National Mosque Open Day: Coming to a mosque near you in October

The Lebanese Muslim Association will once again facilitate National Mosque Open Day (NMOD) this year, with the 13th annual event confirmed for its traditional slot, the last Saturday in October – Saturday, 31 October, 2026.

Since the LMA held Australia’s first Mosque Open Day at Lakemba Mosque in 2009, and expanded it into a national initiative in 2014, NMOD has grown into one of the most significant dates on the interfaith calendar.

Every year – including through the COVID-19 pandemic, when the event moved online in 2020 and 2021 – mosques across the country have opened their doors to Australians of every faith and background, offering guided tours, Q&A sessions with Imams and family-friendly activities designed to build understanding between communities.

The 2026 theme will be Islamophobia, returning the initiative’s focus to the rising tide of anti-Muslim sentiment and discrimination affecting communities across Australia.

The theme echoes NMOD 2024’s “Combating Islamophobia” and builds on 2025’s “Open Mosques, Open Hearts,” reaffirming NMOD’s role as a direct, practical response to prejudice – inviting the public in, rather than shutting the door on ignorance.

NMOD at Lakemba Mosque – 2025.

“Islamophobia isn’t going away, and NMOD is one of the most powerful tools we have to confront it head-on,” said Salim Allouche, the LMA’s Religious and Events Administrator.

“When we open our doors, we give people the chance to replace fear and misinformation with a genuine, human connection.”

As in previous years, mosques from every state are invited to take part, and the LMA extends a warm welcome to mosques that haven’t previously been involved.

“NMOD only grows stronger, the more mosques that get involved, and we’d love to hear from any masjid around the country that hasn’t taken part before,” Mr Allouche said.

NMOD at Cabramatta Mosque – 2024.

“There’s no better way to introduce your community to your neighbours than throwing the doors (of the mosque) open.”

One great example of this is the Omar Ibn Al Khattab (Young) Mosque in regional New South Wales, which has consistently delivered one of NMOD’s most successful events and is expected to reach new heights in 2026 following the recent grand opening of its impressive new masjid.

With a purpose-built complex now four times the size of the old building, Young is well placed to welcome record crowds through its doors for this year’s Open Day.

The LMA will confirm NMOD’s event partner in the very near future, continuing a partnership model that has helped extend the initiative’s reach into the wider Australian media and public.

NMOD at Quakers Hill Mosque – 2025.

NMOD remains one of the most effective tools the Muslim community has for countering misinformation and building lasting relationships that outlast the day itself.

With Islamophobia as this year’s theme, the LMA is calling on mosques nationwide to help turn Saturday. 31 October 2026 into the biggest and most impactful Open Day yet.

Mosques interested in taking part, or media outlets seeking further information, are encouraged to contact the LMA directly.