Brands using a content calendar quickly learn how this approach builds content marketing success. But coming up with a steady stream of content calendar ideas can be a challenge for even the largest of content marketing teams.
Creating and implementing a calendar helps you plan your content to more precisely meet user needs and desires. It also simplifies producing your content by reducing the overwhelm that feeds rushed production cycles.
However, a strong content calendar requires a multifaceted approach that includes industry awareness, market research, and keyword data. That’s why we’ve created this evergreen guide to seasonally trending topics, national holidays, and events to help inform your content strategy this year and in years to come.
We categorized a master list of keywords by month and season to help you build a winning calendar with strong content that performs for your brand all year.
About this guide to content calendar ideas
Our list is intended to be an evergreen resource you can use yearly. Because the events and national holidays included in this list occur on varying dates from year to year, we’ve omitted actual dates. The information is categorized by month of occurrence and includes:
- Holidays including those recognized by the U.S. government and religious observances
- Other days of observance, including events created by an industry or professional group or more informally
- Topics of interest that occur during specific months or seasons
In this case, it’s best to use these event names as starting points for creating content for that month. But before you build a specific piece around the keyword, use Google to confirm the appropriate dates for that month.
In addition to events and observances, we’ve provided additional keywords that are not directly tied to a particular date or event but which tend to be front of mind for consumers and organizations.
For example, college students will be thinking about spring break in the weeks leading up to the last few weeks in March, although spring break dates will vary from institution to institution.
How to use this trending keyword guide
Begin by browsing through our master content calendar ideas list to brainstorm events, occurrences, and trends that naturally connect to your niche. Then go back for a broader perspective, capturing keywords and events you could creatively tie into your niche.
Next, search for the specific days or dates for each event-specific keyword and make note of the timing so you can schedule your content production cycle accordingly.
For the best results, incorporate these additional five tips in your content planning:
- Know your niche. Every industry has its own customs and recurring events that impact customers’ search and purchasing behavior. Parents tend to shop for back-to-school clothes in August. Families often travel at Thanksgiving and Christmas. These trends help inform seasonal marketing campaigns, including digital content marketing tasks. Be aware of seasonal trends as they relate to your niche and audience.
- Perform keyword research. Based on your knowledge of applicable industry trends, build-out long-tail keywords that capture your prospects’ intentions as precisely as possible. Use keyword research tools to flesh out your list of keywords and tailor them to your niche. Don’t forget to create longer-tail variations on the keywords in this list. For example, “finances” could become “financial tips” or “how to improve my finances.”
- Plan pieces to hit each position on your funnel. These positions outline the path your customers take to complete a purchase—i.e., the buyer’s journey. Each position on the funnel represents a different mindset or intention for your prospect or user.
- Top of funnel (TOFU): At the top of your marketing funnel, users are becoming aware of your brand. This phase is driven by research. Here, users seek information to help them pursue a passion, achieve a goal, or solve a problem. Your content should increase brand awareness and build trust.
- Middle of funnel (MOFU): At the midway point of the funnel, your users are aware of their problem and the type of solution your brand offers. Here, they are looking for specific information, including how your brand differs from the competition. The search terms are longer-tail and may even include specific brand names. They’re still seeking information, but it’s a more specific inquiry.
- Bottom of funnel (BOFU): At the bottom of your funnel, your users are now qualified leads. They are about ready to make a purchase. Your content in response to their search queries should be targeted at giving them the final gentle push they need to commit. At this stage of the funnel, provide your audience with additional incentives such as discounts, free shipping, excellent customer service, and other forms of proof that your company offers them the best options.
- Research competitive pieces. Keyword research tools will also provide links to the top-ranking content for each keyword you’re considering. Use those links to analyze the competition and pinpoint ways your planned content can deliver greater value to your audience.
- Publish soon in the calendar cycle. Your goal should be to get ahead of the majority of competing pieces. Publishing before that search phrase trends will help you crest the wave and ride it to a healthy sales bump. Using our content calendar ideas, schedule a year’s worth of content in advance so you can anticipate each trend in plenty of time to take full advantage of the increase in user interest.
