy music, food, and each other's company. While it's not an officially recognized holiday, 420 has become a beloved tradition among those who participate, promoting a sense of community and, of course, a carefree atmosphere.

Learn more about 420
Holidays on April 20, 2026:

Orthodox Easter Monday

Orthodox Easter Monday, 4/20/2026: Join Orthodox Christians in a joyous celebration of new life, renewal, and the triumph of life over death. more >>

Patriots' Day

Patriots' Day, April 20, 2026: Commemorating the birth of the American Revolution and honoring the sacrifices of America's founding fathers. more >>

Boston Marathon

Boston Marathon, 4/20/2026: Discover the world's oldest and most prestigious annual road racing event, featuring a challenging course, iconic finisher's medal, and electric atmosphere. more >>

St. George's Day

St. George's Day, April 20, 2026 - Discover the traditions, folklore, and cultural heritage of England's patron saint holiday. more >>

National Cold Brew Day

National Cold Brew Day on 4/20/2026: Discover the unique brewing process, experiment with flavors, and indulge in this smooth and refreshing coffee drink. more >>

Volunteer Recognition Day

Volunteer Recognition Day, 4/20/2026: Honoring selfless individuals making a positive impact in their communities, fostering kindness and community service. more >>

Doge Day

Get ready for an avalanche of cuteness and laughter as the internet's favorite meme takes center stage. This joyful celebration honors the beloved Shiba Inu's rise to stardom and the hilarious, relatable, and entertaining culture it has spawned. So, ... more >>

Pizza Delivery Driver Appreciation Day

Pizza Delivery Driver Appreciation Day, 4/20/2026: Honor the unsung heroes who bring hot pies to your doorstep with generous tips, kind notes, and refreshing drinks. more >>

National Cheddar Fries Day

National Cheddar Fries Day, 4/20/2026: Indulge in crispy fries smothered in rich cheddar cheese sauce and discover unique recipes and deals. more >>
Birthdays on April 20:

Adolf Hitler

Died in 1945, aged 56

The dictator of Nazi Germany, responsible for the genocide of six million Jews and millions of other people during World War II, and infamous for his extreme nationalist and anti-S...

Felix Baumgartner

56 Years Old

Austrian daredevil known for jumping from the stratosphere, breaking the sound barrier, and setting multiple world records for skydiving and BASE jumping.

Jessica Lange

76 Years Old

Academy Award-winning actress renowned for her intense, nuanced performances in film and television, particularly in dramatic roles that often explore the complexities of the human...

Andy Serkis

61 Years Old

A renowned actor and director, best known for his iconic motion-capture performances in blockbuster films like Lord of the Rings and Planet of the Apes, bringing beloved characters...

George Takei

88 Years Old

Iconic actor and social media sensation, best known for his role as Sulu in the Star Trek franchise and his humorous online presence.

Luther Vandross

Died in 2005, aged 54

Soulful voice behind iconic love songs and duets, crafting romantic ballads that topped charts and won numerous Grammys.

Tito Puente

Died in 2000, aged 77

A legendary percussionist and producer who popularized Latin jazz and salsa music, blending rhythms and styles to create an iconic sound.

Harold Lloyd

Died in 1971, aged 77

Pioneering silent film star and stunt master, known for performing daring physical comedy and iconic scenes, such as hanging from a clock tower.

David Filo

59 Years Old

Co-founder of Yahoo!, a pioneer in the internet and search engine industry, revolutionizing the way people access information online.

Carmen Electra

53 Years Old

A model and actress who gained fame in the 1990s with her appearances in Playboy magazine and roles in films like "Scary Movie" and "Baywatch", known for her provocative style and ...

Svante Pääbo

70 Years Old

A pioneering geneticist who sequenced ancient DNA, including Neanderthals and Denisovans, revealing human evolution and migration secrets.

