National Days in July includes Independence Day (Fourth of July), World Emoji Day, National French Fry Day, and National Avocado Day.
The Month of July is defined by high-energy summer celebrations, historic civic milestones, and community gatherings.
Anchored by major national events like the Fourth of July and civil rights commemorations such as Disability Pride Month and National Disability Independence Day, the month blends patriotic reflection with advocacy.
Globally recognized observances like Nelson Mandela International Day, Malala Day, and World Population Day further enrich the calendar, offering meaningful opportunities to spotlight social justice, education, and global humanitarian progress.
Alongside these cultural and historic moments, July serves as the peak season for outdoor leisure, family connections, and iconic food holidays.
From presidential proclamations honoring National Ice Cream Month to viral digital hits like World Emoji Day, National French Fry Day, and National Avocado Day, the month provides an endless stream of lighthearted themes.
Table of Contents
National days in July 2027
| Date | National & International Days Observed |
| July 1 | National Postal Worker Day, National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day, National Gingersnap Day, Canada Day, National Doctor’s Day (India) |
| July 2 | World UFO Day, National Anisette Day, I Forgot Day, Alice in Wonderland Day |
| July 3 | National Stay Out of the Sun Day, National Eat Your Beans Day, National Chocolate Wafer Day, International Plastic Bag Free Day |
| July 4 | Independence Day (Fourth of July), National Barbecue Day, National Caesar Salad Day, Boom Box Parade Day |
| July 5 | National Bikini Day, National Apple Turnover Day, National Graham Cracker Day, National Hawaii Day, National Workaholics Day |
| July 6 | International Kissing Day, National Fried Chicken Day, National Hand Roll Day |
| July 7 | World Chocolate Day, National Strawberry Sundae Day, National Macaroni Day, National Dive Bar Day, Global Forgiveness Day |
| July 8 | National Blueberry Day, National Chocolate with Almonds Day, National Freezer Pop Day, Be a Kid Again Day |
| July 9 | National Sugar Cookie Day, Fashion Design Day, Cow Appreciation Day (varies) |
| July 10 | National Piña Colada Day, National Kitten Day, National Pick Blueberries Day, Teddy Bear Picnic Day |
| July 11 | National 7-Eleven Day (Free Slurpee Day), World Population Day, National Cheer Up the Lonely Day, National Blueberry Muffin Day |
| July 12 | Malala Day, National Different Colored Eyes Day, National Simplicity Day, National Pecan Pie Day, Paper Bag Day |
| July 13 | National French Fry Day, National Beans ‘N’ Franks Day, National Delaware Day, Embrace Your Geekness Day |
| July 14 | National Mac and Cheese Day, Bastille Day, World Chimpanzee Day, National Tape Measure Day, Shark Awareness Day |
| July 15 | National Give Something Away Day, National Tapioca Pudding Day, World Youth Skills Day, National I Love Horses Day, Gummi Worm Day |
| July 16 | National Ice Cream Day (traditionally third Sunday), National Corn Fritters Day, Fresh Spinach Day, World Snake Day |
| July 17 | World Emoji Day, National Tattoo Day, National Peach Ice Cream Day, National Lottery Day, World Day for International Justice |
| July 18 | Nelson Mandela International Day, National Sour Candy Day, National Caviar Day |
| July 19 | National Daiquiri Day, National Raspberry Cake Day, National Words With Friends Day |
| July 20 | National Moon Day, National Lollipop Day, World Chess Day, National Space Exploration Day |
| July 21 | National Junk Food Day, National Be Someone Day, Legal Drinking Age Day |
| July 22 | National Hammock Day, National Penuche Fudge Day, World Brain Day, Fragile X Awareness Day |
| July 23 | Gorgeous Grandma Day, National Vanilla Ice Cream Day, National Hot Dog Day (varies/3rd Wednesday) |
| July 24 | National Cousins Day, National Drive-Thru Day, National Tequila Day, Tell an Old Joke Day, Amelia Earhart Day |
| July 25 | National Hot Dog Day, National Wine and Cheese Day, National Merry-Go-Round Day, National Threading the Needle Day |
| July 26 | National Disability Independence Day, National Aunt and Uncle Day, National Coffee Milkshake Day, One-Hit Wonder Day |
| July 27 | National Crème Brûlée Day, National Scotch Day, National Love is Kind Day, National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day |
| July 28 | World Hepatitis Day, National Milk Chocolate Day, National Waterpark Day, Buffalo Soldiers Day |
| July 29 | National Lasagna Day, National Chicken Wing Day, National Lipstick Day, International Tiger Day |
| July 30 | International Day of Friendship, National Cheesecake Day, National Father-in-Law Day, Paperback Book Day |
| July 31 | National Avocado Day, National Raspberry Cake Day, National Mutt Day, World Ranger Day |
Independence Day is the only federal holiday in July. Because July 4 falls on a Sunday in 2027, the observance moves to Monday, July 5.
