July 16 National Days

July 16 is the 197th day of the year (198th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 168 days until the year ends. This date features a mix of national and international observances, from honoring rare medical conditions and celebrating the power of artificial intelligence to recognizing simple pleasures like hot dogs and corn fritters, these observances invite learning, reflection, and a bit of fun.

Several of these days—such as National Hot Dog Day, Glioblastoma Awareness Day, and Take Your Poet to Work Day—are tied to the weekday and vary each year. The rest are celebrated annually on July 16.

Below is a complete overview of the 14 national and international days observed on this date.

National and International Days on July 16

Artificial Intelligence Appreciation Day, also known as National AI Day, recognizes the impact of artificial intelligence on modern life and to celebrate the people behind its development. From healthcare and finance to education and cybersecurity, AI continues to transform industries and everyday experiences. First celebrated in 2025, this day encourages greater understanding of AI’s potential while also promoting responsible development and ethical use. It serves as a reminder that while AI shapes the future, human ingenuity and thoughtful guidance remain at its core.

Fresh Spinach Day celebrates one of the most nutritious leafy greens in the human diet. Spinach is an excellent source of iron, vitamin K, folate, and other essential nutrients that support bone health, red blood cell production, and overall immune function. Originally cultivated in ancient Persia, spinach has become a staple in cuisines around the world. This day encourages people to explore fresh spinach in everyday meals—whether raw in salads, blended into smoothies, or cooked into warm dishes—and to better understand its role in supporting long-term health.

🌱 A similar celebration, National Spinach Day, takes place on March 26.

Glioblastoma Awareness Day* (Third Wednesday in July) draws attention to glioblastoma, the most aggressive and lethal form of brain cancer. The day was established in honor of Senator John McCain, who passed away from the disease in 2018. It serves to recognize the challenges faced by patients and their loved ones, highlight the urgent need for more effective treatments, and support efforts to advance research. By spreading awareness, the day aims to drive funding and innovation in the fight against this devastating diagnosis.

Guinea Pig Appreciation Day honors the joy and companionship these gentle pets bring to families around the world. The day was founded in 2016 by Piggles Guinea Pig Rescue in Canada, with the date symbolically chosen because “G” is the 7th letter of the alphabet and “P” is the 16th. The day encourages guinea pig owners to show extra care, share knowledge about proper nutrition, housing, and social needs, and raise awareness about responsible pet ownership.

National Atomic Veterans Day honors the U.S. military service members who were involved in nuclear weapons testing between 1945 and 1962. Many of these veterans faced long-term health effects due to radiation exposure. First recognized by President Ronald Reagan, this day acknowledges their service and raises awareness about their unique contributions and challenges.

National Cherry Day encourages people to enjoy cherries at the height of their season. Cherries are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients like antioxidants and vitamins. This day also highlights their role in cooking, agriculture, and cultural traditions—from cherry blossom festivals to homemade pies.

National Corn Fritters Day honors a simple yet flavorful dish made by frying a batter of corn, flour, and often eggs and seasonings. With roots in Native American cooking, corn fritters later became a staple in Southern U.S. kitchens, where they are typically served as a side dish or snack. Variations of the dish appear around the world, including Indonesia’s perkedel jagung, which blends corn with spices and herbs. This day encourages people to enjoy corn fritters at home or try new versions from different cultures.

National D.R.E.S.S. Syndrome Day raises awareness for DRESS—Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms—a rare but potentially life-threatening reaction to certain medications. This condition causes a severe immune response that can lead to widespread rashes, high fevers, and organ damage. Founded by two families who lost their daughters to DRESS, the day encourages early diagnosis, better education for both the public and medical professionals, and international collaboration among patients, caregivers, and researchers. By spreading awareness, the observance aims to prevent future tragedies through timely recognition and treatment.

National Hot Dog Day* (Third Wednesday in July) is celebrated during National Hot Dog Month. First established in 1991 by the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, the day coincides with an annual hot dog lunch on Capitol Hill. While the origins of serving sausages in a bun remain debated, two key figures often mentioned are Harry M. Stevens, who improvised with French rolls at a baseball game in 1901, and Charles Feltman, who began selling sausages in buns at Coney Island as early as 1867. The day encourages everyone to enjoy a hot dog with their favorite toppings and appreciate this long-standing food tradition.

National Personal Chef Day honors culinary professionals who create customized meals for individuals and families. Recognized by the United States Personal Chef Association, this day highlights the convenience, care, and creativity these chefs bring to home kitchens, whether for weekly meals or special occasions.

ℹ️ National Personal Chef Day is most commonly celebrated on July 16, though it is sometimes observed on February 26, a less common date.

National Wedding Invitation Day was established in 2019 by Pumpkin Coach Invites to highlight the creativity and sentiment behind wedding stationery. More than just a piece of paper, wedding invitations reflect the couple’s style and story, offering guests a first glimpse into the celebration to come. This day honors the designers who bring these visions to life and encourages couples to appreciate the personal touches that make each invitation unique.

Rural Transit Day was established in 2019 by the National Rural Transit Assistance Program (National RTAP) to recognize the vital role of rural transit systems in connecting people in less populated areas. These transportation services offer essential access to healthcare, education, jobs, and social activities, often serving as a lifeline for those without other travel options. Despite geographic and funding challenges, rural transit helps bridge gaps between communities and supports regional development and inclusion.

Take Your Poet to Work Day* (Third Wednesday in July) invites people to bring poetry to their workplace in playful and creative ways. Launched in 2013 by Tweetspeak Poetry, the day encourages printing out drawings of poets, decorating desks, or sharing favorite verses during the workday. It’s a fun way to celebrate literature, spark conversations, and make room for imagination in professional settings.

World Snake Day encourages education and awareness about the planet’s 3,500 known snake species. Although snakes often evoke fear or discomfort, most of these creatures are harmless. Only about 600 species are venomous, and just 200 pose serious danger to humans. World Snake Day helps challenge common misconceptions and highlights the ecological importance of snakes—from controlling pest populations to maintaining balance in ecosystems. The day offers an opportunity to learn more about these misunderstood reptiles and appreciate the vital role they play in nature.

National Days in July

July 1 | July 2 | July 3 | July 4 | July 5 | July 6 | July 7 | July 8 | July 9 | July 10 | July 11 | July 12 | July 13 | July 14 | July 15 | July 16 | July 17 | July 18 | July 19 | July 20 | July 21 | July 22 | July 23 | July 24 | July 25 | July 26 | July 27 | July 28 | July 29 | July 30 | July 31