July 11, 2026, is the 192nd day of the year, with 173 days remaining, and it falls on a Saturday — the second Saturday of July — in the twenty-eighth week of the year.
With 14 national and international days on the calendar, July 11 is one of summer’s busier Saturdays. World Population Day marks the date in 1987 when the planet hit five billion people and it now stands at over eight billion and climbing. It’s 7/11, so free Slurpees are flowing and rum is being poured for World Rum Day. A mojito in Havana’s spirit, a blueberry muffin in peak season, a swim, a skinny dip, a pet photo, and a call to someone lonely — July 11 has range.
National Days on July 11
All national & international days celebrated today
14 celebrations on this dayWorld Population Day
Established by the UN Development Programme in 1989 to mark the date in 1987 when the world’s population reached five billion, World Population Day on July 11 raises awareness of global population issues — from rapid growth and resource strain in some regions to demographic decline and ageing populations in others. The world population reached eight billion in November 2022 and continues to grow, with projections pointing to a peak of around 10.4 billion by 2080.
National Mojito Day
The mojito — white rum, fresh lime, sugar, mint, and soda water over ice — is one of the most refreshing and perfectly constructed cocktails ever created, and July 11 is its dedicated day. Originating in Havana, Cuba, and beloved by Ernest Hemingway among others, the mojito’s brilliance lies in its simplicity: five ingredients, each essential, each irreplaceable, producing something far greater than the sum of its parts.
World Rum Day
Observed on the second Saturday of July, World Rum Day celebrates the spirit distilled from sugarcane — one of the world’s most diverse and historically significant spirits, produced from Barbados and Jamaica to Martinique, the Philippines, and beyond. From aged sipping rums to high-proof agricole expressions, rum encompasses an extraordinary range of styles that remain underappreciated relative to whisky and tequila.
National Free Slurpee Day / National 7-Eleven Day
On July 11 each year — 7/11 — 7-Eleven celebrates its birthday by offering free small Slurpees at participating stores across North America, making National 7-Eleven Day and National Free Slurpee Day one delightfully commercial but genuinely beloved observance. The chain, founded in 1927, gave the world the Slurpee in 1966 and the modern convenience store concept decades before that.
Here’s every observance celebrated on July 11, 2026.
National and International Days on July 11
Whether you’re picking up a free Slurpee, mixing a mojito, sipping rum, swimming laps, photographing your pet, cheering up a lonely neighbor, exploring essential oils, considering polyphenols, eating state fair food, or simply reflecting on the eight billion of us sharing this planet, here’s the story behind each of these July 11 celebrations.
All American Pet Photo Day
All American Pet Photo Day invites pet owners to share photos of their animal companions—furry, scaly, feathery, or otherwise. The day encourages capturing the unique personalities and lovable quirks of pets through photos. From dogs and cats to reptiles and birds, every pet gets their moment in front of the camera.
International Essential Oils Day
International Essential Oils Day honors the benefits of essential oils and the legacy of Gary Young, the founder of Young Living. Celebrated on his birthday, this day focuses on wellness, natural living, and the evolution of modern essential oil practices. Young’s dedication to sustainable farming and oil distillation helped grow a global community of essential oil enthusiasts.
🌿 The day encourages learning about plant-based remedies and using oils safely and effectively.
International Skinny Dip Day
International Skinny Dip Day* (Second Saturday in July) encourages people to experience the freedom of swimming without clothing in safe and appropriate settings. It also marks the conclusion of Nude Recreation Week. Launched in 2018 by the American Association for Nude Recreation, the day promotes comfort with one’s body and the benefits of naturist activities. That same year, Ireland hosted a record-breaking skinny dip with over 2,500 women raising funds for cancer support, showing how the event can blend personal freedom with community impact.
National 7-Eleven Day
National 7-Eleven Day celebrates the birthday of the first convenience store in the U.S., founded in 1927. Originally called the Southland Ice Company, it became 7-Eleven after changing its hours to 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. in 1947. Today, it’s known for Slurpees, snacks, and being open 24/7 in many places.
