Upcoming Events
and Holidays
See an interfaith program missing below? Submit your event here and we’ll look at adding it to our calendar!
Ridván
Ridván is the holiest festival in the Bahá’í Faith, commemorating the 12 days in 1863 when Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the faith, declared his mission as God's messenger in the Garden of Ridván. Celebrated with prayers, community gatherings, and reflection, it emphasizes themes of renewal, unity, and spiritual transformation.
Lag BaOmer
Lag BaOmer is a joyful Jewish holiday celebrated on the 33rd day of the Omer, the period between Passover and Shavuot. It commemorates the end of a plague among Rabbi Akiva’s students and honors the life and teachings of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. Traditions include lighting bonfires, outdoor gatherings, dancing, and songs.
Feast of the Ascension
The Feast of the Ascension is a Christian holiday that commemorates Jesus Christ’s ascent into heaven forty days after his resurrection (though some celebrate it the Sunday after the forty days). It is based on events described in the New Testament, particularly in the Acts of the Apostles. Many Christians celebrate it with church services, prayers, and hymns that focus on Jesus’ return to heaven and his promise to send the Holy Spirit.
Shavuot
Shavuot is a Jewish holiday that marks the giving of the Torah to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. It takes place seven weeks after Passover and also celebrates the ancient grain harvest in Israel. Many people observe it by studying Torah, reading the Book of Ruth, attending synagogue services, and enjoying dairy foods.
Declaration of the Bab
The Declaration of the Báb is a significant Bahá'í holy day commemorating the moment in 1844 when the Báb announced His role as the herald of a new divine messenger, Bahá’u’lláh. Observed with prayers, storytelling, and reflection, the day celebrates themes of spiritual awakening, renewal, and the beginning of the Bahá'í Faith.
Pentecost
Pentecost is a Christian holy day that occurs 50 days after Easter and commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles of Jesus Christ. According to the New Testament book of Acts, the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in different languages, enabling them to spread Jesus’s teachings to diverse peoples. It is often considered the beginning of the apostles’ public ministry and global mission.
Buddha's Birthday
Buddha’s Birthday commemorates the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha. Celebrated on different dates across Buddhist cultures (often in April or May), it blends joyful festivity with reflection on the Buddha’s teachings of compassion, wisdom, and liberation from suffering. Observances commonly include temple visits, lantern displays, chanting, charitable acts, and the symbolic bathing of Buddha statues, expressing both reverence and a renewal of personal spiritual commitment.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha is an Islamic holiday that commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. It is observed annually during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. The holiday includes communal prayers, the ritual sacrifice of livestock, and the distribution of meat to family members, friends, and those in need.
Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh
The Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh is a sacred Bahá’í holy day commemorating the passing of Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, on May 29, 1892. Observed with prayers and reflective gatherings, it honors His life, teachings of unity and peace, and His spiritual legacy for humanity.
Trinity Sunday
Trinity Sunday is a Christian feast celebrating the doctrine of the Holy Trinity—God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Observed on the Sunday after Pentecost, it is a day of reflection on the mystery of God’s triune nature and His presence in the world.
Corpus Christi Sunday
Corpus Christi Sunday is a Christian feast celebrating the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. Observed with special Masses, processions, and adoration, it is a day of devotion and gratitude for the sacrament of Holy Communion.
Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a Christian feast honoring Jesus’ deep and boundless love for humanity, symbolized by His heart. Celebrated on the Friday after Corpus Christi, it is observed with special prayers, Masses, and acts of devotion emphasizing Christ’s mercy and compassion.
Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Sahib
The Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Sahib commemorates the sacrifice of the fifth Sikh Guru, who was tortured and executed in 1606 under the orders of the Mughal emperor Jahangir. Remembered for his unwavering faith, Guru Arjan compiled the Adi Granth and emphasized selfless service, justice, and devotion to God.
Al-Hijra (Islamic New Year)
The Islamic New Year marks the beginning of a new year in the Islamic lunar calendar. It commemorates the Hijrah, the migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, which marks the start of the Islamic calendar. Many Muslims observe the day with prayer, reflection, and remembrance rather than large celebrations.
