It is observed on May 25 each year.

How do people celebrate Towel Day?

Towel Day lands on May 25 — host a quick nod with Tech teams, STEM clubs and snap a photo.

Towel Day — Obscure Holiday Calendar

Overview

Towel Day is an annual fan holiday celebrated on May 25th, where enthusiasts of Douglas Adams' "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" carry a towel with them all day to honor the late author. The tradition stems from Adams' iconic advice in his seminal science fiction series, which states that a towel is "about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have." This quirky tribute serves as a way for fans to remember Adams and his enduring literary legacy.

Observed each year on May 25, Towel Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.

Origin and story

It is observed exactly two weeks after Douglas Adams' death on May 11, 2001.

The tradition originated on a fan forum called 'Binary Freedom' shortly after Adams' passing.

Quick facts

DateMay 25
TypeGeek / Tech
Great forTech teams, STEM clubs, Developers

Also on this date

Ways to celebrate

Towel Day lands on May 25 — host a quick nod with Tech teams, STEM clubs and snap a photo.
Host a mini show-and-tell: a gadget, code snippet, or STEM story.
Plan a 10-minute activity that fits the geek / tech vibe and make it a mini tradition.
Share one fast fact about Towel Day: It is observed exactly two weeks after Douglas Adams' death on May 11, 2001.
Write a note or journal entry on why Towel Day matters, then set a reminder for next year.

Fun facts

It is observed exactly two weeks after Douglas Adams' death on May 11, 2001.
The tradition originated on a fan forum called 'Binary Freedom' shortly after Adams' passing.
In *The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy*, a towel is described as having 'immense psychological value' for an interstellar hitchhiker.

Sources and attribution

Source not provided.

Continue to

Yesterday: National Scavenger Hunt DayQuick context from the day before.
Tomorrow: Blueberry Cheesecake DayKeep the streak going with tomorrow's pick.
Random pick: Find a Rainbow DayJump to another surprise holiday.
Popular: Pi DayA fan favorite with broad appeal.

Related holidays

Beverage DayMay 6 - Beverage Day is observed annually on May 6th, a day dedicated to appreciating and enjoying the wide variety of...
Fire DayMay 2 - Fire Day, observed annually on May 2nd, is a day dedicated to acknowledging the multifaceted role of fire in h...
Put a Pillow on Your Fridge DayMay 29 - Put a Pillow on Your Fridge Day is an unofficial, whimsical holiday celebrated annually on May 29th.

FAQ

When is Towel Day?: It is observed on May 25 each year.
What is Towel Day?: Towel Day is an annual fan holiday celebrated on May 25th, where enthusiasts of Douglas Adams' "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" carry a towel with them all day to honor the late author. The tradition stems from Adams' iconic advice in his seminal science fiction series, which states that a towel is "about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have." This quirky tribute serves as a way for fans to remember Adams and his enduring literary legacy.
How do people celebrate Towel Day?: Towel Day lands on May 25 — host a quick nod with Tech teams, STEM clubs and snap a photo.

Get the app

Thousands of obscure holidays, daily widgets, reminders, and fun facts—free on iOS and Android.