Awareness Days & Cultural Calendar For January 2027

January 2027 is a clean slate. It’s a chance to set the tone for the year with campaigns, cultural observances, and global events. From Veganuary and Dry January to mentoring initiatives, Burns Night, and Holocaust Memorial Day, this month blends wellbeing, history, and creativity. Sport also kicks off the year at pace, with the Australian Open starting mid-January and the Six Nations beginning at the end of the month. Here’s PepTalk’s guide to the cultural highlights of January 2027.

Cultural Calendar: January 2027

January 2027 – Month-long Observances

Veganuary | January 2027
A global campaign encouraging people to try veganism for the month, spotlighting health, environmental, and ethical impact.

Dry January | January 2027
A month-long challenge to abstain from alcohol, focused on mental clarity, physical health, and resetting habits.

National Mentoring Month (US) | January 2027
Celebrates the impact of mentoring across schools, workplaces, and communities, with events designed to inspire connection and guidance.

January 2027 – Key Dates

World Introvert Day | 2 January 2027
Recognises the strengths of introverts and the value of reflection, deep focus, and thoughtful leadership.

World Braille Day | 4 January 2027
A UN observance marking Louis Braille’s birthday and promoting accessibility and inclusion for blind and partially sighted people. Explore our motivational speakers representing the blind community.

Korean American Day (US) | 13 January 2027
Honours the contributions of Korean Americans and commemorates the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States.

International Mentoring Day | 17 January 2027
Part of National Mentoring Month, celebrating the power of guidance and role models in shaping careers and confidence.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (US) | 18 January 2027
Observed on the third Monday of January, recognising Dr King’s leadership in the civil rights movement and his legacy of equality and justice.

Blue Monday | 18 January 2027
Often described as the most challenging day of the year. While not scientifically recognised, it prompts useful conversations around winter wellbeing and mental health.

International Day of Education | 24 January 2027
A UN day highlighting education as a driver of peace, equality, and sustainable development.

Burns Night (Scotland) | 25 January 2027
A celebration of poet Robert Burns, marked with traditional suppers, readings, and music.

International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust | 27 January 2027
Marks the 1945 liberation of Auschwitz, honouring Holocaust victims and reinforcing the importance of remembrance and education.

National Storytelling Week (UK) | 30 January – 5 February 2027 TBC
Celebrates storytelling as a powerful way to share ideas, build culture, and connect communities.

International LEGO Day | 28 January 2027
Marks the 1958 patent of the LEGO brick, now used worldwide to foster creativity and problem-solving.

January 2027 – Sporting Highlights

Australian Open | 18 – 31 January 2027
The first tennis Grand Slam of the season, played in Melbourne and watched globally.

Six Nations (Rugby Union) kicks off | 30 January 2027
Europe’s premier rugby championship begins, featuring England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales. Check out our top rugby and after-dinner speakers.

Book an awareness day speaker

Want to mark one of these moments with an expert speaker? Email bookings@getapeptalk.com or call +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US). We’ll send a tailored shortlist and a clear quote.