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The first day of summer isn't the only thing to be excited about in June. From fun food holidays to pet appreciation days and notable times in history, there are many opportunities to smile this month.
Here are 30 reasons to celebrate during the month of June.
Fun Fact
June used to be the fourth month in the year before the Julian calendar was created.
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June 1: World Milk Day
Today's the day to enjoy a cold glass of milk. If cow's milk isn't your thing, there are many dairy alternatives in the grocery store. Try almond milk, oat milk, or other nut milks. You can even add some chocolate syrup for a glass of classic chocolate milk.
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June 2: National Rocky Road Day
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Rocky road is a tasty blend of chocolate ice cream, nuts, and marshmallows. Concocted in 1929, it was named rocky road 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.
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June 3: National Egg Day
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Eggs are packed with nutrients and super versatile. Whether you like them scrambled, hard boiled, soft boiled, fried, poached, or baked, there are many delicious ways to eat eggs. Today, celebrate the humble egg with some breakfast tacos, egg salad, quiche, or even your favorite brownies.
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June 4: Hug Your Cat Day
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Today is the day to hug your feline friend. If your cat doesn’t like being hugged, try showing your affection in another way. Give your pet a nose-to-tail rub, cuddle its head, or take a relaxing cat nap together.
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June 5: National Donut Day* (first Friday)
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There are many types of doughnuts to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you prefer a classic glazed, Boston creme, or sprinkles on top, today's the day to enjoy. Pick up a dozen mixed doughnuts to share (or not)!
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June 6: National Gardening as Exercise Day
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Gardening is a great exercise because it’s low-impact (easy on the joints), cheap or free, and relaxing. Time spent outdoors has been linked to reduced stress and improved brain function. So grab your gloves and get gardening today. If you don't have your own outdoor green space, learn how to grow plants inside.
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June 7: National Chocolate Ice Cream Day
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Ice cream is a quintessential warm-weather treat for many people. To celebrate National Chocolate Ice Cream Day, grab your favorite cocoa-flavored cold treat and enjoy it outside for a cold-hot contrast. Just be sure to finish it before it melts.
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June 8: Best Friends Day
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Best friends play lots of roles in our lives, including being a trusted adviser, confidant, and cheerleader. Today, show your best bud how much you appreciate them with a happy hour drink, their favorite home-cooked dinner or dessert, or a small gift you know they'll love.
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June 9: National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day
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Strawberry rhubarb pie is an early summertime classic. The two fruits combine for a perfect, not-too-sweet, juicy filling. If you're feeling ambitious, make your own pie. If not, pick one up at your favorite local bakery. Don't forget a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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June 10: National Iced Tea Day
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Nothing says “summer” like a big pitcher of freshly brewed iced tea that’s jam-packed with sliced lemons. Whether you prefer classic iced tea, iced lemongrass tea, or every Southerner’s sugar-laden favorite, sweet tea, today's the day to make this your beverage of choice.
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June 11: Corn on the Cob Day
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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. If you’re crunched for time, you can microwave corn on the cob, and it will taste just as delicious. Simply shuck the ears of corn, wrap each individual ear in plastic wrap or a damp paper towel, and microwave for about a minute. Be sure to add corn to the dinner menu for today.
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June 12: National Jerky Day
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Road trips, hikes, and camping would be a lot hungrier without jerky. Packed with protein, jerky is a must-have for long summer excursions. Amp up the nutritional value and 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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June 13: Weed Your Garden Day
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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 for Weed Your Garden Day.
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June 14: Flag Day
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On June 14, 1777, the United States adopted the American flag. Since then, it’s 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.
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June 15: National Lobster Day
If you're intimidated by lobster, today's the day to change that. If you're feeling adventurous, steam your own lobsters, crack those claws, and enjoy. Just don't forget your bib! If preparing them yourself isn't your thing, head to a seafood shack for a tasty lobster roll.
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June 16: Fresh Veggies Day
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Eating veggies doesn’t have to mean a plate of boring greens. Swap your regular salad for a new-to-you combination today for Fresh Veggies Day. Or roast your favorite root veggies with garlic, olive oil, and your favorite spices. Plus, you can blend a handful of veggies (and fruits) for a nutrient-packed smoothie.
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June 17: National Apple Strudel Day
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Say hallo to apple pie’s tasty cousin! Made with thin layers of flaky crust, tons of 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 to end the day on a sweet note for National Apple Strudel Day.
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June 18: National Splurge Day
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Whether splurging 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 for the right moment" to finally carry out.
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June 19: National Dry Martini Day
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Celebrate National Dry Martini Day with this classic beverage. A dry martini has less vermouth while a wet martini has more. 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."
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June 20: The First Day of Summer*
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Summer is finally here. And today's the day to take advantage of the warm weather and extra long daylight. Ring in the summer season with a few cocktails al fresco, a delicious fresh summer salad, and a fun outdoor activity.
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June 21: National Smoothie Day
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On a hot summer day, not much can beat a cold smoothie. Blend up a smoothie for National Smoothie Day with your favorite fruit (and veggies), and enjoy the refreshing and delicious beverage.
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June 22: National Onion Rings Day
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Dunking a food item in batter and deep-frying it usually is a delicious hit. And that's especially true for onions. For 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.
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June 23: National Pink Day
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Pink can add a fun, unexpected pop of color to your home décor, garden, wardrobe, or even your hairdo. Look for places where you can add a pop of pink for National Pink Day. A demi-permanent pink hair dye can be a whimsical (and temporary) look.
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June 24: National Pralines Day
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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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June 25: National Strawberry Parfait Day
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A strawberry parfait is a layered treat that's usually served in a tall glass to show off those layers. If you’re looking for a somewhat healthy option to celebrate National Strawberry Parfait Day, try this: Swap the typical ricotta for vanilla Greek yogurt and the cookie crumble for homemade granola.
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June 27: Great American Picnic Day* (last Saturday)
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Celebrate the end of June by packing a picnic and eating outdoors. You can enjoy your meal in a local park, after a long hike, or in your own backyard. Just make sure you clean up your trash!
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June 28: National Tapioca Day
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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 tons of drinks and desserts. Look up a recipe that uses tapioca to celebrate the day.
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June 29: National Camera Day
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Invented in 1816, cameras have come lightyears from the first version. It was a simple box with a piece of silver chloride-coated paper that produced very primitive photos. Celebrate this day by having a photoshoot with friends or family or by taking interesting photos of scenery.
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June 30: National Meteor Watch Day
While there isn't always an opportunity to catch a shooting star, June 30 is the day 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, this is the day to pull it out and put it to use.
* Denotes that date changes each year