Oddfellows Friendship Month – Sep. 1, 2026

Oddfellows Friendship Month
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Awareness
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International
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Every September
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Oddfellows Friendship Month celebrates the invaluable bonds of companionship throughout September. This month serves as a global reminder to cherish existing friendships, rekindle lost connections, and actively seek out new ones. Engage in activities that strengthen your social circle and appreciate the comfort and joy friends bring.

Want to sponsor Oddfellows Friendship Month? Learn how

Expected Oddfellows Friendship Month Deals

While Oddfellows Friendship Month isn’t typically associated with widespread commercial deals, businesses can participate by fostering community and connection. Local cafes might offer ‘friendship discounts’ for groups, while bookstores could host themed reading events. Community centers and non-profits may organize social gatherings or workshops focused on building relationships. Look for local businesses to promote initiatives that encourage shared experiences and strengthen social bonds throughout September. We will update this page with confirmed live events and programs as September approaches.

Platform Guide for Oddfellows Friendship Month

LinkedIn

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #FriendshipMonth. Share professional networking tips or stories of workplace camaraderie.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #FriendshipMonth. Share stories of community friendship or organize local group events.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #FriendshipMonth. Post photos or reels celebrating your friendships, highlighting shared moments and positive messages.

Social Media Tips for Oddfellows Friendship Month

Individuals

Reach out to a friend you haven't spoken to in a while, or plan a special outing with your closest companions. Make new connections by joining a local club or volunteer group.

Creators

Produce content showcasing the importance of friendship: interview friends about their bond, share tips for nurturing relationships, or create a series on making new friends as an adult.

Brands

Launch a campaign encouraging customers to share stories of friendship using a branded hashtag. Partner with a local charity to host a community-building event or offer 'buy one, get one for a friend' promotions.

Partners & Brands for Oddfellows Friendship Month

  1. Oddfellows

    The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) is one of the oldest and largest fraternal organizations globally, dedicated to promoting friendship, love, and truth. Founded in 18th-century England, it provides community service and mutual support to members.

  2. Meetup

    Founded in 2002, Meetup is an online service used to organize groups that host in-person and virtual events for people with similar interests. It helps individuals find and build communities based on shared hobbies, professions, or causes.

  3. Bumble For Friends (BFF)

    An extension of the popular dating app Bumble, Bumble For Friends (BFF) launched in 2016 specifically to help people find platonic friendships. It allows users to connect with others who share similar interests and intentions for building non-romantic relationships.

  4. Starbucks

    Founded in Seattle in 1971, Starbucks is the world's largest coffeehouse chain. It has become a ubiquitous 'third place' for people to gather outside of home and work, fostering countless friendships over coffee and conversation.

  5. Hallmark

    Founded in 1910 by Joyce Hall, Hallmark is a leading manufacturer of greeting cards and gifts. The company plays a significant role in helping people express their appreciation and love for friends through thoughtful cards and personalized gifts.

  6. YMCA/YWCA

    The Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) and Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) are global community organizations founded in the mid-19th century. They promote healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility, providing spaces for people of all ages to connect and build friendships.

  7. Local Libraries

    Public libraries serve as vital community hubs, offering free access to resources, programs, and events that bring people together. They foster friendship through book clubs, workshops, and shared learning experiences, promoting social connection and intellectual growth.

Oddfellows Friendship Month Hero

Thomas Wildey

Thomas Wildey (1782–1861) is credited with founding the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) in North America. An English immigrant, he established the first lodge in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1819, bringing the tradition of mutual aid and fellowship to the United States. His vision laid the groundwork for a fraternal organization dedicated to charity, friendship, and community support, which continues to thrive globally.

History of Oddfellows Friendship Month

Oddfellows Friendship Month, also known as Friendship Month, has been celebrated by the Oddfellows for more than 200 years! The month aims to bring people together to enjoy the brighter side of life. This is also the time to honor friendships and finally reach out to old friends with whom you have been meaning to reconnect for a long time.