Complete List of Ideas for Your Content Calendar:
Jump to month: Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec
January
With its built-in fresh start of New Year’s Day, it’s no surprise that January trends include topics related to productivity, financial health, organization efforts, and other goal or resolution-oriented subjects.
Month- or Week-Long Observances
- Financial Wellness Month
- Get A Balanced Life Month
- Get Organized Month
- International Creativity Month
- International New Year’s Resolutions Month for Businesses
- International Wealth Mentality Month
- National Be On-Purpose Month
- National Mentoring Month
Events and Days of Observance
- New Year’s Day
- National Buffet Day
- National Motivation and Inspiration Day
- Science Fiction Day
- National Personal Trainer Awareness Day
- World Introvert Day
- National Trivia Day
- National Technology Day
- National Winter Skin Relief Day
- National Vision Board Day
- National Cut Your Energy Costs Day
- Human Trafficking Awareness Day
- Clean Off Your Desk Day
- National Sticker Day
- Public Radio Broadcasting Day
- Organize Your Home Day
- Humanitarian Day
- Korean American Day
- National Hat Day
- Get to Know Your Customers Day
- National Bagel Day
- National Thesaurus Day
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- National Hugging Day
- National Pie Day
- National Compliment Day
- Chinese New Year
- Opposite Day
- National Puzzle Day
- National Croissant Day
- Community Manager Appreciation Day
- Backwards Day
Trending Topics
- Finances
- Getting in shape
- How to start exercising
- Gym
- Self-improvement
- Nutrition
- Diet
- How to stick to resolutions
- Capricorn, (Zodiac)
February
For many U.S. consumers, the big focus of February is the middle-of-the-month observance of Valentine’s Day, which sees a surge of interest in traditional gifts such as jewelry, flowers, and chocolate.
However, the U.S. also observes National Black History Month and American Heart Month. You may also want to build content around holdover interests from January, such as “how to stick to resolutions” or “building willpower,” if those topics can be rationally related to your brand.
Month- or Week-Long Observances
- African-American Cultural Heritage Month
- American Heart Month
- International Month of Black Women in The Arts
- National Black History Month
- National Time Management Month
- National Weddings Month
- National Women Inventors Month
- North American Inclusion Month (NAIM)
- International Networking Week
- African Heritage & Health Week
- Women’s Heart Week
- American Association for The Advancement of Science Week
- Freelance Writer Appreciation Week
- Random Acts of Kindness Week
- National Entrepreneurship Week
Events and Days of Observance
- National Get Up Day
- National Baked Alaska Day
- Groundhog Day
- National Missing Persons Day
- World Wetlands Day
- World Cancer Day
- National Weatherperson’s Day
- National Bubble Gum Day
- National Girls and Women in Sports Day
- National Homemade Soup Day
- National Thank a Mail Carrier Day
- Optimist Day
- Super Bowl
- National Send a Card to a Friend Day
- National Boy Scouts Day
- National Pizza Day
- Safer Internet Day
- Inventors Day
- Self-Love Day
- World Radio Day
- Valentine’s Day
- International Book Giving Day
- Presidents Day
- Mardi Gras
- National Pancake Day
- Random Acts of Kindness Day
- National Battery Day
- World Day of Social Justice
- Love Your Pet Day
- International Mother Language Day
- National Wildlife Day
- Digital Learning Day
- National Floral Design Day
- National Time Refund Day (February 29th – every four years)
Trending Topics
- Dating apps
- Marriage
- How to plan a wedding
- Being single
- Oscars/Academy Awards (usual schedule)
- Pisces, (Zodiac)
March
As winter finally begins to pass in the Northern Hemisphere (sooner for some than others), thoughts begin to turn to spring break for college students and gardening for some adults.
The month of March gets its name from Mars, the Roman god of war. His sons, Romulus and Remus, are related in mythology to the founding of Rome and the Roman Empire.
