31 Reasons to Celebrate in July

Special days and unconventional holidays to observe

Days to Celebrate in July

The Spruce / Michela Buttignol

As if summer weather and vacations weren't good enough reasons to love July, there are many ways to have fun each day. With Independence Day, Chocolate Day, World Emoji Day, and more, you can get out and party this month.

Here are 31 reasons to celebrate during the month of July.

Fun Fact

July is named after Julius Caesar because it was his birth month.

  • 01 of 31

    July 1: International Joke Day

    woman laughing

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    Knock knock! International Joke Day is here. Today’s the day to tell all of your jokes—good and bad—to spread some laughter and cheer. Also, consider heading to a local comedy club to support the comedians in your community.

  • 02 of 31

    July 2: Made in the USA Day

    American flag

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    Just in time for Independence Day, July 2 is the day to support local businesses and products that are made in the U.S. You can feel good knowing you're boosting the hometown economy and helping to create jobs for your neighbors.

  • 03 of 31

    July 3: National Eat Beans Day

    Different types of beans in wooden spoons

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    Beans are healthy, inexpensive, versatile, and delicious. So for National Eat Beans Day, you can toss some kidney beans into your favorite salad, roast chickpeas with olive oil and your favorite seasonings for a crunchy snack, or blend black beans into your go-to brownie mix. The recipes are virtually limitless.

  • 04 of 31

    July 4: Independence Day

    Fireworks in the sky

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    Between the barbecues, ice-cold beers, fireworks, and bonfires take a few moments today to reflect on the meaning of Independence Day. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are the true reasons to celebrate. Happy birthday, America!

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  • 05 of 31

    July 5: National Graham Cracker Day

    graham crackers

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    Although they might not be the first cookies you reach for when your sweet tooth strikes, the humble graham cracker is needed for s'mores, graham cracker pie crusts, cookies, and even banana pudding with graham cracker crumbles. Graham crackers can give many desserts an extra dose of crunch and sweetness. So pick a graham cracker-centric recipe to make today for National Graham Cracker Day.

  • 06 of 31

    July 6: National Fried Chicken Day

    fried chicken

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    Take this day to enjoy the hot, crunchy goodness of fried chicken. If you've never made it yourself before, today is the day to heat the oil and fry it up. Or order some from your favorite restaurant.

  • 07 of 31

    July 7: Chocolate Day

    An assortment of chocolates laid out on purple paper

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    Chocolate has an almost magical ability to make life better. And eating an ounce of dark chocolate each day actually has some health benefits, including reduced stress and blood pressure. Indulge in your favorite chocolate for Chocolate Day.

  • 08 of 31

    July 8: National Chocolate With Almonds Day

    chocolate and almonds

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    If celebrating plain chocolate wasn't enough, today is the day to celebrate chocolate with almonds. The crunchy pairing can be eaten in candy bar form, chocolate-covered almonds, or any other way your sweet tooth desires.

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  • 09 of 31

    July 9: National Sugar Cookie Day

    Cookie dough cut into stars with cookie cutting tools

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    Sugar cookies are simple yet versatile. Plus, they are easy to make; flour, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, and baking soda are all you need. There are many tasty ways to dress them up, including icing or ice cream. So whip up a batch to celebrate today, and don't hesitate to get a little creative.

  • 10 of 31

    July 10: National Piña Colada Day

    a pina colada and cut open coconut and pineapple

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    If you can't transport yourself to the beach today, this tropical cocktail can. This beverage is made with a few simple ingredients, including white rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice. Nothing can make your back patio feel like a tropical escape like a piña colada can. Break out the tiny paper umbrellas, kick off your shoes, and enjoy.

  • 11 of 31

    July 11: National Mojito Day

    lime mojitos

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    Combining white rum with sugar, lime, mint, soda water, and sugar, this Cuban classic tastes light and refreshing. A mojito is perfect for hot Havana nights or an evening on your porch. So mix one up for National Mojito Day.

  • 12 of 31

    July 12: National Simplicity Day

    woman watches the sunset in Joshua Tree National Park
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    Today is the day to celebrate the simple things in life. Take a walk in nature. Listen to the birds. Enjoy a conversation. Just slow down and take stock of what really matters to you.

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  • 13 of 31

    July 13: National French Fries Day

    Basket of french fries on restaurant table

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    You can pair them with some simple condiments, top them with truffle oil and parmesan, or mash them on top of a juicy burger. Whatever you prefer, there's no wrong way to enjoy a big pile of fries today.

  • 14 of 31

    July 14: Pandemonium Day

    Kids jumping on parents bed

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    Between a hectic work schedule, chores, family time, and much-needed alone time, every day might feel like Pandemonium Day. But today embrace the pandemonium and do something you normally wouldn't do. Stray from your regular schedule, let the dog on the bed, or dig into some junk food. Do whatever you need to let loose.

