Get ready for National Red Ribbon Week 2026 with our teacher team's favorite Red Ribbon Week ideas, printable activities, and decorating ideas for the classroom to help you teach students about the importance of being drug-free.

Is this your first year recognizing Red Ribbon Week with your class? Although it's a national celebration, we realize not every school celebrates, so our teacher team has all the information you need to prep for this drug prevention week — from what the week is all about to the dates to add to your classroom calendar! Already know all about this October week? Feel free to skip ahead to download printables and digital activities for your classroom!

What Is Red Ribbon Week?

First things first: What is Red Ribbon Week all about, and why do so many schools celebrate? Red Ribbon Week is considered the largest drug prevention awareness campaign in the US. National Red Ribbon Week is held every fall with teachers and students in schools all around the country participating in anti-drug activities and wearing a red ribbon during the week of October 23-31. Red Ribbon Week began in 1988 after the death of US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena. Camerena was killed by drug traffickers in 1985, and the National Family Partnership (NFP) began the wearing of red ribbons in his home state of California to honor him. The tradition grew to national prominence from there, and now you'll see students and teachers at thousands of schools taking part. Because Camarena was part of the federal agency, you'll also see support from the US government.

When Is Red Ribbon Week 2026?

Red Ribbon Week is celebrated during the last week of October every year, but unlike most awareness weeks, which run from Sunday to Saturday, this one sticks to the same exact dates and culminates on Halloween. That means that in 2026 (and every year after!), Red Ribbon Week will be held October 23-31. a Red Ribbon Week word search is seen on a student's desk

a Red Ribbon Week word search is seen on a student's desk

What Is the Theme of Red Ribbon Week 2026?

If you're looking to theme your Red Ribbon Week activities or set up a bulletin board that matches what's going on in other classrooms around the country, the Red Ribbon Week theme can make things a bit easier for you. The 2025 theme will be announced in Feburary.

Past Red Ribbon Week Themes

Looking for more ideas for this year's Red Ribbon Week? In addition to exploring this collection of resources, a look back at the themes from past years may be helpful! Here are a few themes from more than 30 years of Red Ribbon Week:

Life Is Your Journey. Travel Drug Free.
Send a Message. Stay Drug Free.
Celebrate Life. Live Drug-Free.
Life is a Movie, Film Drug Free

Who Was Kiki Camarena?

Among the many activities on your agenda, you may want to teach your students a bit more about the man who inspired a national drug-free movement. Enrique "Kiki" Camarena was born in Mexico but grew up and graduated from high school in California before joining the US Marine Corps and serving his country for two years. Camarena served as a firefighter and police officer in California before joining the federal Drug Enforcement Agency and eventually being sent to Mexico to track some of the country's biggest drug traffickers. The father of three was just 37 years old when he was kidnapped by traffickers and murdered in 1985. Back in his hometown of Calexico, California, Congressman Duncan Hunter and high school friend Henry Lozano launched Camarena Clubs in Kiki's hometown to honor their lost friend. Hundreds of club members put on red ribbons and pledged to lead drug-free lives to honor his sacrifices, paving the way for the fight against drugs we celebrate today.

Location

resource types

availability

file formats

publishers

Red Ribbon Week - Write the Room Activity