So you want to have a drink but you aren't sure why? Here are some GREAT reasons to call your friends over and have a party.

October 31st


- Samhain in the northern hemisphere, Beltane in the southern hemisphere; begins on sunset of October 31 (Gaels, Welsh people and Neopagans)
- Allantide (Cornwall, United Kingdom)
- Christian Feast Day:
- Halloween (Ireland, Canada, United Kingdom, United States and other places)
- Reformation Day (Slovenia and Protestant Church)

October 31st


- 2003 - A bankruptcy court approves MCI's reorganization plans, essentially clearing the telecommunications company to exit bankruptcy.
- 2003 - Mahathir bin Mohamad resigns as Prime Minister of Malaysia and is replaced by Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, marking an end to Mahathir's 22 years in power.
- 2002 - A federal grand jury in Houston, Texas indicts former Enron Corp. chief financial officer Andrew Fastow on 78 counts of wire fraud, money laundering, conspiracy and obstruction of justice related to the collapse of his ex-employer.
- 2000 - A Singapore Airlines Boeing 747-400 operating as Flight 006 collides with construction equipment upon takeoff in Taipei, Taiwan killing 79 passengers and four crew members.
- 2000 - A chartered Antonov An-26 explodes after takeoff in Northern Angola killing 50.
- 2000 - Soyuz TM-31 launches, carrying the first resident crew to the International Space Station. The ISS has been continuously crewed since.
- 1999 - EgyptAir Flight 990 traveling from New York City to Cairo crashes off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts, killing all 217 on-board.
- 1999 - Yachtsman Jesse Martin returns to Melbourne after 11 months of circumnavigating the world, solo, non-stop and unassisted.
- 1998 - Iraq disarmament crisis begins: Iraq announces it would no longer cooperate with United Nations weapons inspectors.
- 1997 - 19-year-old British au pair Louise Woodward, convicted by a Cambridge, Massachusetts, jury of second-degree murder the day before, is sentenced to life in prison.
- 1996 - A Fokker F100 operating as TAM Transportes Aéreos Regionais Flight 402 crashes into several houses in São Paulo, Brazil killing 98 including 2 on the ground.
- 1994 - An American Eagle ATR-72 crashes in Roselawn, Indiana, after circling in icy weather, killing 68 passengers and crew.
- 1986 - The 5th congress of the Communist Party of Sweden is inaugurated. During the course of the congress the party name is changed to the Solidarity Party and the party ceases to be a communist party.
- 1984 - Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi is assassinated by two security guards. Riots soon break out in New Delhi and nearly 10,000 Sikhs are killed.
- 1973 - Mountjoy Prison helicopter escape. Three Provisional Irish Republican Army members escape from Mountjoy Prison, Dublin, Republic of Ireland aboard a hijacked helicopter that lands in the exercise yard.
- 1968 - Vietnam War October surprise: Citing progress with the Paris peace talks, US President Lyndon B. Johnson announces to the nation that he has ordered a complete cessation of "all air, naval, and artillery bombardment of North Vietnam" effective November 1.
- 1963 - An explosion at the Indiana State Fair Coliseum (now Pepsi Coliseum) in Indianapolis kills 74 people during an ice skating show. The explosion also injures 400. A faulty propane tank connection in a concession stand is blamed.
- 1961 - In the Soviet Union, Joseph Stalin's body is removed from Lenin's Tomb.
- 1959 - Lee Harvey Oswald attempts to renounce his American citizenship at the US Embassy in Moscow, USSR.
- 1956 - Suez Crisis: The United Kingdom and France begin bombing Egypt to force the reopening of the Suez Canal.
- 1954 - Algerian War of Independence: The Algerian National Liberation Front begins a revolt against French rule.
- 1943 - World War II: An F4U Corsair accomplishes the first successful radar-guided interception.
- 1941 - After 14 years of work, Mount Rushmore is completed.
- 1941 - World War II: The destroyer USS Reuben James is torpedoed by a German U-boat near Iceland, killing more than 100 United States Navy sailors. It is the first U.S. Navy vessel sunk by enemy action in WWII.
- 1941 - A fire in a clothing factory in Huddersfield, England kills 49
- 1940 - World War II: The Battle of Britain ends – the United Kingdom prevents a possible German invasion.
- 1938 - Great Depression: In an effort to restore investor confidence, the New York Stock Exchange unveils a fifteen-point program aimed to upgrade protection for the investing public.
- 1926 - Magician Harry Houdini dies of gangrene and peritonitis that developed after his appendix ruptured.
- 1924 - World Savings Day is announced in Milan, Italy by the Members of the Association at the 1st International Savings Bank Congress (World Society of Savings Banks).