Month- or Week-Long Observances
- American Red Cross Month
- National Women’s History Month
- Social Work Month
- Spiritual Wellness Month
- Women’s History Month
Events and Days of Observance
- National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day
- Self-Injury Awareness Day
- National Read Across America Day
- World Teen Mental Wellness Day
- World Wildlife Day
- National Grammar Day
- National Hug a G.I. Day
- World Maths Day
- World Book Day
- National Dress in Blue Day
- National Day of Unplugging
- National Employee Appreciation Day
- National Dentist’s Day
- National Cereal Day
- International Women’s Day
- National Proofreading Day
- National Barbie Day
- Organize Your Home Office Day
- Women & Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
- National Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day
- National 311 Day
- National Girl Scout Day
- National Working Moms Day
- Popcorn Lover’s Day
- National Plant a Flower Day
- World Sleep Day
- Potato Chip Day
- Pi Day
- Daylight Savings
- National Everything You Think Is Wrong Day
- National Napping Day
- National Freedom of Information Day
- Everything You Do Is Right Day
- St. Patrick’s Day
- National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day
- Awkward Moments Day
- National Let’s Laugh Day
- International Day of Happiness
- World Storytelling Day
- World Poetry Day
- World Water Day
- National Puppy Day
- Tolkien Reading Day
- National Spinach Day
- Purple Day
- Earth Hour Day
- National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day
- National Vietnam Veterans Day
- Transgender Day of Visibility
Trending Topics
- Spring/vernal equinox (or first day of spring)
- Spring break
- Gardening/how to plan a garden
- Aries, (Zodiac)
- Easter
- Bunny/bunnies
April
Known in the U.S. for shifting weather trends and temperatures and the first blooms in gardens, April is also a month heavy with symbolism. For both Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic/Protestant denominations, Good Friday and Easter typically occur during this month.
(Note that the Muslim commemoration of Ramadan, a month-long period of prayer and fasting, occurs during March and April however, Ramadan is actually based on the Islamic calendar, and as such, the beginning date varies widely in the Western calendar. If you plan on using any content calendar ideas for it, check with authoritative Islamic sources before finalizing your content calendar.)
Month- or Week-Long Observances
- Celebrate Diversity Month
- National Poetry Month
- Stress Awareness Month
Events and Days of Observance
- April Fools Day
- Take Down Tobacco Day of Action
- National Walking Day
- National Ferret Day
- World Autism Awareness Day
- Easter (possibly)
- Find a Rainbow Day
- National Film Score Day
- Hug a Newsperson Day
- National School Librarian Day
- National Read a Road Map Day
- National Flash Drive Day
- First Contact Day
- Gold Star Spouses Day
- World Health Day
- National Siblings Day
- National Cheese Fondue Day
- Encourage a Young Writer Day
- National Pet Day
- National Only Child Day
- International Day of Human Space Flight
- Academy Awards
- Look Up at the Sky Day
- National Tax Day
- Get to Know Your Customers Day
- National High-Five Day
- National Titanic Remembrance Day
- National Stress Awareness Day
- Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day
- National Ellis Island Family History Day
- National Columnists’ Day
- Haiku Poetry Day
- National Oklahoma City Bombing Commemoration Day
- National Look-Alike Day
- National Administrative Professionals Day
- Earth Day
- Take Our Daughters & Sons to Work Day
- National Picnic Day
- World Malaria Day
- Denim Day
- International Dance Day
- National DNA Day
- National Honesty Day
- International Jazz Day
- National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day
- Arbor Day
Trending Topics
- Easter
- learn about poetry
- Taurus, (Zodiac)
- Oscars/Academy Awards (recently held)
- planting flowers
May
Spring gives way to summer weather in May, turning the thoughts of many individuals in the U.S. to warm, sunny vacations on a beach somewhere. Parents may also still be searching for camps and other activities for the kids who are out of school, which typically ends anywhere from the last week of May to the first week of June in the U.S.