🏪 On July 11, stores often give away free Slurpees and host special promotions for customers.
National Blueberry Muffin Day
National Blueberry Muffin Day is a sweet tribute to America’s favorite muffin flavor. The blueberry itself became commercially viable thanks to Elizabeth Coleman White and Dr. Frederick V. Coville in the early 1900s. Their work helped turn wild blueberries into a cultivated crop, and blueberry muffins have remained a breakfast staple ever since.
🫐 Enjoy a homemade muffin or grab one from your local bakery to celebrate the day.
National Cheer Up The Lonely Day
National Cheer Up The Lonely Day encourages acts of kindness toward people who feel isolated. Created by Francis Pesek of Detroit, this day honors his mission to bring joy to shut-ins, the elderly, and others who may be forgotten. It reminds everyone to reach out, visit, call, or write to someone who might need connection.
💌 A thoughtful gesture today could make someone’s entire week.
National Free Slurpee Day
National Free Slurpee Day overlaps with 7-Eleven’s birthday and offers free small Slurpees to customers. First introduced in 2002 to celebrate the brand’s 75th anniversary, this icy tradition has become a summer highlight.
National Mojito Day
National Mojito Day celebrates the refreshing Cuban cocktail made with white rum, lime juice, mint, sugar, and soda water. While its origins are debated, Havana is widely regarded as the birthplace of the drink. Its roots may go back to medicinal remedies used by early Caribbean peoples, later refined into the modern mojito.
🍸 Related celebrations include National Cocktail Day on March 24. For more alcohol-themed days, visit the dedicated article.
National Polyphenol Day
National Polyphenol Day was founded in 2021 by wellness brand Gundry MD to spread awareness of polyphenols—plant compounds that support heart health, brain function, and more. Found in foods like berries, dark chocolate, olive oil, and tea, polyphenols are praised for their antioxidant properties.
🥗 The day encourages adding colorful, plant-rich foods to your meals for long-term health benefits.
National State Fair Food Day
National State Fair Food Day brings the flavors of a fair right to your kitchen or local shop. Corn dogs, funnel cakes, caramel corn, and cotton candy are just a few favorites associated with summer fairs. This day celebrates the creativity and fun of indulgent fairground foods, even outside the fairgrounds.
🎡 Recreate your favorite at home or find a spot offering state fair-inspired treats.
National Swimming Pool Day
National Swimming Pool Day invites people to relax, play, or swim laps in a pool. Pools offer a refreshing escape from the heat, and the day also promotes water safety and responsible pool use.
🏊 Whether you visit a local pool or cool off in your backyard, today is a great excuse to take a dip.
World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day
World Benzodiazepine Awareness Day (W-BAD) raises awareness about the potential dangers of benzodiazepine dependence and withdrawal. The day was launched in 2016 by activists and survivors to spotlight overprescription and side effects. It also honors the birthday of Professor Heather Ashton, a pioneer in benzodiazepine research.
⚠️ The day encourages informed use of these medications and supports safe medical practices.
World Population Day
World Population Day was established by the United Nations in 1989 to highlight the challenges and opportunities linked to global population growth. It draws attention to issues such as reproductive health, gender equality, education, and sustainability. The day was inspired by the Day of Five Billion, marked in 1987 when the global population hit five billion.
🌍 With the population now in the billions and rising, the observance stresses balance between human needs and planetary health.
World Rum Day
World Rum Day* (Second Saturday in July) was founded in 2019 by spirits writer Paul Jackson to spotlight the history, craftsmanship, and global appeal of rum. The day is marked by tastings, tours, and events hosted by distilleries, bars, and enthusiasts around the world. It encourages people to explore the wide range of rum styles—from Caribbean and Latin American traditions to newer regional expressions—and learn more about one of the oldest distilled spirits still enjoyed today.
🥃 Related day: National Rum Day on August 16. See also our complete list of alcohol-related national days.
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