  • 15 of 31

    July 15: I Love Horses Day

    Horse roaming in a grassy field

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    Today's the day for all horse lovers to celebrate. And even if you can't visit with a real horse, you can still enjoy the animal. Look at some picture books with your kids, watch some videos, and learn about these majestic animals.

  • 16 of 31

    July 16: National Fresh Spinach Day

    Fresh spinach in different cooking pots

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    You don't have to be Popeye the Sailor to celebrate National Fresh Spinach Day! Try sautéing spinach in olive oil with garlic, diced onions, and your favorite spices. Or blend a handful into your breakfast smoothie. You can even mash it into burgers or meatballs for an extra serving of veggies.

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  • 17 of 31

    July 17: World Emoji Day

    hands on smartphone

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    It's no coincidence this day is World Emoji Day. It's the date displayed on the emoji for a calendar. From the beloved grimace emoji to the upside-down smiley emoji, there are many ways to emote today.

  • 18 of 31

    July 18: World Listening Day

    Meditating outside

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    Every year, the World Listening Project holds World Listening Day. It’s a time to pause and listen to the sounds of nature and society to learn more about our environment. So today open your ears and really pay attention to what you’re hearing.

  • 19 of 31

    July 19: National Daiquiri Day

    Strawberry and lime daiquiri on serving tray

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    Today's the perfect day to indulge in a daiquiri. The famous cocktail combines rum, citrus juice, and sugar (or another sweetener of your choice) to make a delicious and refreshing beverage.  

  • 20 of 31

    July 20: National Moon Day

    moon
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    National Moon Day celebrates the historic moon landing on July 20, 1969. In honor of the day, take a small step (or a giant leap) to learn about the mission that put people on the moon. And learn some fun facts about the moon itself.

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  • 21 of 31

    July 21: National Junk Food Day

    different party snacks

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    Today you have the perfect excuse to treat yourself to some junk food. Enjoy a doughnut for breakfast, grab some pizza for lunch, or sink your teeth into a juicy burger for dinner. And don't forget dessert. After all, National Junk Food Day only comes once a year.

  • 22 of 31

    July 22: Summer Leisure Day

    Family having dinner outside

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    Even if you can't take a vacation this summer, it's important to give yourself some TLC. Take a breather from the daily routine, and go to the beach, lake, or a local park. Or simply sleep in and have a lazy day on the couch.

  • 23 of 31

    July 23: National Vanilla Ice Cream Day

    Vanilla ice cream tub

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    Vanilla ice cream is consistently one of the most popular flavors. You can't go wrong with this classic. And you can always jazz it up with toppings or blend it into a milkshake. Grab a scoop for National Vanilla Ice Cream Day.

  • 24 of 31

    July 24: National Tell an Old Joke Day

    Friends laughing and drinking together

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    Today's the day you can unleash your beloved old (and corny) jokes without fear of people groaning and rolling their eyes. If you need a little material, here's one: Why don't crabs donate to charity? Because they're shellfish. 

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  • 25 of 31

    July 25: National Wine and Cheese Day

    Cheeseboard and wine

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    Today we celebrate the classic pairing that is wine and cheese. So pick your favorites or try something new to celebrate. Grab your cutest charcuterie board, and get arranging.

  • 26 of 31

    July 26: National Bagelfest Day

    An assortment of bagels

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    Crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside, there's nothing better than a fresh bagel—especially on National Bagelfest Day. Top it with fresh cream cheese, smoked salmon, tomatoes, onions, melted butter, or whatever you prefer. Or turn it into a stacked sandwich. 

  • 27 of 31

    July 27: National Scotch Day

    Close up of scotch in a glass

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    The oldest recorded mention of scotch is from 1494. So you can carry on this centuries-old tradition with a glass today for National Scotch Day. And learn a little bit about how scotch is made while you sip.

  • 28 of 31

    July 28: National Milk Chocolate Day

    chocolate milk

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    For all the milk chocolate lovers out there, today is your day. Milk chocolate is sweet, smooth, and creamy. And it makes for the perfect candy bar. Indulge in your favorite milk chocolate candy today, or bake your favorite milk chocolate-centric recipe.

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  • 29 of 31

    July 29: National Lasagna Day

    A serving of lasagna

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    Combining pasta, cheese, meat or veggies, and tomato sauce, lasagna is simply delicious. For National Lasagna Day, try a new recipe or stick to a family favorite. Looking for a lighter version of this dinnertime classic? Swap your pasta for zoodles, and opt for reduced-fat mozzarella. 

  • 30 of 31

    July 30: Paperback Book Day

    Book on table with orange juice

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    Books have the magical ability to transport the reader to faraway places and teach things you never knew before. And paperback books make it easy for you to read on the go. So for Paperback Book Day, grab a paperback and head to your favorite reading spot to enjoy.

  • 31 of 31

    July 31: National Avocado Day

    avocados

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    Served on toast, mashed into guacamole, or blended into dairy-free fudge, today we're honoring avocados. Try a little more adventurous avocado recipe today, such as chocolate pudding made with the creamy fruit. Or treat your skin to a homemade avocado face mask.