Manufacturing Day (MFG Day), celebrated on the first Friday in October, is a nationwide initiative held every year to highlight modern manufacturing careers and motivate the next generation of innovators. This year it is being celebrated on October 2.
As part of this initiative by the Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, manufacturers across the U.S. open their doors for activities such as plant tours and educational programs, showcasing the reality of high-skill, high-tech careers in the industry and connecting students with potential job opportunities.
Gaining momentum over the years, some states have expanded the observance to recognize the entire month of October as Manufacturing Month.
The federal government offers various ways for manufacturers to get involved by hosting, attending, or sponsoring events.
Federal Resources for MFG Day/Month
Census Bureau
National Manufacturing Week
September 28-October 2, 2026
During Manufacturing Week, the Census Bureau celebrates the nation’s manufacturing sector in the lead up to Manufacturing Day — an annual event launched by the Manufacturing Institute in 2011. Held on the first Friday in October, Manufacturing Day showcases modern manufacturing and promotes manufacturing careers. Explore a wide range of Census Bureau manufacturing statistics and data resources, including America Counts stories, interactive tools and data visualizations. Learn more
Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)
MEP National Network
October 2026
Since its inception, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program has participated in MFG Day. Through the MEP National NetworkTM events are hosted, coordinated, and promoted across the country and in Puerto Rico. Resources from other NIST programs are also highlighted on the NIST MEP website. Learn more
International Trade Administration
Celebrating Manufacturing Month
October 2026
In October, the International Trade Administration joins with U.S. government and industry partners to celebrate Manufacturing Month and the importance of U.S. manufacturing innovation and ingenuity to our standard of living. U.S. manufacturing is an enduring and ever-evolving sector that contributes $2.9 trillion to the U.S. economy, employs nearly 12.9 million American workers, and accounts for 11 percent of the nation’s GDP. Learn more about this industry and ITA’s work to help U.S. manufacturers compete and win around the globe. Learn more
Office of Advanced Manufacturing (OAM)
Manufacturing USA
October 2026
The Manufacturing USA network works with industry, academic organizations, and public entities to raise awareness about advanced manufacturing careers and prepare the current and next generation workforce for the skills and jobs of the future.
Together with the National Association of Manufacturers, The Manufacturing Institute, MEP Centers, and federal agency partners, the Manufacturing USA network celebrates the manufacturers who make the products that keep us safe, enrich our lives, strengthen our economic and national security, and provide countless opportunities for our communities and workforce. Learn more