But the Oddfellows? The Oddfellows are officially known as The Grand United Order of Oddfellows Friendly Society (G.U.O.O.F.S.) — that’s a mouthful! G.U.O.O.F.S. is an international fraternity that is believed to have been established in 1730s England with the mission of encouraging people to make friends. Odd Fellows came up with the idea of Friendship Month to bring people together and help people fight loneliness. That’s a noble pursuit considering how lonely life can be, especially in modern life where we are so caught up in our work and other worries. Probably this is why the Oddfellows have been thriving since the 1730s — friendships have always been important and these social ties can make us feel more rooted.

Friendship is at the very heart of human existence. Loneliness is a growing problem everywhere in the world. Research shows how more and more people, including your people, are lonely. Oddfellows Friendship Month is one way in which we can help in bringing communities closer together, and provide ways for people of all ages to socialize and make them feel loved. Throughout this month, take out some time to spend with your friends and show them how loved they are.

Oddfellows Friendship Month timeline

1985
Calvin and Hobbes

Cartoon strips on two friends, Calvin and Hobbes.

1976
You Are My Best Friend

Queen’s popular song is released.

1986
Stand by Me

A popular movie about schoolboys is released.

1994
“FRIENDS”

America’s most popular sitcom premiers.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Oddfellows Friendship Month

Local businesses can celebrate Oddfellows Friendship Month by creating opportunities for connection and community engagement. Coffee shops and restaurants could offer special ‘friendship combo’ deals or host themed trivia nights that encourage group participation. Bookstores might organize book clubs or author talks, fostering shared interests among patrons. Service-based businesses could partner with local community centers to sponsor events that bring people together, emphasizing the value of social bonds.

Oddfellows Friendship Month FAQs

When is Oddfellows Friendship Month?

Oddfellows Friendship Month runs throughout September 2026, dedicating the entire month to celebrating the vital role of companionship in our lives. It’s a perfect time to nurture your social connections.

How many people value friendship?

Studies consistently show that a vast majority of people, often over 90%, consider friendship to be extremely important for their happiness and well-being. This highlights the universal human need for connection.

How does friendship impact well-being?

Friendship significantly boosts mental and physical well-being, reducing stress, improving mood, and even extending lifespan by providing emotional support and a sense of belonging. Strong social ties are crucial for health.

What are the Oddfellows?

The Oddfellows are one of the oldest and largest fraternal organizations in the world, originating in 18th-century England. They are dedicated to promoting friendship, love, and truth through community service and mutual support.

Oddfellows Friendship Month Activities

  1. Tell your friends how much you love them

    There is no better way to kickstart Oddfellows Friendship Month than by telling your friends how much you love them. Send them a text message, give them a phone call, or write them a heartfelt note.

  2. Visit an old age home

    The elderly are often lonely. You can spread the joys of Oddfellows Friendship Month by visiting a hospital or an old age home and spending time with the elderly. You'll be surprised at what a fantastic company they are!

  3. Make new friends

    Old friendships are often a source of pride. But what about making new friends? Celebrate Oddfellows Friendship Month by making new friends—meet an online friend, befriend the person you pass on your way to work every day; there are so many people waiting to be your friend!

5 Facts About Friendships

  1. Animals can form friendships outside species

    That explains the love that our pets have for us.

  2. Not all friendships last

    Only one out of twelve friendships last a lifetime.

  3. Friendships prolong life

    Elderly people who have strong friendships live 22% longer.

  4. You may share D.N.A. with your friends.

    However, the chances are very slim — only about 1%.

  5. Friends influence our health

    We are more likely to lead a healthier lifestyle if our friends do too.

Why We Love Oddfellows Friendship Month

  1. Friendships are so important

    Oddfellows Friendship Month celebrates some of the most important ties of our lives. Friendships are important not just for having fun but also so you have support during tough times.

  2. It brings the community closer

    Oddfellows Friendship Month encourages us to reconnect with old friends and make new friends. This brings our communities closer and helps us rely on each other. This can really help build a society that is kind and empathetic.

  3. Because we love our friends

    The simplest reason to celebrate Oddfellows Friendship Month is because we love our friends. They make us happy, offer support, and have our back on bad days. Our lives are better because of our friends.

Oddfellows Friendship Month dates

Year Date Day
2026 September 1 Tuesday
2027 September 1 Wednesday
2028 September 1 Friday
2029 September 1 Saturday
2030 September 1 Sunday