30 Days to Celebrate in June

By
Christie Donnelly
Christie Donnelly
Christie Donnelly

Christina Donnelly is a lifestyle expert writer covering stories in home décor and gardening. She is a former editor for The Spruce. She also has expertise in pets, which comes from her 12 years of volunteering for animal welfare organizations, such as the ASPCA and Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary. Her work has appeared on Nick.com, Healthline.com, and Sharecare.com, among others.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 08/19/21
Month of June calendar illustration with each day's holiday noted

The Spruce / Ellen Lindner

The first days of summer (and school vacation!) may be reason enough for celebration in June, but believe it or not, there's actually more fun to be had. From quirky food holidays and pet appreciation days to notable times in history, June provides us with many opportunities to smile. Here are 30 reasons to celebrate throughout the month.

Fun Fact

June used to be the fourth month in the year before the Julian calendar was created.

  • 01 of 30

    June 1: World Milk Day

    Quart of milk in a glass bottle and a half-full glass of milk on a wooden tabletop
    Tetra Images / Getty Images

    Today's the day to enjoy a cold glass of milk. If cow's milk isn't your thing, there are many dairy alternatives available to you in the grocery store, including almond milk, oat milk, cashew milk, and more. You can even upgrade your sip with a bit of chocolate syrup for a glass of classic chocolate milk.

  • 02 of 30

    June 2: National Rocky Road Day

    Rocky road ice cream in a sundae glass

    grandriver / iStock / Getty Images

    Now considered a classic favorite, rocky road is a tasty blend of chocolate ice cream, nuts, and a marshmallow swirl. It was originally concocted around 1929 and given its quirky name to give people a reason to smile during the Great Depression. Ice cream has the uncanny ability to make any situation better, so grab a scoop to celebrate this day.

  • 03 of 30

    June 3: National Egg Day

    Black breakfast plate containing eggs, toast, and roasted cherry tomatoes photographed from above

    istetiana / Moment / Getty Images

    Eggs are super versatile—whether you like them scrambled, hard-boiled, soft boiled, fried, poached, or baked, there are a slew of delicious recipes for you out there. Today, celebrate the humble egg with your favorite recipe, like breakfast tacos, egg salad, a quiche, or even your favorite brownies (hey, eggs are an ingredient!).

  • 04 of 30

    June 4: Hug Your Cat Day

    Orange cat with eyes closed

    Chris Winsor / Moment / Getty Images

    Not that you need an excuse, but today is the perfect day to give your feline friend a few extra cuddles. If your cat doesn’t like being hugged, try showing your affection in another way, like a new toy, a special treat, or a relaxing cat nap for two.  

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  • 05 of 30

    June 4: National Donut Day

    Maple glazed bacon donuts photographed from above

    Lisa Romerein / Getty Images

    Everyone's favorite breakfast treat has a dedicated day of celebration on the first Friday of June each year. There are many flavors of donuts to satisfy your sweet tooth—whether you prefer a classic glazed, a savory bacon donut, or one with sprinkles on top, today's the day to enjoy. Pick up a dozen to share and get ready to become the most popular person in the office.

  • 06 of 30

    June 6: National Gardening as Exercise Day

    Child sitting in a blue wheelbarrow that is being pushed by a man along a garden path

    westend61 / Getty Images

    Gardening is easy on your joints, relaxing, and good for the environment. Plus, time spent outdoors is always time well-spent. On June 6, grab your gloves and get gardening—even if you don't have your own outdoor green space, you can learn how to grow plants inside.

  • 07 of 30

    June 7: National Chocolate Ice Cream Day

    Scoops of chocolate ice cream in a brown bowl

    bhofack2 / Getty Images

    Ice cream is a quintessential warm-weather treat. To celebrate National Chocolate Ice Cream Day, grab your favorite cocoa-flavored cold treat and enjoy it outside for a mid-day break—just be sure to finish it before it melts.

  • 08 of 30

    June 8: Best Friends Day

    Three people looking a a cell phone screen

    westend61 / Getty Images

    Best friends play a lot of different roles in our lives, including trusted advisers, confidants, and cheerleaders. Today, show your best bud how much you appreciate them by treating them to a happy hour drink, their favorite home-cooked dinner, or a small gift you know they'll love.

