When Is National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day? If you have been seeing this phrase all over TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, you are not alone. Millions of people search for this every year — and for good reason. This fun, silly, and totally wholesome internet holiday has taken over social media, and it is only getting bigger.
The answer is simple: National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day is on March 3 every single year. Mark it on your calendar right now.
But what exactly is it? How do you celebrate it? Is it even a real holiday? And most importantly — what can you do to make your best friend’s day totally unforgettable?
This complete guide covers everything you need to know. We are talking about the history, the best celebration ideas, activities, social media captions, hashtags, and so much more. By the time you finish reading this, you will be fully ready to plan the best National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day your bestie has ever had.
What Is National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day?
National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day is a fun, unofficial internet holiday where you surprise your best friend by showing up at their door unannounced and taking them out for a day of adventures — without telling them where you are going or what you are doing.
And before anyone asks — no, this has absolutely nothing to do with real kidnapping. It is 100% playful, safe, and all about friendship. Think of it as the ultimate best friend surprise. You plan everything. They just have to show up (whether they like it or not).
The whole idea is simple. Your best friend wakes up thinking it is a normal Tuesday. Then you knock on their door, maybe blindfold them, stuff them in your car, and take them on the most fun day they have had in a long time. Ice cream. Spontaneous road trips. Their favorite restaurant. A movie. A picnic. Whatever makes them happy — you make it happen.
It is basically the friendship holiday that no one asked for but everyone desperately needed.
Why Do People Love This Holiday So Much?
People love National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day because it celebrates something that gets harder as we grow up — actually spending time with the people we love. Life gets busy. Work, school, responsibilities. Sometimes weeks or months go by without seeing your closest friends.
This holiday gives everyone an excuse to drop everything, show up for their person, and remind them how much they matter.
It is also just really, really fun to plan. The element of surprise makes it extra special. Your best friend has no idea what is coming. You get to see their face light up (or panic — both are funny). And you create memories that both of you will talk about for years.
Here is a quick breakdown of what this holiday is all about:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Holiday Name | National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day |
| Date | March 3 every year |
| Type | Unofficial / Internet Holiday |
| Origin | Viral social media (TikTok, Urban Dictionary) |
| Purpose | Surprise your best friend with a fun day out |
| Tone | Playful, fun, wholesome, friendship-based |
| Popular Hashtags | #ImComingForYou #RunAndHide #March3 |
| Who Celebrates It | Mostly teens and young adults worldwide |
When Is National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day?
National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day is on March 3. Every year. Without fail. It does not move around like some holidays. It does not have a “first Monday of the month” situation. It is always, always March 3.
So no matter what year you are reading this, you already know the answer. Pull out your phone right now and set a reminder for March 3. You will thank yourself later.
Here are the upcoming dates so you can plan ahead:
| Year | Date | Day of the Week |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 3, 2025 | Monday |
| 2026 | March 3, 2026 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | March 3, 2027 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | March 3, 2028 | Friday |
| 2029 | March 3, 2029 | Saturday |
The best year to celebrate? Honestly, every single one. But a Saturday in 2029 is going to hit different.
Is It Always on March 3?
Yes, National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day is always on March 3. It does not change. It is not like Thanksgiving (which moves every year) or Easter (which is on a different date every spring). March 3 is the date. Period.
This makes it super easy to remember and plan for. Some people even start planning weeks in advance because they want to make the celebration as special as possible. And honestly? That is the right move.
A few important things to keep in mind for the date:
March 3 falls in early spring in most places, which means the weather is starting to get nicer in many parts of the world. This is great news if you are planning outdoor activities like a picnic, a hike, a road trip, or a day at the park. If you live somewhere colder, that is fine too — indoor adventures are just as amazing.
Also worth noting: March is already a fun month for unofficial national days. There is a lot going on, and National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day on March 3 has become one of the most talked-about days of the entire month, especially on social media.
Where Did This Quirky Holiday Come From?
Here is the honest truth: National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day did not come from a government office, a greeting card company, or a national organization. It was born on the internet — and it grew from there into something massive.
The holiday first appeared on Urban Dictionary around 2021. For those who do not know, Urban Dictionary is a website where regular people submit definitions for slang words, phrases, and internet culture. Someone submitted the definition of National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day, called it March 3, and explained the concept. And just like that, a holiday was born.
From Urban Dictionary, it jumped to TikTok. This is where things really exploded. TikTok creators started making videos surprising their best friends. Some videos showed dramatic “kidnappings” with blindfolds and fake screaming. Others were more sweet and low-key — a friend showing up with coffee and breakfast, then taking their bestie on a surprise spa day. Many of these videos got hundreds of thousands of views, and some went viral with millions.
