By October 1, 2026
As crisp, cooler weather prevails, October brings opportunities to celebrate culture and history, focus on health and well-being, and connect with communities across the Puget Sound. This month also includes a major milestone close to home as we celebrate the grand opening of Verity’s newest branch in Rainier Valley.
Here are a few observances, events, and community celebrations you can get involved with in October.
Month-long Observances & Celebrations
Hispanic Heritage Month — September 15 to October 15
National Hispanic Heritage Month continues through October 15, recognizing the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans whose roots trace to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.
The observances begins September 15 and extends into October, as several Latin American countries celebrate independence anniversaries during this period.
Explore locally: The 18th annual Seattle Latino Film Festival runs October 9–17 at venues throughout the region, bringing together filmmakers and audiences through films representing Latin American, Spanish, Portuguese, and Latino stories and experiences.
Explore the Seattle Latino Film Festival
Filipino American History Month
October is Filipino American History Month, a time to recognize Filipino American history, culture, achievements, and contributions. The month commemorates the first recorded presence of Filipinos in what is now the continental United States on October 18, 1587. Filipino American History Month has an especially meaningful connection to our region: the Filipino American National Historical Society, which helped establish the observance, was founded in Seattle in 1982.
Explore locally: The 3rd Annual Filipino American History Month Commemoration takes place Thursday, October 15, from 3–7 p.m. at the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma. Presented with the Filipino American National Historical Society – Greater Puget Sound Chapter, the free event will explore the role of land in generations of Filipino and Filipino American life in Washington through performances, demonstrations, community organizations, and more.
Learn more about the 3rd Annual Filipino American History Month Commemoration
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month has grown from an awareness campaign started in
1985 into a nationwide effort supporting education, research, screening, and people affected by breast cancer. The American Cancer Society encourages people to turn awareness into action through education, screening, volunteering, fundraising, and support.
Get involved locally: The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Seattle walk takes place Saturday, October 10, from 9 a.m.–noon at Pier 62 on the Seattle Waterfront. The premier breast cancer walk in the area, this event brings survivors, caregivers, families, and supporters together while raising funds for American Cancer Society research and support programs. Registration is free.
Register for the Making Strides of Seattle walk
LGBTQ+ History Month
LGBTQ+ History Month is observed throughout October to recognize and learn about the history, achievements, and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other LGBTQ+ people. The observance was founded in 1994, with October selected in part because National Coming Out Day, observed annually on October 11, already takes place during the month.
Explore locally: Seattle Pride will host Pride Speaks: Stories of Art and Culture and LGBTQIA2S+ History on Tuesday, October 27, from 5–8 p.m. at Hugo House. The free event features speakers, performances, local artists, community resources, and opportunities to connect.
Get tickets to Pride Speaks
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
National Disability Employment Awareness Month, or NDEAM, recognizes the skills, talents, and contributions of people with disabilities in workplaces and communities. The U.S. Department of Labor’s 2026 theme, “Celebrating Value and Talent,” highlights the contributions workers with disabilities make to workplaces and the economy.
NDEAM can also be an opportunity for organizations and individuals to learn more about accessibility, inclusive workplaces, and the ways we can help create environments where more people have opportunities to contribute and thrive.
Explore National Disability Employment Awareness Month resources
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Declared by Congress in 1989, Domestic Violence Awareness Month is observed every October, with the aim to bring communities together to raise awareness, uplift survivors, share resources, and support efforts to end domestic violence. The 2026 campaign continues the theme “With Survivors, Always,” with an increased focus on turning awareness into action.
Get involved locally: Seattle-based nonprofit New Beginnings will host its Unbreakable Spirits 2026 fundraiser on Thursday, October 8, from 5:30–8:30 p.m. at Skybound Spirits. Tickets range from free to $75. Proceeds support New Beginnings’ work with survivors of domestic violence.
Learn more about New Beginnings and Unbreakable Spirits
Events and Day Observances
International Day of Non-Violence — October 2
Observed annually on October 2, the International Day of Non-Violence promotes education and public awareness centered on peace, tolerance, understanding, and nonviolence. The date also marks the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, whose philosophy and work helped inspire the observance.
Learn more from the United Nations
World Mental Health Day — October 10
World Mental Health Day creates space for conversation, education, and action around mental health worldwide. The World Health Organization’s 2026 campaign, “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change,” focuses on ensuring people with lived experience have meaningful opportunities to help shape the services and decisions that affect them.
October 5–11 is also Mental Illness Awareness Week, offering additional opportunities to learn, challenge stigma, and connect with mental health resources.
Explore World Mental Health Day
National Coming Out Day — October 11
First observed in 1988, National Coming Out Day is recognized each October 11 as a day to celebrate LGBTQ+ people living openly and to recognize that coming out is a personal experience that looks different for everyone.
Learn more about National Coming Out Day
Indigenous Peoples’ Day — October 12
Indigenous Peoples’ Day honors the histories, cultures, resilience, and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples. In Seattle, Indigenous Peoples’ Day falls on Monday, October 12, in 2026.
Celebrate locally: United Indians of All Tribes Foundation will host an Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration on October 12 from 4–7 p.m. at Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center in Seattle. The gathering includes an art exhibition and reception, community meal, songs, dances, and opportunities to celebrate Indigenous cultures and community.
Learn more Indigenous Peoples' Day celebration in Seattle
International Credit Union Day — October 15
International Credit Union Day is celebrated on the third Thursday of October each year, making Thursday, October 15, the 2026 observance. Credit unions around the world use the day to celebrate the cooperative movement and the members and communities they serve.
This year marks the 78th International Credit Union Day, with the theme “Cooperative Finance: A Steady Signal in a Noisy World.” For Verity, it’s another opportunity to celebrate what makes credit unions different: we’re member-owned, community-focused, and built around helping people and communities thrive.
Learn more about International Credit Union Day
Community Events with Verity
Welcome to Rainier — October 5–16
Our newest branch is opening in Rainier Valley! From October 5–16, stop by Verity’s new Rainier branch at 8825 Rainier Ave. S. in Seattle during our welcome weeks. Meet the team, explore the new space, and learn more about the financial tools, education, and support available in the neighborhood.
Verity Rainier Grand Opening — October 17
On Saturday, October 17, we’re making it official with the Verity Rainier Grand Opening.
Come celebrate our newest branch and the Rainier Valley community we’re proud to become part of. Meet the Verity team, connect with neighbors, explore the branch, and join us as we celebrate this next chapter together.
Keep learning with PWR
Financial education when you need it
You don’t have to wait for a workshop to keep learning. Verity members have access to financial wellness resources, including support from our financial coaching team and GreenPath Financial Wellness.
The information provided on this blog is for general informational and educational purposes only. All content is written in good faith and is intended to be accurate as of the date of publication. However, laws, regulations, industry standards, and best practices may change over time, and information may become outdated.