International Repair Day

October 18, Saturday

International Repair Day is a holiday dedicated to the idea of extending the lifespan of things and promoting conscious consumption. Its goal is to remind people that a breakdown does not always mean the end of use, and that many items can be restored, repaired, and reused.

Date of celebration
International Repair Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday of October.

History of the holiday
The holiday was established in 2017 by the international initiative “Open Repair Alliance” — an alliance of organizations promoting the culture of repair and combating overconsumption. Its idea originated from the “Repair Café” movement, which began in the Netherlands in 2009. People gathered together to repair household items for free — from clothes to electronics — sharing tools, experience, and knowledge.

Main goals of International Repair Day
• Reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.
• Support the reuse economy.
• Raise awareness about the possibility of self-repair.
• Encourage cooperation between people — craftsmen, engineers, activists, and ordinary users.

How the holiday is celebrated
Various themed events are held around the world:
• Workshops and “Repair Cafés” where things can be repaired for free.
• Educational lectures about the “right to repair” and sustainable consumption.
• Exchanges of parts, tools, and repair advice.
• Social media campaigns where participants share stories of successful repairs.

Interesting facts
• One of the symbols of the holiday is the screwdriver — a sign of skill and careful attitude toward things.
• Many European countries have already legally recognized the so-called “right to repair,” requiring manufacturers to provide spare parts and manuals.
• On this day, movements against planned obsolescence are actively supported.

Idea of the holiday
The main message of International Repair Day is to show that caring for things and extending their life not only saves resources but also helps preserve the environment. The holiday inspires people to be more mindful of their consumption and to choose a sustainable path — to repair, not discard.

International Repair Day – days left: 2. Create Countdown to Event

International Repair Day in other years

2023 October 20, Friday
2024 October 19, Saturday
2026 October 17, Saturday

International Repair Day in other countries