Litha
Litha, also called Midsummer or the Summer Solstice, is a pagan holiday celebrating the longest day of the year, typically between June 20th-22nd in the Northern Hemisphere. It honors the sun at its peak, symbolizing light, growth, fertility, and abundance. Traditions often include bonfires, feasting, and rituals to harness solar energy and celebrate nature’s vitality.
Nativity of St. John the Baptist
The Nativity of St. John the Baptist is a Christian feast celebrating the birth of John the Baptist, the prophet who prepared the way for Jesus Christ. Observed on June 24, it honors his role in calling people to repentance and his significance in salvation history.
Ashura
Ashura, observed on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram, holds distinct yet overlapping meanings within Islam. For Sunni Muslims, it typically commemorates the day God saved Moses and the Israelites from Pharaoh, and it is often marked by voluntary fasting. For Shiʿa Muslims, however, it is a solemn day of mourning for the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE.
Feast of Saints Peter and Paul
The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul is a Christian celebration honoring the martyrdom and spiritual legacy of St. Peter, the first pope, and St. Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles. Observed on June 29, it commemorates their foundational roles in spreading Christianity and strengthening the early Church.
Gahambar Maidyoshem
Gahambar Maidyoshem is one of the six seasonal festivals in Zoroastrianism, observed in late spring and associated with the creation of the sky in Zoroastrian cosmology. It expresses gratitude for the natural world as a sacred and ordered creation, emphasizing harmony between humanity and the environment. The festival is marked by communal meals and acts of generosity, highlighting values of equality, charity, and shared responsibility within the community.
Martyrdom of the Bab
The Martyrdom of the Báb is a solemn Bahá’í holy day commemorating the execution of the Báb, the forerunner of Bahá’u’lláh, in Tabriz, Persia, on July 9, 1850. Observed with prayers and reflection, it honors his sacrifice and the resilience of his message, which paved the way for the Bahá’í Faith.
Tisha B’av
Tisha B’av is a solemn Jewish fast day that commemorates the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, along with other tragedies in Jewish history. It is observed with a 25-hour fast, mourning rituals, the reading of the Book of Lamentations, and sitting on the floor or low stools in grief. The day reflects themes of loss, exile, and the hope for future redemption and rebuilding.
The Birthday of Haile Selassie
The Birthday of Haile Selassie is observed on July 23 and holds deep significance especially within Rastafari, where he is revered as a central spiritual figure. For many, the day is a time to honor his legacy as emperor of Ethiopia and as a symbol of dignity, resistance to colonialism, and African unity. Observances often include gatherings, music, prayer, and reflection, while recognizing the diverse perspectives surrounding his historical and spiritual role.
Pioneer Day
Pioneer Day is observed on July 24 to commemorate the 1847 arrival of Latter-day Saint pioneers led by Brigham Young in the Salt Lake Valley. For many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is a time to honor faith, perseverance, and community-building in the face of displacement and hardship. At the same time, contemporary observances often acknowledge the complex history of westward expansion, including its impact on Indigenous peoples, encouraging reflection alongside celebration.
Dharma Day (Asalha Puja)
Dharma Day (Asalha Puja) is a significant festival in Buddhism that commemorates the First Sermon of the Buddha, when Siddhartha Gautama first taught the path to enlightenment. Observed on the full moon of the lunar month of Asalha, it marks the beginning of the Buddhist teaching tradition and the formation of the monastic community (Sangha). The day is often honored through temple visits, meditation, and acts of generosity, emphasizing reflection on the Dharma and the importance of ethical living.
Vesak
Vesak, also known as Buddha Day, is the most significant Buddhist festival, commemorating the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. Celebrated with prayers, meditation, acts of kindness, and community gatherings, it honors the Buddha’s teachings of compassion, wisdom, and the path to enlightenment.
Beltane
Beltane is a traditional Gaelic festival celebrating the height of spring and the coming of summer, associated with fertility, vitality, and abundance. It is commonly marked with bonfires, dancing, and rituals honoring growth, sexuality, and the flourishing of the natural world. While often celebrated on May 1 (or the eve of April 30), the exact timing is debated, with some observing it as a cross-quarter day or at the full moon nearest the start of May.