Month- or Week-Long Observances
- Asian American Month
- Lupus Awareness Month
- Family Wellness Month
- National Barbecue Month
- Ramadan
Events and Days of Observance
- National Loyalty Day
- International Workers Day
- May Day
- National Play Outside Day
- National Life Insurance Day
- National Infertility Survival Day
- National Paranormal Day
- World Press Freedom Day
- Star Wars Day
- National Weather Observers Day
- National Teacher Appreciation Day/Thank a Teacher Day
- International Firefighters Day
- Cinco de Mayo
- World Asthma Day
- National Nurses Day
- National Beverage Day
- National Day of Reason
- World Password Day
- Europe Day
- National Military Spouse Appreciation Day
- Mother’s Day
- National Eat What You Want Day
- National Twilight Zone Day
- World Lupus Day
- National Limerick Day
- National Receptionist Day
- National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day
- Peace Officers Memorial Day
- International Day of Families
- National Chocolate Chip Day
- Love a Tree Day
- Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia
- Endangered Species Day
- National Scavenger Hunt Day
- National Missing Children’s Day
- Hamburger Day
- Heat Awareness Day
- National Creativity Day
- World Multiple Sclerosis Day
- World No-Tobacco Day
- National Smile Day
- Memorial Day
Trending Topics
- Kentucky Derby
- Women’s health
- Graduation gifts
- How to find a job
- Plan summer vacation
- Gemini, (Zodiac)
- Cookout
- BBQ
June
While summer officially begins late in the month, most school-age children will already be well into their summer vacations. That means busy working parents will need to find suitable and age-appropriate ways to keep them occupied during the day. Families may also be planning vacations or shorter weekend trips.
Month or Week-Long Observances
- LGBTQ Pride Month
- Men’s Health Education and Awareness Month
Events and Days of Observance
- World Reef Awareness Day
- National Go Barefoot Day
- National First Ladies Day
- National Clean Beauty Day
- National Hug Your Cat Day
- National Donut Day
- National Bubbly Day
- World Environment Day
- Higher Education Day
- National Cancer Survivors Day
- World Oceans Day
- Best Friends Day
- Call Your Doctor Day
- National Donald Duck Day
- National Herbs and Spices Day
- Make Life Beautiful Day
- National Corn on the Cob Day
- National Red Rose Day
- National Loving Day
- National Children’s Day
- National Flag Day
- World Blood Donor Day
- World Refugee Day
- First Day of Summer
- Father’s Day
- National Selfie Day
- World Music Day
- International Yoga Day
- National Columnists’ Day
- National Sunglasses Day
- National PTSD Awareness Day
- Social Media Day
- National Meteor Watch Day
Trending Topics
- Summer solstice (in Northern Hemisphere)
- National parks
- Last-minute vacations
- Cancer, (Zodiac)
July
The second half of the calendar year begins in July, the seventh month, named to honor Julius Caesar by the Roman Senate. Parents who are early planners may be looking at back-to-school-related topics, but for the most part, consumers will have their minds firmly on warm-weather and vacation-related activities.
Month- or Week-Long Observances
- Group B Strep Awareness Month
- National Hot Dog Month
- National Grilling Month
- National Ice Cream Month
Events and Days of Observance
- National Postal Worker Day
- National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day
- National Anisette Day
- World UFO Day
- National Fried Clam Day
- Independence Day (aka the Fourth of July in the U.S.)
- World Chocolate Day
- National Workaholics Day
- National Bikini Day
- National Sugar Cookie Day
- National Kitten Day
- Cheer Up the Lonely Day
- Malala Day
- National Simplicity Day
- Paper Bag Day
- Eat Your Jello Day
- Give Something Away Day
- Get to Know Your Customers Day
- World Emoji Day
- National Intern Day
- Nelson Mandela International Day
- International Day of Friendship
- National Avocado Day
Trending Topics
- How to stay cool
- How to make homemade ice cream
- Bastille Day (France)
- Leo, (Zodiac)
- Learn to swim
- Water safety
August
The eighth month in both the Gregorian and Julian calendars, August is a bit of a transition month, much the same as May is. Families and individuals alike are looking to grab the last bit of summer fun before school resumes in September.
However, in some locations in the U.S., elementary and high schools may resume much earlier. Check your local school calendars to ensure you can schedule related content early enough to catch prospects.