The hashtag #NationalKidnapYourBestFriendDay started trending every March 3. The hashtag #ImComingForYou became one of the most used captions for these videos. People on Instagram, Snapchat, Lemon8, and even Twitter (now X) started joining in.
Here is a timeline of how this holiday grew:
| Year | What Happened |
|---|---|
| Around 2021 | First definition posted on Urban Dictionary |
| 2022 | Started gaining traction on TikTok |
| 2023 | Went fully viral — millions of views on March 3 content |
| 2024 | Mainstream coverage, huge social media participation |
| 2025 | One of the most searched unofficial holidays in March |
The beauty of this holiday is that it was created by regular people, for regular people. No corporate sponsorship. No government approval. Just a fun idea that resonated with millions of people who wanted an excuse to show up for their best friend.
That is actually what makes it feel so authentic and special. It is a holiday that belongs to the people.
Is National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day a Real Holiday?
This is one of the most common questions people ask about National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day, and it deserves a straight, honest answer.
No, it is not an officially recognized national holiday. It has not been declared by any government. It is not a public holiday. Banks are still open on March 3. Schools do not close. You still have to go to work.
BUT — and this is a big but — that does not make it any less real to the millions of people who celebrate it.
Think about it this way. Halloween started as a folk tradition. Valentine’s Day was boosted by popular culture before it became what it is today. Many of our most beloved “holidays” started informally and grew because people loved them. National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day is following that same path.
Here is how it compares to other unofficial holidays:
| Holiday | Official? | Celebrated By |
|---|---|---|
| National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day | No | Millions globally (mainly teens/young adults) |
| National Best Friend Day (June 8) | No | Widely celebrated, social media driven |
| Pi Day (March 14) | No | Recognized informally, even in schools |
| Valentine’s Day | No federal holiday | Officially recognized as a cultural holiday |
| National Coffee Day | No | Celebrated worldwide with brand participation |
So is National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day real? In the ways that matter — the fun, the memories, the social media moments, and the actual human connections it creates — yes. It is absolutely real.
And here is something to consider: if you and your best friend celebrate it, it is real to you. That is what counts.
How to Celebrate National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day
Now we are getting to the good stuff. You know what the holiday is. You know it is on March 3. You know where it came from. Now let’s talk about how to actually celebrate National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day in a way that your best friend will never forget.
The key to a great celebration is the element of surprise. Do not tell them anything. Just show up. And have a plan ready so that once you have “kidnapped” them, the day flows smoothly into one amazing memory after another.
Here are the best ways to celebrate:
Plan a Surprise Outing
This is the classic National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day move. You show up at your best friend’s home unannounced. Ring the doorbell. When they open the door with a confused look on their face, you say something like “Get in the car. You have been kidnapped. Dress cute. Let’s go.”
Then you take them somewhere they love but have not been to in a while. Maybe it is a little café you both used to go to. Maybe it is a beach, a park, a hiking trail, or a shopping district they always talks about. The point is: you have thought about it, you have planned it, and you are making it happen for them today.
Tips for planning the perfect surprise outing:
You should plan the route before you show up so you are not fumbling with your phone while driving. Think about your friend’s schedule — make sure they do not have important work or school commitments on March 3. You might want to give their family or roommate a heads-up so they can help get your friend ready. Bring snacks for the car. A good playlist is non-negotiable.
The outing does not have to be expensive or elaborate. Sometimes the best National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day celebrations are the simplest ones. A drive to watch the sunset. A walk in a pretty neighborhood. A stop at a bookstore followed by lunch at their favorite spot. Simple, thoughtful, and completely focused on them.
Take Them to Get Ice Cream
This might sound too simple, but do not underestimate the power of a surprise ice cream run on National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day.
Here is why this works so well. Ice cream is universally loved. It is associated with happy memories, childhood, celebration, and comfort. When you show up and take someone for ice cream out of nowhere, it immediately sets a fun and positive tone for the entire day.
You can make it extra special by:
Going to a place that has a flavor they have been wanting to try. Ordering their usual for them before they even get to the counter (if you know it by heart — and as a best friend, you should). Getting matching flavors and taking a photo together. Making it the first stop in a longer day rather than the only activity.
Ice cream also works for any budget. Whether you go to a fancy gelato shop or a classic soft serve drive-through, the gesture is what matters.
Do a Fun Best Friend Prank
If your friendship is the kind where you roast each other constantly and laugh about everything, then National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day is the perfect excuse for a fun best friend prank.
And note — these should be harmless, funny pranks that you know your specific friend will actually laugh at. You know your friend better than anyone. Use that knowledge wisely.