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  • 09 of 30

    June 9: National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day

    A slice of strawberry rhubarb pie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a white dessert plate

    John Gagne / Getty Images

    Strawberry rhubarb pie is an early summertime classic. The two fruits combine for a perfect not-too-sweet, not-too-tart, juicy filling. If you're feeling ambitious, you can make your own pie, or just pick one up at your favorite local bakery. Pro tip: Don't forget to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to the top.

  • 10 of 30

    June 10: National Iced Tea Day

    A glass of iced tea with lemon and mint in closeup

    Alice Day / EyeEm / Getty Images

    Nothing says summer like a big pitcher of freshly brewed iced tea that’s jam-packed with sliced lemons. Whether you prefer the classic flavor of unsweetened iced tea, an iced lemongrass tea, or every Southerner’s sugar-laden favorite, sweet tea, today's the day to make this your beverage of choice.

  • 11 of 30

    June 11: Corn on the Cob Day

    Corn on the cob cooking on an outdoor grill

    Paulo Sousa / EyeEm / Getty Images

    Whether topped with butter, seasoned with salt and pepper, sprinkled with queso fresco and lime juice, or chopped into a summer salad, it’s not a barbecue without some corn on the cob. While traditional cooking methods call for boiling or grilling the corn, if you’re crunched for time, you can also microwave it, and it will taste just as delicious.

  • 12 of 30

    June 12: National Jerky Day

    Large strips of jerky on a wooden surface

    juanmonino / iStock / Getty Images

    You'd be a lot hungrier on road trips, hikes, and camping without jerky. Jerky is a must-have for long summer excursions. Save a few bucks by making your own jerky at home to celebrate National Jerky Day. All you need is a dehydrator, your favorite lean meat, and some spices for added flavor. 

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  • 13 of 30

    June 13: Weed Your Garden Day

    person gardening

    Hero Images / Getty Images

    Now that the warm weather is here, it’s time to give your garden some TLC. Grab your toughest gardening gloves, and tackle the weeds that took over during the spring in honor of Weed Your Garden Day.

  • 14 of 30

    June 14: Flag Day

    American flag in closeup

    Tetra Images / Getty Images

    On June 14, 1777, the United States adopted the American flag. Since then, it has become a symbol of freedom, endurance, and patriotism recognized around the globe. Hang a flag inside or outside of your home to commemorate Flag Day.

  • 15 of 30

    June 15: National Lobster Day

    Cooked lobster tail with two lemon halves on a white plate
    Alina Solovyova-Vincent / Getty Images

    If you're a seafood lover, today is the day to indulge. It's super easy to steam your own lobsters, crack those claws, and enjoy—but if preparing them yourself isn't your thing, head to a seafood shack for a tasty lobster roll instead.

  • 16 of 30

    June 16: Fresh Veggies Day

    Fresh produce, beets, carrots, lemons, and radishes on woodblock photographed from above

    Enrique Díaz / 7cero / Getty Images

    Eating plenty of veggies doesn’t have to mean a plate full of boring greens. In honor of Fresh Veggies Day, swap your regular spinach salad for a new-to-you combination or roast your favorite root veggies with garlic, olive oil, and your favorite spices. You can always blend a handful of veggies (and fruits) for a smoothie, too.

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  • 17 of 30

    June 17: National Apple Strudel Day

    Apple strudel dusted with powdered sugar on a dessert plate with a fork on the side

    Michael Grayson / Moment / Getty Images

    Say hallo to apple pie’s tasty European cousin! Made with thin layers of flaky crust, loads of sliced apples, and brown sugar, freshly baked apple strudel pairs well with coffee at breakfast or vanilla ice cream for dessert. Make your own strudel to start the morning (or end the day) on a sweet note for National Apple Strudel Day.

  • 18 of 30

    June 18: National Splurge Day

    A person holding a glass of white wine sitting at an outside table

    Hero Images / Getty Images

    Whether splurging to you means drinking a glass of wine on your patio, buying an outfit you’ve been eyeing, or enjoying a massive bacon cheeseburger, there’s only one thing to do today: treat yourself. Indulge in that splurge you've been waiting to carry out until the "right moment," because that moment is today.

  • 19 of 30

    June 19: National Dry Martini Day

    Two martinis with three olives

    Image Source / Getty Images

    Celebrate National Dry Martini Day with a toast to this classic beverage. Unlike a wet martini, a dry martini is mixed up with less vermouth. If you prefer a botanical flavor, opt for gin over vodka. You'll also need to decide whether you want olives or olive juice, which makes it a "dirty martini."