Vaisakhi
Vaisakhi (or Baisakhi) is a significant Sikh and Punjabi festival marking the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 and the harvest season in Punjab. Celebrated with prayers, processions, and community gatherings, it is a time of spiritual renewal, gratitude, and cultural festivities.
Pascha/Easter (Orthodox)
Easter is a major Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, symbolizing hope, renewal, and victory over sin and death. Observed with joyful church services, festive meals, and cultural traditions like egg hunts, it marks the culmination of Holy Week and the promise of new life.
Good Friday (Orthodox)
Good Friday is a Christian observance commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his sacrifice for humanity’s redemption. It is a solemn day of prayer, reflection, and fasting, marked by church services, scripture readings, and reenactments of the Passion.
Easter
Easter is a major Christian holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, symbolizing hope, renewal, and victory over sin and death. Observed with joyful church services, festive meals, and cultural traditions like egg hunts, it marks the culmination of Holy Week and the promise of new life.
Palm Sunday (Orthodox)
Palm Sunday is a Christian holy day that commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, when crowds greeted him by laying palm branches on the road. It is celebrated on the Sunday before Easter and marks the beginning of Holy Week, the period that recalls the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Many churches observe the day with processions or the distribution of palm branches.
Good Friday
Good Friday is a Christian observance commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his sacrifice for humanity’s redemption. It is a solemn day of prayer, reflection, and fasting, marked by church services, scripture readings, and reenactments of the Passion.
Holy Thursday
Holy Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples before his crucifixion. Observed during Holy Week, it is a day of reflection on Jesus’ teachings of love and service, often marked by church services, foot-washing rituals, and the Eucharist.
The Memorial of Jesus' Death
The Memorial of Jesus’ Death is the most important annual observance for Jehovah’s Witnesses. Held once a year on the date corresponding to Nisan 14 of the biblical calendar, it commemorates the death of Jesus Christ and his sacrificial ransom for humanity. The event, typically occurring for one hour sometime after sunset, includes hymns, talks, prayers, and the passing of unleavened bread and wine as emblems of Jesus’ body and blood.
Passover
Passover (Pesach) is a Jewish holiday commemorating the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt, as told in the Book of Exodus. It is observed with the Seder meal, the retelling of the Exodus story, and the avoidance of leavened bread to honor themes of freedom, resilience, and faith.
Mahavir Jayanti
Mahavir Jayanti is a Jain festival celebrating the birth of Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara and a central teacher of Jainism. Devotees mark the day with prayers, processions, readings of Mahavira’s teachings, and acts of charity, reflecting his emphasis on nonviolence (ahimsa), truth, and compassion. The festival honors Mahavira’s life and the ethical principles that guide Jain practice.
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday is a Christian holy day that commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, when crowds greeted him by laying palm branches on the road. It is celebrated on the Sunday before Easter and marks the beginning of Holy Week, the period that recalls the events leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Many churches observe the day with processions or the distribution of palm branches.
Rama Navami
Rama Navami is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, a central figure in the epic Ramayana and an incarnation of the god Vishnu. It is observed on the ninth day of the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra, usually in March or April, and is marked by temple worship, recitations of the Ramayana, and devotional singing. Many devotees also fast or participate in processions and community celebrations.
Feast of the Annunciation
The Feast of the Annunciation is a Christian holy day commemorating the announcement by the angel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive and give birth to Jesus. It highlights themes of divine incarnation, obedience, and hope. The day is often observed with special liturgies, prayers, and readings from the Gospel of Luke.
Naw-Rúz
Naw-Rúz (Nowruz) is a Persian cultural and religious holiday celebrated by Shiite Muslims, Baháʼís, and individuals across central Asia, the Balkans, and the Iranian Plateau. Celebrated on the spring equinox it marks the beginning of the New Year and, for Baháʼís, the end of the month-long fast of ‘Alá. It is a joyful holy day observed with prayers, festive meals, and gatherings with family and community. Naw-Rúz symbolizes spiritual renewal, new beginnings, and gratitude.
