July Holidays, National Days & Observances
July is summer in full swing: Independence Day fireworks, backyard cookouts, ice cream, picnics, friendship, wildlife, moon-gazing and some of the year's most delicious food holidays. Whether you're looking for a meaningful international observance or an excuse to eat cheesecake, July has you covered.
Holiday Helper note: Some observances are official holidays, while others are cultural, religious, awareness-based or unofficial fun days. Dates for movable observances can change from year to year.
Major July Holidays & Observances
July 4: Independence Day is a U.S. federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
July 11: World Population Day focuses attention on global population issues.
July 18: Nelson Mandela International Day honors Mandela's legacy of service, justice and reconciliation.
July 20: World Moon Day commemorates humanity's first landing on the Moon.
July 30: International Day of Friendship promotes friendship among peoples, countries, cultures and individuals.
July 30: World Day Against Trafficking in Persons raises awareness of human trafficking and the protection of victims.
July Observances That Move
A few popular July celebrations follow a weekday or other changing calendar rule rather than staying on one numbered date.
- National Ice Cream Day: third Sunday in July in the United States.
- Parents' Day: fourth Sunday in July in the United States.
- National Hot Dog Day: commonly celebrated in July, but its promoted date can vary.
- Islamic observances: move through the Gregorian calendar each year and may occasionally fall in July.
- Hindu and Jewish observances: dates vary according to their respective calendars.
Looking ahead: In 2027, Independence Day falls on Sunday, July 4, with the U.S. federal holiday observed Monday, July 5. National Ice Cream Day falls on July 18 and Parents' Day on July 25.
31 Days of July Celebrations
Browse the daily list below for major holidays, international observances, food days, summer traditions, unusual celebrations and more.
July 1
July opens with Canada Day and a handful of playful food and humor observances, setting the tone for a month packed with summer celebrations.
- Canada Day
- International Joke Day
- National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day
- National Gingersnap Day
July 2
- World UFO Day
- National Anisette Day
- National I Forgot Day
July 3
- International Plastic Bag Free Day
- National Eat Your Beans Day
- National Chocolate Wafer Day
July 4
Independence Day is one of the biggest holidays on the U.S. calendar, commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Fireworks, cookouts, parades, concerts and patriotic displays are among the traditions associated with the Fourth of July.
- Independence Day (United States)
- National Barbecued Spareribs Day
- National Caesar Salad Day
July 5
- National Graham Cracker Day
- National Apple Turnover Day
- National Bikini Day
July 6
- World Rural Development Day
- International Kissing Day
- National Fried Chicken Day
July 7
World Kiswahili Language Day is a United Nations observance, while World Chocolate Day gives July 7 a decidedly sweeter side.
- World Kiswahili Language Day
- World Chocolate Day
- National Strawberry Sundae Day
- National Macaroni Day
July 8
- National Blueberry Day
- National Chocolate with Almonds Day
- National Video Game Day
July 9
- National Sugar Cookie Day
- National Dimples Day
July 10
- National Kitten Day
- National Piña Colada Day
- National Clerihew Day
July 11
- World Population Day
- National Blueberry Muffin Day
- National Mojito Day
July 12
- International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms
- National Different Colored Eyes Day
- National Pecan Pie Day
July 13
- National French Fry Day
- National Beans 'n' Franks Day
- Embrace Your Geekness Day
July 14
- Bastille Day / French National Day
- National Mac and Cheese Day
- National Grand Marnier Day
July 15
- World Youth Skills Day
- National Give Something Away Day
- National Tapioca Pudding Day
July 16
- World Snake Day
- National Corn Fritter Day
- National Personal Chef Day
July 17
- World Day for International Justice
- World Emoji Day
- National Peach Ice Cream Day
July 18
Nelson Mandela International Day honors Nelson Mandela's legacy and encourages people to make a positive difference in their communities.
- Nelson Mandela International Day
- National Sour Candy Day
- National Caviar Day
July 19
- National Ice Cream Day (when third Sunday; date varies)
- National Daiquiri Day
- National Hot Dog Day (date may vary)
July 20
World Moon Day commemorates the first human landing on the Moon, while International Chess Day celebrates one of the world's oldest and most widely played strategy games.
- International Chess Day
- World Moon Day
- National Lollipop Day
- National Fortune Cookie Day
July 21
- National Junk Food Day
- National Be Someone Day
July 22
- World Brain Day
- National Hammock Day
- National Mango Day
July 23
- National Vanilla Ice Cream Day
- National Gorgeous Grandma Day
July 24
- International Self-Care Day
- National Tequila Day
- National Cousins Day
- National Drive-Thru Day
July 25
- World Drowning Prevention Day
- National Hot Fudge Sundae Day
- National Merry-Go-Round Day
July 26
- National Aunt and Uncle Day
- National Coffee Milkshake Day
- National All or Nothing Day
July 27
- National Scotch Day
- National Creme Brulee Day
- National Love Is Kind Day
July 28
- World Hepatitis Day
- World Nature Conservation Day
- National Milk Chocolate Day
July 29
International Tiger Day draws attention to tiger conservation and the threats facing wild tiger populations. Celebrate by learning about tiger habitats, conservation efforts and the important role these remarkable animals play in their ecosystems.
- International Tiger Day
- National Chicken Wing Day
- National Lasagna Day
- National Lipstick Day
July 30
International Day of Friendship celebrates friendship among peoples, countries and cultures, while World Day Against Trafficking in Persons addresses a serious global human-rights issue.
- International Day of Friendship
- World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
- National Cheesecake Day
- National Paperback Book Day
July 31
- World Ranger Day
- National Avocado Day
- National Mutt Day
- National Raspberry Cake Day
More Ways to Celebrate July
July is made for classic summer fun. Celebrate Independence Day with a cookout, picnic, parade or fireworks display, enjoy a lazy afternoon in a hammock, take a family trip to the beach or pool, or cool down with homemade ice cream on a hot summer day.
There are plenty of ways to add a little discovery to the month too. World Moon Day is a perfect excuse for an evening of stargazing and learning about the Apollo 11 Moon landing. International Tiger Day offers an opportunity to learn about tiger conservation, while National Kitten Day, World Snake Day and World Ranger Day put animals and the natural world in the spotlight.
July's food calendar is practically a celebration of summer all by itself, with ice cream, blueberries, fried chicken, French fries, hot dogs, cheesecake, chicken wings, lasagna and avocados all getting their moment. Add friendship, music, games and long summer evenings, and July offers 31 days of reasons to enjoy the season.
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