Month or Week-Long Observances
- American Adventures Month
- Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month
- American Artists Appreciation Month
- Black Business Month
- National Immunization Awareness Month
- Psoriasis Awareness Month
- National Goat Cheese Month
Events and Days of Observance
- International Mahjong Day
- National Girlfriends Day
- National Friendship Day
- National Sisters Day
- Planner Day
- American Family Day
- National Coloring Book Day
- National Night Out Day
- National Watermelon Day
- National Coast Guard Day
- International Cat Day
- National Book Lovers Day
- National Sons and Daughters Day
- International Youth Day
- National Middle Child Day
- National Prosecco Day
- National V-J Day
- World Elephant Day
- International Lefthanders Day
- National Relaxation Day
- National Tell a Joke Day
- World Photo Day
- World Humanitarian Day
- National Lemonade Day
- National Dog Day
- National Grief Awareness Day
- National Beach Day
- National Women’s Equality Day
- National Trail Mix Day
Trending Topics
- Back to school
- Virgo, (Zodiac)
September
One topic that trends every September in the U.S. is that of the September 11 terror attacks. In addition, parents and school-aged children will be interested in anything that makes the return to class easier and more successful. You can use the following content calendar ideas to connect with your audience in September.
Month- or Week-Long Observances
- Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (UK)
- Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
- National Suicide Prevention Month
- Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month
- National Hispanic Heritage Month
- Food Safety Education Month
- Pain Awareness Month
- National Yoga Month
Events and Days of Observance
- International Day of Charity
- US Bowling League Day
- National Food Bank Day
- National Chianti Day
- National Wildlife Day
- Labor Day
- Read a Book Day
- National Neither Snow Nor Rain Day
- International Literacy Day
- National Teddy Bear Day
- National School Picture Day
- National TV Dinner Day
- Stand Up To Cancer Day
- National Day of Service and Remembrance
- National Day of Encouragement
- National Pet Memorial Day
- National Video Games Day
- National Grandparents Day
- Live Creative Day
- National Sober Day
- Online Learning Day
- Greenpeace Day
- National Neonatal Nurses Day
- Mayflower Day
- National POW/MIA Recognition Day
- Talk Like a Pirate Day
- International Day of Peace
- Miniature Golf Day
- Civic Day of Hacking
- World Alzheimer’s Day
- Car-Free Day
- Hobbit Day
- First Day of Fall
- European Day of Languages
- World Tourism Day
- World Rabies Day
- National Good Neighbor Day
- International Coffee Day
- National Women’s Health and Fitness Day
- International Podcast Day
- National Family Day
- National Love People Day
Trending Topics
- 9/11
- Back to school
- Calendars
- Productivity tips
- Homework advice/help with homework
- Autumn equinox
- Libra, (Zodiac)
October
October gets its name from its former position in the old calendar of Romulus as the eighth month (as a Greek and Latin root, octo- means “eight”). It’s the first full month of autumn, and thoughts naturally turn to cool weather and harvest-related activities.
It’s also the month of Halloween; consequently, spooky topics like ghosts, haunted houses, and paranormal investigations may also trend.
Month- or Week-Long Observances
- Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- Health Literacy Month
- World Menopause Month
- Vegetarian Awareness Month
- Domestic Violence Awareness Month
- Global Diversity Awareness Month
- National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month
- National Cyber Security Awareness Month
Events and Days of Observance
- National Hair Day
- Fire Pup Day
- National Black Dog Day
- World Smile Day
- National Custodial Worker’s Recognition Day
- International Day of Older Persons
- World Vegetarian Day
- Day of Nonviolence
- National Techies Day
- World Animal Day
- National Taco Day
- National Vodka Day
- National Child Health Day
- World Habitat Day
- World Teachers Day
- World Mental Health Day
- International Day of the Girl
- National Train Your Brain Day
- World Sight Day
- National Dessert Day
- Global Handwashing Day
- Get to Know Your Customers Day
- National Boss’s Day
- World Food Day
- Black Poetry Day
- National No Beard Day
- National LGBTQ Center Awareness Day
- National Clean Your Virtual Desktop Day
- Eradication of Poverty Day
- Reptile Awareness Day
- United Nations Day
- Greasy Foods Day
- National First Responders Day
- National Chocolate Day
- World Stroke Day
- National Candy Corn Day
- National Publicist Day
- National Speak Up for Service Day
- Halloween
Trending Topics
- Scorpio, (Zodiac)
- Harvest/fall festival
- Pumpkin patch
- Hayrides
- Pumpkin spice latte
- Ghost tours
November
Formerly the ninth month of the old calendar of Romulus, November gets its name from the Latin root word novem, for “nine.” It’s a month that historically sees quite a bit of meteor activity, including the Andromedids, the Leonids, and the Southern Taurids, among other recurring meteor showers.
