October 3rd Is No Longer Just ‘Mean Girls Day’ as Taylor Swift Fans Claim It for Themselves

For more than 20 years, October 3rd has been immortalized in pop culture as Mean Girls Day — a nod to the 2004 teen comedy classic where Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan) beams with excitement when her crush, Aaron Samuels (Jonathan Bennett), casually asks her what day it is. Her answer, “It’s October 3rd,” became a meme, a tradition, and a reason for fans to wear pink and rewatch the film every year.

But in 2025, October 3rd has a new contender. Swifties have officially taken over.

Taylor Swift changes the calendar

This week, Taylor Swift revealed on her boyfriend Travis Kelce’s podcast that she’s releasing her next studio album on October 3rd. The record, titled The Life of a Showgirl, will feature 12 tracks — including a collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter and a reimagined version of George Michael’s Father Figure.

For Swift fans, the release date feels symbolic. Many see it as more than a coincidence, viewing it as a deliberate reclaiming of a day long ruled by the Mean Girls fandom.

One fan joked online: “He asked me what day Taylor is dropping her album? October 3rd, I said.” Another posted, “Not TayBae releasing her next album on Mean Girls Day. This woman is after my heart.”

A third added: “Taylor’s album on Mean Girls Day… there is something truly serendipitous about this.”

October 3 has long been celebrated as Mean Girls Day

Paramount Pictures

Others pointed out that October 3rd is gaining layered pop culture significance, now tying together Mean Girls, Swift, and even Lindsay Lohan’s other hit, Freaky Friday, where October 3rd was the wedding day of Anna’s mother.

October 3 now has a new meaning for many fans, and isn't just Mean Girls Day now

Paramount Pictures

A new vibe after The Tortured Poets Department

Swift described the new record as a complete contrast to her last album, The Tortured Poets Department, which was introspective and melancholic.

She told listeners: “This album is about what was going on behind the scenes in my inner life during this tour, which was so exuberant, electric, and vibrant.”

She added that The Life of a Showgirl is intentionally joyful: “I’m so proud of it. And it comes from the most infectiously joyful, wild, dramatic place I was in my life, so that effervescence has come through on this record. So as you said, bangers.”

During the podcast episode, Swift revealed: “This album is about what was going on behind the scenes in my inner life during this tour, which was so exuberant and electric and vibrant."

The 12-track album also holds special significance for Swift, marking her twelfth studio release. “I wanted to do an album that was so focused on quality and the theme and everything fitting together like a perfect puzzle that these 12 songs for my twelfth album – I feel we achieved that,” she explained.

October 3rd, rebranded

So where does this leave Mean Girls Day? The cult-favorite comedy still holds a place in millennial and Gen Z hearts, and it’s unlikely fans will drop their tradition of quoting the film or sharing pink-filled memes. But this year, the day comes with a new soundtrack.

What started as a cheeky movie reference has now expanded into a cultural mashup — October 3rd is still Mean Girls Day, but it’s also Taylor Swift Day. And judging by the reaction from Swifties, the pop star may have just claimed the date for years to come.

Cultural Significance and Social Identity

The emergence of October 3rd as a celebrated day by both 'Mean Girls' fans and Taylor Swift supporters illustrates the intersection of cultural significance and social identity. Social identity theory posits that individuals derive part of their self-concept from the groups they belong to, leading to a sense of community and belonging (Tajfel & Turner, 1986).

This phenomenon also highlights the role of pop culture in shaping social interactions and group dynamics. Engaging in shared cultural practices can enhance social bonds among individuals with similar interests (Bennett, 2015).

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Overall, the blending of cultural events highlights how social identity can be influenced by popular culture, fostering connections among diverse fan bases.