- 1923 - The first of 160 consecutive days of 100 degrees at Marble Bar, Australia.
- 1918 - Banat Republic is founded
- 1917 - World War I: Battle of Beersheba – "last successful cavalry charge in history".
- 1913 - Dedication of the Lincoln Highway, the first automobile road across United States.
- 1913 - The Indianapolis Street Car Strike and subsequent riot begins.
- 1876 - A monster cyclone ravages India, resulting in over 200,000 deaths.
- 1864 - Nevada is admitted as the 36th U.S. state.
- 1863 - The Maori Wars resumes as British forces in New Zealand led by General Duncan Cameron begin their Invasion of the Waikato.
- 1861 - American Civil War: Citing failing health, Union General Winfield Scott resigns as Commander of the United States Army.
- 1822 - Emperor Agustín de Iturbide attempts to dissolve the Mexican Empire.
- 1587 - Leiden University Library opens its doors after its founding in .
- 1517 - Protestant Reformation: Martin Luther posts his 95 theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg.
- 475 - Romulus Augustulus is proclaimed Western Roman Emperor.

October 31st


- 2005 - Infanta Leonor of Spain, daughter of Felipe, Prince of Asturias and Letizia, Princess of Asturias
- 2000 - Willow Smith, American actress and singer
- 1990 - Lil' JJ, American comedian and actor
- 1989 - Ben Brooks, British motocross racer
- 1988 - Jack Riewoldt, Australian rules footballer
- 1988 - Sébastien Buemi, Swiss racing driver
- 1987 - Nick Foligno, Canadian ice hockey player
- 1986 - Brent Corrigan, American pornographic actor
- 1986 - Christie Hayes, Australian actress
- 1986 - Chris Alajajian, Australian racing driver
- 1984 - Pat Murray, American football player
- 1983 - Katy French, Irish model (d. 2007)
- 1982 - Jordan Bannister, Australian rules footballer
- 1982 - Tomáš Plekanec, Czech ice hockey player
- 1982 - Justin Chatwin, Canadian actor
- 1981 - Irina Denezhkina, Russian writer
- 1981 - Frank Iero, American musician (My Chemical Romance, Leathermouth, Pencey Prep; founder of Skeleton Crew (record label))
- 1981 - Steven Hunter, American basketball player
- 1981 - Selina (Jiaxuan) Ren, Taiwanese singer (S.H.E)
- 1981 - Lollie Alexi Devereaux, French actress & writer
- 1980 - Eddie Kaye Thomas, American actor
- 1980 - Samaire Armstrong, American actress
- 1980 - Marcel Meeuwis, Dutch footballer
- 1980 - Alondra de la Parra, Mexican founder and artistic director of the New York–based Philharmonic Orchestra of the Americas
- 1979 - Saaphyri Windsor, American reality TV figure
- 1979 - Simão Sabrosa, Portuguese footballer
- 1979 - Ricardo Fuller, Jamaican footballer
- 1978 - Inka Grings, German footballer
- 1978 - Emmanuel Izonritei, Nigerian boxer
- 1978 - Zachary Knighton, American actor
- 1978 - Martin Verkerk, Dutch tennis player
- 1977 - Sylviane Félix, French athlete
- 1977 - Séverine Ferrer, French singer
- 1976 - Guti, Spanish footballer
- 1976 - Piper Perabo, American actress
- 1975 - Fabio Celestini, Swiss footballer
- 1975 - Keith Jardine, MMA fighter
- 1974 - Muzzy Izzet, Turkish footballer
- 1974 - Natasja Saad, Danish hip hop and reggae artist (d. 2007)
- 1974 - Roger Manganelli, Brazilian musician (Less Than Jake)
- 1973 - Tim Byrdak, American baseball player
- 1973 - David Dellucci, American baseball player
- 1973 - Grigorios Georgatos, Greek footballer
- 1973 - Beverly Lynne, American erotic film actress
- 1972 - Shaun Bartlett, South African footballer
- 1972 - Matt Dawson, English rugby union footballer
- 1972 - Grigoris Georgatos, Greek footballer
- 1971 - Alphonso Ford, American basketball player (d. 2004)
- 1971 - Ian Walker, English footballer
- 1971 - Tom Smith, Scottish rugby player
- 1971 - Toby Anstis, British radio presenter
- 1970 - Nicky Wu, Taiwanese actor and martial arts expert
- 1970 - Linn Berggren, Swedish singer (Ace of Base)