July 1: National Postal Worker Day
Established in 1997 by the Seattle postal district, this day honors postal service workers and letter carriers who work consistently in all weather conditions to keep communities, businesses, and families connected.
July 2: World UFO Day
Commemorates the 1947 Roswell incident and serves as an awareness day for believers, researchers, and sky-watchers to gather, review evidence of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP), and advocate for government disclosure.
July 3: National Stay Out of the Sun Day
A mid-summer health-conscious reminder urging people to give their skin a break from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It encourages staying indoors, seeking shade, and highlighting skin cancer prevention.
July 4: Independence Day (4th of July)
The premier U.S. federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. It is celebrated nationwide with fireworks, parades, barbecues, and family gatherings.
July 5: National Bikini Day
Marks the anniversary of the modern bikini’s debut on July 5, 1946, designed by French engineer Louis Réard and unveiled at the Piscine Molitor in Paris, marking a major turning point in modern fashion history.
July 6: International Kissing Day
Originating in the United Kingdom, this celebration focuses on expressing affection, intimacy, and romance through kissing, highlighting the emotional bonding and stress-relieving health benefits associated with the gesture.
July 7: World Chocolate Day
Widely recognized as the anniversary of chocolate’s introduction to Europe in 1550. It serves as an international celebration for chocolatiers, confectionery brands, and food lovers to indulge in dark, milk, and white chocolate.
July 8: National Blueberry Day
Falls during peak harvest season to celebrate one of North America’s most popular native fruits. Blueberries are recognized for their high antioxidant levels and versatility in baking, smoothies, and summer desserts.
July 9: National Sugar Cookie Day
Celebrates the simple, classic treat originating in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, during the mid-1700s by Moravian settlers. It is a staple at family baking sessions, often decorated with icing, sprinkles, or royal glaze.
July 10: National Piña Colada Day
Honors the tropical cocktail crafted from white rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice. First concocted in San Juan, Puerto Rico, during the 1950s, it officially became the island’s national drink in 1978.
July 11: National 7-Eleven Day / World Population Day
Observed as “Free Slurpee Day” at 7-Eleven convenience stores marking their company anniversary (7/11). Globally, it is also observed by the United Nations as World Population Day to address demographic trends, reproductive health, and human rights.
July 12: Malala Day
Designated by the United Nations on the birthday of education activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai, commemorating her 2013 speech at the UN demanding worldwide access to education for young girls.
July 13: National French Fry Day
A high-engagement digital holiday celebrating the popular deep-fried potato snack. Fast-food restaurants and casual eateries regularly host giveaways and promote various cuts, from crinkle and curly to shoestring and waffle.
July 14: National Mac and Cheese Day
Celebrates the quintessential comfort food made from macaroni pasta and melted cheese sauce. Brought into American culinary mainstream partly by Thomas Jefferson, who served it at state dinners after traveling to Europe.
July 15: National Give Something Away Day
Encourages acts of generosity, decluttering, and charity. People are inspired to donate gently used clothes, household goods, books, or food to local community pantries and thrift stores.
July 16: National Ice Cream Day
Officially signed into existence by President Ronald Reagan in 1984 via Proclamation 5119 (traditionally the third Sunday of July, commonly spotlighted around mid-July), recognizing ice cream as a wholesome summer treat enjoyed by 90% of the U.S. population.
July 17: World Emoji Day
Created in 2014 by Emojipedia founder Jeremy Burge, deliberately set on July 17 because that date is famously displayed on Apple’s calendar emoji. Tech platforms frequently announce new icon designs and updates on this day.
July 18: Nelson Mandela International Day
Adopted by the United Nations in 2009 to honor the legacy of South Africa’s first democratically elected president. People are called to spend 67 minutes in community service—one minute for each year Mandela spent fighting for social justice.
July 19: National Daiquiri Day
Honors the classic Cuban cocktail made with rum, lime juice, and simple syrup, believed to have been invented by American mining engineer Jennings Cox in the town of Daiquiri, Cuba, around 1898.
July 20: National Moon Day
Commemorates July 20, 1969, when Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin made history by landing the Lunar Module Eagle on the Moon and taking humanity’s first steps on another celestial surface.
July 21: National Junk Food Day
A guilt-free day for food enthusiasts to indulge in their favorite sweet or savory guilty pleasures—from potato chips and candy bars to deep-fried fair foods—before resuming balanced dietary habits.
July 22: National Hammock Day
Celebrates the ultimate symbol of summer relaxation. Developed originally by indigenous societies in the Caribbean and Central America for safety from ground pests, hammocks are now universal fixtures for camping and outdoor lounging.
