If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through Instagram on a random October night only to see half of your friends posting pictures of spicy chicken sliders, you’ve likely stumbled upon the cult of October 24. Drake’s birthday is October 24, 1986. While that seems like a simple piece of trivia, the day has basically become an unofficial international holiday for the "Certified Lover Boy" himself. It’s not just about a guy turning another year older; it’s a full-blown cultural event that involves massive parties, free food for the public, and an absolute avalanche of Scorpio energy.
Honestly, the date is burned into the brains of "Stans" everywhere. Born Aubrey Drake Graham in Toronto, Ontario, he’s spent the last decade and a half making sure we never forget his roots or his zodiac sign. He was born at St. Boniface General Hospital (no, wait, he was born in Toronto, specifically at St. Michael's Hospital) to Dennis Graham, a drummer from Memphis, and Sandi Graham, an English teacher. That mix of Canadian sensibility and Southern soul is exactly why his birthday celebrations feel so unique.
The Scorpio King: When is Drake’s Birthday and Why Does it Matter?
For Drake, being a Scorpio isn't just a horoscope—it’s a brand. He literally named his fifth studio album Scorpion. He leans into every stereotype associated with the sign: the emotional depth, the occasional pettiness, and that relentless drive for success.
Every year on October 24, the internet goes through a specific cycle. First, the "Happy Birthday" posts from his OVO crew start hitting. Then, fans begin dissecting his latest lyrics to see if he dropped any "birthday surprises."
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What’s wild is how he uses his birthday to reinforce his "Man of the People" image. Most celebs hide away in a private villa on their big day. Drake? He usually makes sure you get fed.
Free Chicken for Everyone
If you’re wondering why "when is Drake’s birthday" is a trending search every autumn, it’s probably because people want free lunch. Since 2021, Drake has used his stake in Dave’s Hot Chicken to host a massive giveaway. On October 24, almost every Dave's Hot Chicken location offers free sliders or tenders to anyone with their app.
It’s brilliant marketing.
Thousands of people stand in line across the U.S. and Canada, essentially celebrating his birth by eating Nashville-style hot chicken. In 2025, for his 39th birthday, the tradition hit an all-time high with lines wrapping around blocks in Toronto and Los Angeles.
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Famous Parties and Legendary "Nostalgia"
Drake doesn't do "low key." He’s the guy who rented out Dodger Stadium for a date, so you can imagine what his birthday looks like.
Take his 32nd birthday, for example. He threw a 2000s-themed bash that was so specific it featured a "Sandra Rose" room (a tribute to his mom) and a replica Blockbuster Video wall. He even had a "Pimp My Ride" car. He gave away $5,000 Chanel bags to guests like they were party favors.
Then there was the 2016 "OVO Sound Radio" episode. He didn't just have a party; he spent the night before his 30th birthday premiering tracks like "Fake Love" and "Sneakin'." He uses the date as a pivot point for his career milestones.
- 1986: Aubrey is born in Toronto.
- 2016: Drops "More Life" announcement on his 30th.
- 2025: Receives 16 new RIAA certifications (including 6 diamond plaques) on his 39th birthday.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Age
Because he’s been in our lives since the Degrassi days, people often think he’s older than he is. He started playing Jimmy Brooks when he was just a teenager.
Currently, as of his last birthday in 2025, Drake is 39. He’s heading toward the big 4-0 in 2026.
It’s also worth noting that while he celebrates in Toronto or LA, he’s increasingly spending his "birthday week" in the Bahamas. For his 39th, he was spotted at a private villa with his father, Dennis Graham, who is famously known for his own eccentric style and mustache. The elder Graham usually posts a heartfelt (and slightly loud) Instagram tribute every year on the 24th, reminding everyone that "music is in the blood."
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The "Scorpio's Mind" Philosophy
Early in his career, he released a track called "A Scorpio's Mind." It set the tone. He raps about being a "mind reader" and seeing things people never say. That’s the core of the October 24th energy. It’s about intuition and, let’s be real, a bit of drama.
Whether he’s squashing beefs at his party (like he famously did with Chris Brown and Diddy at different birthday events) or dropping a surprise "playlist," the day is never quiet. It’s a calculated mix of vulnerability and "look at how much money I have."
Actionable Tips for the Next October 24
If you want to celebrate like a true fan, or just benefit from the chaos, here’s how to prep for Drake’s birthday:
- Download the App: Get the Dave’s Hot Chicken app at least a week before October 24. They usually require a check-in to get the free slider.
- Check OVO Sound: Watch the OVO Sound social media accounts starting on the night of October 23. That’s when the "leaks" or surprise drops usually happen.
- Toronto Watch: If you’re in the 6ix, keep an eye on Yorkville or the Bridle Path. He’s known to do "pop-ups" or just drive around his old neighborhoods on his birthday.
- The Soundtrack: Traditionally, fans listen to Scorpion or More Life on the day, as these are the projects most tied to his birthday energy.
Next time you see those "October 24" memes, you’ll know why. It’s more than just a date on a calendar; it’s the day the music industry’s most famous Scorpio reminds us he’s still at the top of the food chain.