Ostara
Ostara is a modern Pagan and Wiccan festival celebrated around the spring equinox, marking the balance of day and night and the return of longer days. It honors themes of renewal, fertility, and growth, often symbolized by eggs, seeds, and spring flowers. Many who observe Ostara celebrate by spending time in nature, planting, or performing rituals that welcome the new season.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr is an Islamic festival that marks the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. It begins with a special communal prayer and is celebrated with meals, visiting family and friends, giving gifts, and acts of charity, especially the required alms (zakat al-fitr) given to those in need. The holiday emphasizes gratitude, generosity, and the renewal of community bonds.
Laylat al-Qadr
Laylat al-Qadr, or the “Night of Power,” is an Islamic observance during the last ten nights of Ramadan that commemorates the first revelation of the Qur'an to the Prophet Muhammad. It is considered the holiest night of the year, when prayers, charity, and acts of devotion are believed to carry especially great spiritual reward. The exact date is debated; many traditions observe it on the 27th night of Ramadan, but others hold that its precise timing is unknown and may fall on any of the last ten nights.
Shri Ramakrishna Jayanti
Shri Ramakrishna Jayanti honors the birth anniversary of Shri Ramakrishna, a revered 19th-century Hindu mystic and spiritual leader. Celebrated with prayers, devotional songs, and reflections on his teachings, the day highlights his message of divine love, universal harmony, and the unity of all religions.
Hola Mohalla
Hola Mohalla is a Sikh festival founded by Guru Gobind Singh as a time for the Sikh community to gather, demonstrate martial skills, and strengthen spiritual discipline. It is especially associated with Anandpur Sahib, where participants take part in processions, mock battles, devotional singing, and communal meals (langar). The festival emphasizes courage, community, and the Sikh ideals of readiness and service.
Holi
Holi is a Hindu festival, often called the “Festival of Colors,” that celebrates the arrival of spring, the victory of good over evil, and the renewal of relationships. It is marked by public gatherings where people throw colored powders, share food and sweets, and visit friends and family. Holi recalls stories such as the triumph of Prahlad over his evil aunt, Holika, as well as the love story of Radha and Krishna.
Purim
Purim is a joyous Jewish holiday that commemorates the survival of the Jewish people from Haman’s plot to destroy them, as told in the Book of Esther. It is celebrated with festive meals, reading the Megillah, giving gifts to friends and the needy, and dressing in costumes to embrace themes of hidden miracles and resilience.
Ayyám-i-Há
Ayyám-i-Há is a Baháʼí festival of four or five intercalary days that take place before the fasting month of ‘Alá in the Baháʼí calendar. It is a time dedicated to generosity, hospitality, charity, and preparing spiritually for the fast, often celebrated with gatherings, gift-giving, and acts of service. The days emphasize joy, community, and care for others as expressions of Baháʼí teachings.
Clean Monday
Clean Monday is the first day of Great Lent in the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition and marks the beginning of a period of fasting and spiritual renewal. It is traditionally observed with special prayers, strict fasting, and symbolic acts of purification, emphasizing repentance and preparation for the celebration of Pascha (Easter).
Lent
Beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending at sundown on Holy Thursday, Lent is a 40-day period devoted to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. It invites Christians to prepare their hearts for the celebration of the Lord’s Resurrection at Easter. Common practices include fasting on designated days, simplifying daily routines, and intentionally serving others.
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent in the Christian tradition, a period of 40 days of fasting, prayer, and repentance leading up to Easter. It is observed by receiving ashes on the forehead as a symbol of humility, mortality, and the call to spiritual renewal.
Losar
Losar is the Tibetan Buddhist New Year festival, marking the beginning of the lunar calendar year and celebrating renewal, purification, and good fortune. It is observed with prayers, rituals to dispel negative energies, family gatherings, traditional foods, and cultural performances that honor both spiritual and community life.
Ramadan
Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam, observed by Muslims worldwide through fasting from dawn to sunset, prayer, reflection, and acts of charity. It commemorates the revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad and emphasizes spiritual growth, self-discipline, and community.
Maha Shivaratri
Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, observed through night-long worship, fasting, and meditation to honor his divine power and grace. Celebrated with devotion, it symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and the pursuit of spiritual awakening.