Some fun prank ideas for the day:
You could pretend you are taking them to a boring errand, then suddenly reveal a fun surprise destination. You could blindfold them during the entire car ride and make them guess where you are going based on the sounds and smells outside. You could have other friends hiding at the destination to add to the “kidnapping” effect. You could create a fake “ransom note” from you to their family saying they have been kidnapped and will only be returned after eating at least three desserts.
The key is to make it funny and memorable, not stressful. If you know your friend gets anxious easily or does not like surprises, maybe skip the dramatic prank and go for something sweeter instead. You know them best.
Plan a Whole Day of Adventures
If you really want to go all out for National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day, plan a full day of activities from morning to night. This takes more effort and planning, but it creates the kind of day that both of you will talk about for years.
Here is an example of what a full National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day adventure day could look like:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Show up at their door with their favorite coffee and breakfast |
| 9:30 AM | Surprise road trip to a nearby town or destination they’ve mentioned |
| 11:00 AM | Walk around, explore, take photos |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch at a restaurant they’ve been wanting to try |
| 2:00 PM | Fun activity — mini golf, escape room, bowling, arcade, spa |
| 4:30 PM | Boba or dessert run |
| 6:00 PM | Sunset drive with a good playlist |
| 7:30 PM | Movie night — their choice, your treat for snacks |
This kind of day does not have to be expensive. Many of these activities can be done on a budget. The magic is in the thoughtfulness and the time you spend together — not how much money you spend.
Fun Activities to Do With Your Best Friend on March 3
Not sure exactly what to do on National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day? Here is a big list of ideas for every kind of friendship, budget, and personality:
Outdoor Activities:
A sunrise hike followed by breakfast is a beautiful way to start the day. A picnic in the park with all their favorite snacks is always a win. A spontaneous road trip to a nearby city or scenic spot gives you the most memories. A beach day, lake day, or river walk is perfect if the weather cooperates. Outdoor photography walk — challenge each other to take 20 great photos.
Food and Drink Activities:
A breakfast crawl where you try three different coffee shops or brunch spots is both delicious and fun. A boba run or a dessert tour hitting multiple dessert spots in your city is a sweet way to celebrate. Cooking their favorite meal together at home is intimate and memorable. A food market, farmers market, or street food festival is great for adventurous eaters.
Indoors and Entertainment:
An escape room is exciting and tests your friendship in the best way. Laser tag is fun for competitive best friends. A bowling alley with arcade games works for any age. A movie marathon at home with all their favorite films and all their favorite snacks is cozy and perfect. A spa day — whether at a real spa or a DIY home version — is relaxing and luxurious.
Creative Activities:
A pottery class or paint-and-sip event gives you something to take home. A thrift store challenge (each person picks an outfit for the other, under ten dollars) is hilarious and creative. A scrapbook session where you go through old photos and create a friendship album is deeply personal and touching.
Here is a quick reference table:
| Category | Activity Ideas |
|---|---|
| Outdoor | Hike, picnic, road trip, beach day, photo walk |
| Food | Breakfast crawl, boba run, food market, cook together |
| Entertainment | Escape room, laser tag, bowling, movies, arcade |
| Creative | Pottery class, thrift store challenge, scrapbooking |
| Relaxing | Spa day, park walk, sunset drive, book café visit |
| Budget-Friendly | Picnic, home movie night, thrift shopping, city walk |
Best Captions and Hashtags for Social Media
One of the best parts of National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day is sharing it on social media. TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and Lemon8 are all full of content on March 3 every year. Here is everything you need to post your own celebration and make it go viral.
Best Hashtags to Use:
Always use these main hashtags to get the most visibility:
#NationalKidnapYourBestFriendDay is the primary hashtag — always include it. #March3 puts you in the stream of all March 3 content. #ImComingForYou is the classic caption that started with the original viral videos. #RunAndHide is the funny follow-up hashtag for your best friend to post. #BestFriendDay is broad and gets a lot of traffic. #BFF and #BestFriend are high-volume general friendship tags. #NationalDays and #FunHolidays help you reach people who follow quirky holiday content. #FriendshipGoals and #BestFriendForever are great for heartfelt posts.