The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah may occasionally begin during the last days of November. Take this into account when pulling content calendar ideas that would resonate with your brand’s audience.
Month- or Week-Long Observances
- Academic Writing Month
- Annual Family Reunion Planning Month
- Movember
- Novel Writing Month
- Epilepsy Awareness Month
- Men’s Health Awareness Month
- World Kindness Week
- Childrens’ Book Week
- Random Acts of Kindness Week
- National Global Entrepreneurship Week
Events and Days of Observance
- Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
- World Vegan Day
- National Authors Day
- National Sandwich Day
- National Love Your Red Hair Day
- International Stress Awareness Day
- National Candy Day
- Daylight Saving Time Ends
- Marine Corps Birthday
- National Cappuccino Day
- STEM Day
- Veterans Day
- World Kindness Day
- National Pickle Day
- World Diabetes Day
- National Philanthropy Day
- Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day
- America Recycles Day
- International Day for Tolerance
- National Entrepreneurs Day
- Great American Smokeout
- International Students Day
- International Men’s Day
- Women’s Entrepreneurship Day
- World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims
- World Hello Day
- National Espresso Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Black Friday
- National Cake Day
- National Play Day With Dad
- National Native American Heritage Day
- National Day of Listening
- Small Business Saturday
- Cyber Monday
- Electronic Greetings Day
- Computer Security Day
- Stay Home Because You’re Well Day
- Giving Tuesday/National Day of Giving
Trending Topics
- NaNoWriMo (shorthand name for National Novel Writing Month)
- How to cook a turkey
- Holiday parades
- Sagittarius (Zodiac)
December
The last month of the calendar year is also one of the busiest for most consumers in the U.S. With several religious and cultural holidays and observances, many of them also gift-giving occasions, you’ll find several opportunities to tie in seasonally trending keywords to your content strategy.
Make the last month of the year count by using any of the content calendar ideas below:
Month- or Week-Long Observances
- National Pear Month
- No Gender December
- AIDS Awareness Month
- Hanukkah
- Human Rights Week
- Kwanzaa
Events and Days of Observance
- National Pie Day
- National Eat a Red Apple Day
- Day With(out) Art Day
- Rosa Parks Day
- World AIDS Day
- Persons with Disabilities Day
- National Roof Over Your Head Day
- National Cookie Day
- National Dice Day
- International Ninja Day
- St. Nicholas Day
- Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
- World Soil Day
- Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day
- National Pastry Day
- Christmas Card Day
- Dewey Decimal System Day
- Human Rights Day
- Nobel Prize Day
- International Mountain Day
- Crossword Puzzle Day
- Poinsettia Day
- National Cocoa Day
- Bill of Rights Day
- National Maple Syrup Day
- National Twin Day
- National Hard Candy Day
- National Sangria Day
- Winter Solstice
- Yule
- Festivus
- Christmas Day
- Holy Innocents Day
- Bacon Day
- No Interruptions Day
- New Year’s Eve
Trending Topics
- Snow forecast
- Ski resorts
- How to host a holiday party
- Gift guide (or buyers guide, alone or with product type/name)
- Capricorn, (Zodiac)
- Winter solstice
- Yule
Need help filling out your content calendar? Our content strategists and freelance writers can handle it all — from trending topics that resonate with your target audience to high-quality blog posts, social media content, and email newsletters that drive engagement year-round. Talk to a content specialist today to get started.