  • 20 of 30

    June 20: The First Day of Summer

    Family at a beach

    Hero Images / Getty Images

    Summer is finally here! Today's the day to take advantage of the warm weather and extra-long daylight, so ring in the season with a few cocktails al fresco, a fresh summer salad, or a fun outdoor activity like heading to the beach or the local pool.

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  • 21 of 30

    June 21: National Smoothie Day

    Green smoothie in a bulbous glass on a green cloth with a spoon

    Burwell and Burwell / Vetta / Getty Images

    On a hot day, not much can beat an ice-cold smoothie. Blend up a sip for National Smoothie Day featuring your favorite fruits and veggies (mix-ins like yogurt or peanut butter work, too), and enjoy the refreshing beverage outdoors.

  • 22 of 30

    June 22: National Onion Rings Day

    Fried onion rings closeup

    Michael Rheault / Moment/Getty Images

    Covering a food in batter and deep-frying it usually ends up being a delicious hit—and that's especially true for onions. In honor of National Onion Rings Day, try making your own onion rings at home (it’s easier than you’d think) with a classic beer batter recipe. If all else fails, you can always hit up your local pub for a deep-fried basket.

  • 23 of 30

    June 23: National Pink Day

    Open floor plan home with pink couch in the living room area

    Niklas Skur / EyeEm / Getty Images

    The color pink can add a fun, unexpected pop of personality to your home décor, garden, wardrobe, or even your hairstyle. Look for places where you can add the hue to your life in honor of National Pink Day.

  • 24 of 30

    June 24: National Pralines Day

    Milk chocolate and dark chocolate pralines on a white plate

    Axel Bueckert / EyeEm / Getty Images

    A classic Southern treat, pralines combine pecans, hazelnuts, or almonds with butter, cream, and brown sugar for a delicious bite. Today, channel your inner Southerner and whip up a batch of your own.

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  • 25 of 30

    June 25: National Strawberry Parfait Day

    A person taking a spoonful of strawberry parfait from a dessert glass set on a cutting board

    Teen00000 / iStock / Getty Images

    A strawberry parfait is a layered treat that's usually served in a tall glass to show off its layers. If you’re looking for a custom option to celebrate National Strawberry Parfait Day, try making your own with vanilla Greek yogurt, fresh-sliced strawberries, and homemade granola. 

  • 26 of 30

    June 26: Tropical Cocktail Day

    Cocktails with pineapple and maraschino cherries, pineapple slices on cutting board in background

    bhofack2 / iStock / Getty Images

    If you can’t go on a beach vacation, you can still celebrate Tropical Cocktail Day. Rock your favorite Hawaiian shirt, slip on some sandals, and enjoy a classic tropical bar cocktail, like a mai tai, piña colada, or rum runner. 

  • 27 of 30

    June 27: Great American Picnic Day

    Wine, cheese, fruit, bread, and a picnic basket on a blanket on the grass with trees in background

    David Buffington / Getty Images

    Traditionally celebrated on the last Saturday in June, you can honor Great American Picnic day by packing up a feast of your own and heading outdoors. Enjoy your meal in a local park, after a long hike, on the beach, or in your own backyard—just make sure you clean up your trash!

  • 28 of 30

    June 28: National Tapioca Day

    White tapioca pearls falling from a wooden scoop onto a white plate

    westend61 / Getty Images

    Love it or hate it, this squishy treat has its very own national holiday: National Tapioca Day. Whether you make it in pudding form, add it to boba tea, or even bake it, tapioca makes an interesting addition to lots of drinks and desserts. Even if you've never had it before, try out a recipe that uses tapioca to celebrate the day.

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  • 29 of 30

    June 29: National Camera Day

    A person holding a camera down at their side with a blurred landscape in the background

    Edwin Liem / EyeEm / Getty Images

    Invented in 1816, cameras have come lightyears from the very first version. Celebrate this day (and progress) by having a photoshoot with friends or family, or by taking interesting photos of nearby scenery.

  • 30 of 30

    June 30: National Meteor Watch Day

    Milky Way rising over Mt. Ruapehu, New Zealand
    New Zealand Transition / Getty Images

    While there isn't always an opportunity to catch a shooting star, June 30 is a day made for celebrating the wonders of the night sky. Mark today by searching the sky for meteors or simply watching the stars. If you happen to have a telescope on hand, this is the day to put it to use.

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