Best Captions for Your Posts:
Here are some ready-to-use captions you can copy or customize:
For the surprise moment: “They didn’t see it coming. Happy National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day. 🫶 #ImComingForYou #March3”
For a fun photo together: “Kidnapped my person today and I regret nothing. #NationalKidnapYourBestFriendDay”
For a video of their reaction: “The face they make when you show up unannounced on March 3. 😂 #BestFriendDay #RunAndHide”
For a sweet photo at the end of the day: “Best kidnapping I’ve ever been part of. This is what friendship looks like. 💛 #March3 #BFF”
For a Snapchat or Instagram Story: “POV: It’s March 3 and your best friend just pulled up to your house unannounced 👀”
For a TikTok video caption: “National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day hits different when you actually commit to it 😭💕 #ImComingForYou #NationalKidnapYourBestFriendDay”
Tips for Going Viral on March 3:
Post your content early in the day — morning posts on trending days get more visibility. Use the Trending audio on TikTok that is popular around March 3. Film your friend’s genuine reaction when you show up — unscripted reactions always perform best. Add text overlays to your videos explaining what you are doing in case people are not familiar with the holiday. Tag your best friend in everything — double the reach.
Other Fun National Days in March You Should Know
March is honestly one of the best months for fun unofficial holidays and national days. National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day on March 3 is the star of the month, but there are plenty of other fun days to celebrate.
Here is a full list of fun March national days:
| Date | National Day | What It’s About |
|---|---|---|
| March 1 | National Pig Day | Celebrating pigs — yes, really |
| March 3 | National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day | Surprise your bestie with a fun day out |
| March 4 | National Grammar Day | For the grammar nerds |
| March 7 | National Be Heard Day | Speaking up and being seen |
| March 8 | International Women’s Day | Celebrating women worldwide |
| March 14 | Pi Day | 3.14… math lovers unite |
| March 17 | St. Patrick’s Day | Irish heritage and green everything |
| March 20 | First Day of Spring | Bye-bye winter |
| March 21 | National Fragrance Day | All about scents |
| March 26 | National Make Up Your Own Holiday Day | Create your own celebration |
| March 30 | National Best Friends Day (some sources) | More best friend appreciation |
As you can see, March 3 stands out because National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day is genuinely one of the most fun and interactive days of the entire month. You cannot just post a photo — you actually have to do something. And that action-based nature is exactly why it has become so popular.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most common questions people ask about National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day, answered clearly and simply.
Is National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day on March 3 every year?
Yes. National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day is always on March 3. It does not change based on the year. It does not move to the nearest weekend.
It is fixed on March 3 every single year, so you can plan for it well in advance. Set a recurring reminder on your phone and you will never miss it.
Is this holiday official?
National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day is not an official government holiday. It was not declared by Congress, a president, or any national authority.
It originated on Urban Dictionary and went viral on TikTok. However, “official” does not always mean meaningful.
Millions of people celebrate this day every year, and that level of participation makes it very real in a cultural and social sense. Think of it like Pi Day or National Best Friend Day — not official, but absolutely celebrated.
What should I do on National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day?
The best thing to do on National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day is to show up at your best friend’s home unannounced and take them somewhere special for the day.
It can be as simple as a coffee run or as elaborate as a full-day adventure. The key is the surprise element and the fact that you are putting in effort to make your friend feel special. You do not need to spend a lot of money. You just need to show up.
Does my best friend have to agree ahead of time?
This is a great question. While the holiday is called “kidnap your best friend day,” it should always be something your friend is comfortable with.
If your friend hates surprises, you might want to give them a small heads-up that something fun is planned for March 3 without revealing all the details.
The goal is joy, not stress. Make sure the surprise is suited to your specific friend’s personality and preferences.
Can I celebrate this with more than one friend?
Absolutely. Some people celebrate National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day with a whole group — surprising multiple friends or organizing a group adventure together.
A group road trip, a group dinner at a surprise restaurant, or a group activity like bowling or laser tag can make the day even more memorable when shared with a bigger crew.
What if I cannot afford to do something big?
You do not need to spend money to celebrate National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day in a meaningful way.
Showing up at someone’s door with their favorite homemade snack, driving them to a beautiful view, having a picnic with food from your kitchen, or simply spending the whole day hanging out — these things cost almost nothing but mean everything. The thought and effort are what make this holiday special, not the price tag.
Conclusion
So there you have it — everything you could possibly need to know about National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day.
To recap the most important things: National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day is on March 3 every year. It is not an official holiday, but it is celebrated by millions of people around the world who use it as a reason to show up for their best friend in the most fun and unexpected way possible.
The holiday started on the internet — Urban Dictionary, TikTok, Instagram — and it grew because it taps into something real. Life gets busy. We forget to make time for the people who matter most. National Kidnap Your Best Friend Day on March 3 gives everyone a built-in excuse to fix that, even for just one day.
Whether you plan a whole-day adventure, a simple ice cream run, a silly prank, or a heartfelt surprise outing — what matters is that you show up. That you put your best friend first. That you create a memory neither of you will forget.