Don Mattingly

64 Years Old

A legendary baseball player and manager, known for his impressive playing career with the New York Yankees and later managing the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Events from History on April 20:
5 years ago
Derek Chauvin found guilty of murdering George Floyd (Hennepin County Government Center, 300 South 6th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55487, USA) 2021
In a historic verdict, the Minneapolis courtroom erupted in a mix of emotions as former police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all three charges - second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and manslaughter - for the senseless killing of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American man. The graphic footage of Floyd's brutal arrest, where Chauvin knelt on his neck for nine minutes and twenty-nine seconds, sparked global outrage and ignited the Black Lives Matter movement. As the jury delivered the verdict, tears of relief fell from the faces of Floyd's family and supporters, marking a rare instance of accountability for police brutality. This monumental moment brings hope for systemic change and justice for the countless lives lost to racial violence.
128 years ago
President McKinley Declares War on Spain (Washington, D.C.) 1898
Tensions had been simmering between the United States and Spain for years, and on this fateful day, President William McKinley took the decisive step, signing a joint resolution to Congress, officially declaring war on Spain. This bold move marked the beginning of the Spanish-American War, a conflict that would have far-reaching consequences, shaping the fate of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines, while cementing the United States' emergence as a global superpower.
80 years ago
League of Nations dissolves, UN takes over (Geneva, Switzerland) 1946
The curtain closed on the League of Nations, a pioneering international organization, as it formally dissolved, transferring its responsibilities to the United Nations. Born out of the Treaty of Versailles after World War I, the League, despite its noble goals, struggled to prevent the Second World War. With its demise, the UN, established in 1945, became the new global authority, inheriting the League's assets, staff, and ideals. As the UN rose to prominence, the world embarked on a new era of international cooperation, marking a significant shift in global governance.
251 years ago
British forces occupy Boston, starting a 11-month siege (Boston, Massachusetts, USA) 1775
British redcoats, still reeling from their defeats at Lexington and Concord, regrouped and occupied Boston, marking the beginning of a grueling 11-month siege. General William Howe and 4,000 troops fortified the city, while American patriots, led by Artemas Ward, blockaded the city, cutting off supplies and escape routes. As the standoff dragged on, the Continental Army, bolstered by fresh recruits and supplies, began to encircle the city, slowly squeezing the British grip. This pivotal standoff would last until March 1776, when the British finally retreated, leaving behind a city in shambles and a rebellious spirit that would fuel the Revolution.
217 years ago
Napoleon defeats Austrian army at Abensberg (Abensberg, Bavaria, Germany) 1809
French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte masterminded a stunning four-day campaign in Bavaria, culminating in the decisive Battle of Abensberg on April 20, 1809. His military genius was on full display as he outmaneuvered and defeated two Austrian army corps, demonstrating his unparalleled strategic prowess. Napoleon's astute tactics and clever use of reserves caught the Austrians off guard, resulting in a crushing defeat that set the tone for the remainder of the campaign.
27 years ago
Two high school seniors wreak havoc on their classmates (Columbine High School, Columbine, Colorado, USA) 1999
Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, two seniors at Columbine High School, orchestrated a meticulously planned attack on their own school. With a cache of homemade explosives, firearms, and a twisted sense of revenge, they unleashed a terrorizing assault on their classmates, killing 13 and injuring 24 before taking their own lives. The horrific event sent shockwaves nationwide, raising fundamental questions about gun control, mental health, and the darker aspects of adolescent angst.
Notable Deaths on April 20:
2018Avicii Global DJ and electronic music pioneer
1912Bram Stoker Creator of the iconic character Count Dracula and literary mastermind
2024Roman Gabriel American footballer who played in the NFL and NBA
1992Benny Hill Legendary British comedian beloved for his witty humor
1999Cassie Bernall Tragic victim of a school shooting, leaving a lasting impact
1999Rachel Scott Tragic victim of a school shooting, inspiring courage
2010Dorothy Height Trailblazing American educator and civil rights activist
2016Victoria Wood Beloved British comedian, actress, and writer, known for her wit
2011Tim Hetherington Acclaimed English photographer and war correspondent
1993Cantinflas Mexican screen sensation with a treasure trove of film credits
2012Bert Weedon Influential English guitarist and songwriter in rock music
1999Rick Rude Charismatic American wrestler with unforgettable stage presence
2002Alan Dale Sultry American singer with a voice of golden honey
1992Marjorie Gestring Record-breaking springboard diver known for thrilling performances
1947Christian X of Denmark Determined and dedicated king of Denmark
2024Lourdes Portillo Mexican cinema pioneer renowned for innovative storytelling
2001Giuseppe Sinopoli Conductor and composer renowned for his masterful performances
1991Steve Marriott Talented English singer-songwriter with a bold musical style
2021Monte Hellman American film director known for his work in the horror genre
1982Archibald MacLeish Award-winning American poet, playwright, and lawyer