- 1970 - Rogers Stevens, American guitarist (Blind Melon)
- 1970 - Mitch Harris, American guitarist (Napalm Death, among others)
- 1970 - Johnny Moeller, American blues guitarist
- 1970 - Steve Trachsel, American baseball player
- 1969 - David Coburn, American actor/voice actor
- 1968 - Antonio Davis, American basketball player
- 1967 - Vanilla Ice, American rapper
- 1966 - Joseph Boyden, Canadian novelist
- 1966 - Adam Horovitz (Adrock), American rapper (Beastie Boys)
- 1966 - Koji Kanemoto, Japanese professional wrestler
- 1966 - Annabella Lwin, British singer (Bow Wow Wow)
- 1966 - Mike O'Malley, American actor
- 1965 - Blue Edwards, American basketball player
- 1965 - Denis Irwin, Irish footballer
- 1965 - Rob Rackstraw, voice actor
- 1964 - Colm Ó Cíosóig, Irish drummer (My Bloody Valentine, Hope Sandoval & the Warm Inventions)
- 1964 - Marco van Basten, Dutch footballer and manager
- 1964 - Marty Wright, American professional wrestler
- 1964 - Darryl Worley, American country singer
- 1963 - Mikkey Dee, Swedish musician, drummer for Motörhead
- 1963 - Dunga, Brazilian footballer and manager
- 1963 - Johnny Marr, English guitarist and songwriter (The Smiths, Modest Mouse)
- 1963 - Fred McGriff, American baseball player
- 1963 - Dermot Mulroney, American actor
- 1963 - Rob Schneider, American actor
- 1963 - Rick Allen, English drummer (Def Leppard)
- 1961 - Peter Jackson, New Zealand film director
- 1961 - Larry Mullen, Irish drummer (U2)
- 1961 - Alonzo Babers, American runner
- 1961 - Kate Campbell, American musician
- 1960 - Luis Fortuño, Puerto Rican delegate to Congress
- 1960 - Arnaud Desplechin, French film director
- 1960 - Mike Gallego, American baseball player
- 1960 - Reza Pahlavi, former crown prince of Iran
- 1959 - Neal Stephenson, American author
- 1959 - Mats Näslund, Swedish ice hockey player
- 1958 - Jeannie Longo, French cyclist
- 1957 - Robert Pollard, American rocker (Guided by Voices)
- 1957 - Brian Stokes Mitchell, American singer and actor
- 1957 - Shirley Phelps-Roper, American attorney
- 1956 - Anders Lago, Swedish Social Democratic politician
- 1955 - Michalis Chrysohoidis, Greek politician
- 1954 - Ken Wahl, American actor
- 1953 - Michael J. Anderson, American actor
- 1953 - John Lucas II, American basketball player and coach
- 1952 - Bernard Edwards, American bass guitarist (Chic) (d. 1996)
- 1951 - Nick Saban, American college football coach
- 1951 - Dave Trembley, American baseball manager
- 1950 - Jane Pauley, American news anchor
- 1950 - Zaha Hadid, British architect
- 1950 - Antonio Taguba, US Army Major General
- 1950 - John Candy, Canadian comedian and actor (d. 1994)
- 1950 - Jozef Stolorz, Polish art painter
- 1949 - Bob Siebenberg, American drummer (Supertramp)
- 1948 - Michael Kitchen, British actor
- 1947 - Deidre Hall, American actress
- 1947 - Frank Shorter, American runner
- 1947 - Herman Van Rompuy, Belgian politician
- 1946 - Stephen Rea, Irish actor
- 1946 - Norman Lovett, British actor
- 1945 - Brian Doyle-Murray, American comedian and actor
- 1945 - Russ Ballard, English rock singer/songwriter, guitarist (Argent)
- 1944 - Kinky Friedman, American musician and novelist
- 1944 - Sally Kirkland, American actress
- 1943 - Paul Frampton, English physicist
- 1943 - Aristotelis Pavlidis, Greek politician
- 1943 - Brian Piccolo, American football player (d. 1970)
- 1942 - Dave McNally, American baseball player (d. 2002)
- 1942 - David Ogden Stiers, American actor
- 1941 - Dan Alderson, American scientist
- 1941 - Derek Bell, British racing driver
- 1941 - Spilios Spiliotopoulos, Greek politician
- 1941 - Werner Krieglstein, Czech-American philosopher
- 1939 - Ron Rifkin, American actor
- 1939 - Tom O'Connor, British comedian
- 1939 - Ali Farka Touré, Malian musician (d. 2006)
- 1937 - Tom Paxton, American singer-songwriter