July 23: Gorgeous Grandma Day
Established by Alice Solomon in 1984 to encourage grandmothers to reject outdated stereotypes and embrace dynamic, active, fashionable, and adventurous lifestyles well into their senior years.
July 24: National Cousins Day
Celebrates the lifelong companionship, family memories, and shared childhood experiences between cousins, prompting family photo sharing, reunion planning, and social shoutouts.
July 25: National Hot Dog Day
A late-summer culinary fixture celebrating the staple American ballpark food, frequently highlighted with regional variations such as Chicago-style, New York dirty-water dogs, and Coney Island chili dogs.
July 26: National Disability Independence Day
Marks the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush, guaranteeing civil rights protections and accessible public spaces for individuals with disabilities.
July 27: National Crème Brûlée Day
Honors the sophisticated French dessert consisting of a rich custard base topped with a contrasting layer of hardened, caramelized sugar that is cracked with a spoon before eating.
July 28: World Hepatitis Day
One of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) official global public health days. It raises awareness about viral hepatitis, advocating for broader testing, preventative vaccination, and equitable access to antiviral treatment.
July 29: National Lasagna Day
Celebrates the hearty, layered Italian-American comfort dish made with wide pasta ribbons, ricotta, meat sauce, and melted mozzarella. Restaurants frequently offer promotions and family dining specials.
July 30: International Day of Friendship
Proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2011 to promote dialogue, mutual respect, and cultural understanding across nations, cultures, and communities to foster peace and bridge divides.
July 31: National Avocado Day
Celebrates the popular, nutrient-dense superfood renowned for its healthy fats. Spurred by the widespread popularity of guacamole, salads, and artisan avocado toast across modern menus.
Month-Long July Observances
| Observance | Founding Organization / Originator | Year Established | Purpose & Context |
| National Ice Cream Month | President Ronald Reagan / Int’l Ice Cream Assoc. | 1984 | Proclamation 5119 designated July to celebrate the economic impact and consumer joy of dairy farming and ice cream makers. |
| National Blueberry Month | USDA / North American Blueberry Council | 1999 | Designated to promote the domestic blueberry harvest, heart-healthy benefits, and fresh agricultural produce. |
| Disability Pride Month | Disability rights advocates | 1990 | Grew out of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in July 1990 to celebrate disabled culture and pride. |
| National Hot Dog Month | National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (NHDSC) | 1957 | Established to market frankfurters during peak outdoor barbecue, picnic, and baseball season. |
| National Picnic Month | The American Bakers Association | 1952 | Created to encourage outdoor dining, family gatherings, and the use of bread and sandwich products during high summer. |
| National Grilling Month | Barbecue industry & outdoor cooking brands | ~1990s | Popularized by culinary associations and grill manufacturers to celebrate backyard cooking techniques and recipes. |
Notable Floating Observances in July
- National Ice Cream Day: Third Sunday in July
- National Hot Dog Day: Third Wednesday in July
- National Chili Dog Day: Last Thursday in July
- System Administrator Appreciation Day: Last Friday in July
The Ice Cream Month designation expired in 1984
This is worth setting out in full, because it shows how a genuine federal designation becomes an unofficial tradition without anyone noticing the transition.
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| House | Joint Resolution 543, sponsored by Rep. Kika de la Garza of Texas, April 11, 1984 |
| Senate | Joint Resolution 298, sponsored by Sen. Walter Dee Huddleston of Kentucky, May 17, 1984 |
| Proclamation | 5219, signed by Reagan on July 9, 1984 |
| Scope | “July 1984 as National Ice Cream Month and July 15, 1984, as National Ice Cream Day” |
Every July since has been kept up by ice cream manufacturers and retailers. The National Archives, govinfo and the American Presidency Project all hold the 1984 proclamation; none of them holds a standing one.
Reagan’s stated justification is worth quoting for what it says about how these designations get made: ice cream is “a nutritious and wholesome food, enjoyed by over ninety percent of the people in the United States,” and the industry “generates approximately $3.5 billion in annual sales” (govinfo; National Archives).
One correction while we are here: National Ice Cream Day is the third Sunday in July, not July 9.
Frequently asked questions
Is National Ice Cream Month official?
It was, for July 1984. Senate Joint Resolution 298 designated that month and July 15, 1984 as National Ice Cream Day, and Reagan implemented it with Proclamation 5219 on July 9, 1984. The designation covered one year. Every July since has been observed by convention and by the ice cream industry, with no standing federal authority behind it.
When is National Ice Cream Day?
The third Sunday in July — July 18 in 2027. The 1984 resolution named July 15 of that year specifically; the third-Sunday convention came later. Some sources give July 9, which is the date Reagan signed the proclamation, not the day it designated.
What federal holidays are in July?
One: Independence Day. In 2027 the statutory date, Sunday, July 4, falls on a weekend, so the federal observance moves to Monday, July 5.
