April Fools’ Day
April Fools' Day on 1 April is a long-standing custom of practical jokes and hoaxes, marked in the UK, the US and many other countries.
- UK
- USA
- Ireland (not marked)
- Canada (not marked)
- Australia (not marked)
- New Zealand (not marked)
- UAE and Gulf (not marked)
- International
About the day
April Fools' Day falls on 1 April. Its exact origins are unknown, and the earliest British reference comes from John Aubrey in 1686.
In the UK, tradition says pranks should stop at noon. Media outlets often run spoof stories, and one of the best known is the 1957 BBC Panorama film of a spaghetti harvest in Switzerland.
It suits consumer brands, retailers, media and publishers, marketing agencies, food and drink firms and entertainment businesses with a light-hearted voice.
Dates for the next three years
| Year | Date | Where | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Thursday 1 April 2027 | UK, USA, International | Same date every year |
| 2028 | Saturday 1 April 2028 | UK, USA, International | Same date every year |
| 2029 | Sunday 1 April 2029 | UK, USA, International | Same date every year |
Sectors this day suits
Types of business that could link their activity to this day.
- Consumer brands
- Retail
- Media and publishing
- Marketing and advertising
- Food and drink
- Entertainment
Questions and answers
When is April Fools’ Day 2027?
April Fools’ Day 2027 is on Thursday 1 April 2027. It falls on the same date every year.
Who organises April Fools’ Day?
April Fools’ Day has no single organiser. Many organisations mark it independently.
Where is April Fools’ Day marked?
April Fools’ Day is marked in the UK and the USA, and internationally.
Where do these details come from?
We checked these details against two sources, including Britannica: April Fools' Day. They were last checked on 28 October 2026.
Where this information comes from
Spotted a mistake? If you run this day, claim it to correct it.