- 1936 - Michael Landon, American actor (d. 1991)
- 1935 - Ronald Graham, American mathematician
- 1935 - David Harvey, British-American academic
- 1934 - Fillie Lyckow, Swedish actress
- 1933 - Phil Goyette, Canadian ice hockey player
- 1931 - Dan Rather, American television journalist
- 1930 - Michael Collins, American astronaut
- 1929 - Eddie Charlton, Australian snooker player (d. 2004)
- 1929 - Bud Spencer, Italian actor
- 1928 - Cleo Moore, American actress (d. 1973)
- 1927 - Lee Grant, American actress
- 1927 - Thomas Hill, Canadian actor (d. 2009)
- 1926 - Jimmy Savile, English entertainer
- 1925 - John Pople, English chemist, Nobel laureate (d. 2004)
- 1922 - Barbara Bel Geddes, American actress (d. 2005)
- 1922 - Anatoli Papanov, Soviet actor (d. 1987)
- 1922 - Illinois Jacquet, American saxophonist (d. 2004)
- 1922 - King Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia
- 1920 - Dick Francis, British jockey-turned-novelist (d. 2010)
- 1920 - Joseph Gelineau French composer (d. 2008)
- 1920 - Dedan Kimathi, Kenyan rebel leader (d. 1957)
- 1920 - Helmut Newton, German photographer (d. 2004)
- 1920 - Fritz Walter, German footballer (d. 2002)
- 1919 - Magnus Wenninger, American priest, author of Polyhedron models
- 1918 - Ian Stevenson, American parapsychologist (d. 2007)
- 1916 - Carl Johan Bernadotte, former Prince of Sweden
- 1914 - Joe Carcione, American consumer advocate (d. 1988)
- 1914 - John Hugenholtz, Dutch race track designer (d. 1995)
- 1912 - Dale Evans, American singer and actress (d. 2001)
- 1912 - Ollie Johnston, American animator (d. 2008)
- 1908 - Muriel Duckworth, Canadian activist (d. 2009)
- 1902 - Abraham Wald, Hungarian mathematician (d. 1950)
- 1896 - Ethel Waters, American singer and actress (d. 1977)
- 1895 - B. H. Liddell Hart, British military historian (d. 1970)
- 1892 - Alexander Alekhine, Russian chess player (d. 1946)
- 1888 - Napoleon Lapathiotis, Greek poet (d. 1944)
- 1887 - Chiang Kai-shek, Nationalist Chinese leader, former Republic of China president (d. 1975)
- 1887 - Newsy Lalonde, Canadian ice hockey player (d. 1970)
- 1883 - Marie Laurencin, French painter (d. 1956)
- 1879 - Sara Allgood, Irish actress (d. 1950)
- 1875 - Eugene Meyer, American businessman and newspaper publisher (d. 1954)
- 1875 - Vallabhbhai Patel, Indian freedom fighter and statesman (d. 1950)
- 1860 - Juliette Low, American founder of the Girl Scouts (d. 1927)
- 1851 - Lovisa of Sweden, queen of Denmark (d. 1926)
- 1848 - Boston Custer, brother of George Armstrong Custer (d. 1876)
- 1838 - King Louis of Portugal (d. 1889)
- 1835 - Adelbert Ames, American general, 27th and 30th Governor of Mississippi (d. 1933)
- 1835 - Adolf von Baeyer, German chemist, Nobel laureate (d. 1917)
- 1835 - Krišj?nis Barons, Latvian writer (d. 1923)
- 1831 - Paolo Mantegazza, Italian neurologist (d. 1910)
- 1827 - Richard Morris Hunt, American educator (d. 1895)
- 1825 - Charles Lavigerie, French cardinal (d. 1892)
- 1815 - Karl Weierstraß, German mathematician (d. 1897)
- 1795 - John Keats, British poet (d. 1821)
- 1737 - James Lovell, American educator (d. 1789)
- 1724 - Christopher Anstey, English writer (d. 1805)
- 1711 - Laura Bassi, Italian scholar (d. 1778)
- 1705 - Pope Clement XIV (d. 1774)
- 1692 - Comte de Caylus, French archaeologist (d. 1765)
- 1636 - Ferdinand Maria, Elector of Bavaria (d. 1679)
- 1632 - (baptism) Johannes Vermeer, Flemish painter (d. 1675)
- 1622 - Pierre Paul Puget, French artist (d. 1694)
- 1620 - John Evelyn, English diarist (d. 1706)
- 1599 - Denzil Holles, 1st Baron Holles, English statesman and writer (d. 1680)
- 1538 - Caesar Baronius, Italian cardinal and historian (d. 1607)
- 1424 - King W?adys?aw III of Poland (d. 1444)
- 1391 - King Duarte of Portugal (d. 1438)
- 1345 - King Fernando I of Portugal (d. 1383)
- 1291 - Philippe de Vitry, French composer (d. 1361)