National Chicken Finger Day is observed each year on July 27. It is a brand-created food observance centered on chicken fingers, also known as chicken tenders. The day was established in 2010 by Todd Graves, founder of Raising Cane’s, a U.S. fast-food chain known for focusing exclusively on chicken fingers.
The name of the observance reflects Raising Cane’s preference for the term chicken fingers, which has become part of the brand’s identity. Other restaurants more commonly use chicken tenders or chicken strips, which helps explain why similar promotions may appear under different names around late July.
When Is National Chicken Finger Day Celebrated?
National Chicken Finger Day is celebrated on a fixed date each year, July 27. The weekday changes annually, but the calendar date remains the same.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | July 27 (Sunday) |
| 2026 | July 27 (Monday) |
| 2027 | July 27 (Tuesday) |
| 2028 | July 27 (Thursday) |
| 2029 | July 27 (Friday) |
| 2030 | July 27 (Saturday) |
How the Day Is Celebrated?
National Chicken Finger Day is primarily recognized through restaurant promotions, especially at Raising Cane’s locations. These often include free or discounted chicken fingers with qualifying purchases. In some years, the brand has supported the day with themed marketing campaigns and celebrity partnerships, making it more visible than many informal food observances.
Participation outside restaurant promotions is limited, and the day does not follow a standardized or community-driven format.
Relationship to Other Chicken-Related Observances
National Chicken Finger Day is separate from National Chicken Wing Day, which takes place on July 29 and focuses on Buffalo-style wings and restaurant promotions tied to that style. It also differs from International Chicken Wing Day on July 1, which celebrates global wing styles.
Because these dates fall close together, they are sometimes grouped informally in national day calendars, but each observance has a distinct focus and origin.
