July 24, 2026, is the 205th day of the year, with 160 days remaining, and it falls on a Friday — in the thirtieth week of the year.

With 12 national and international days on the calendar, July 24 is anchored by National Amelia Earhart Day, her 129th birthday, and International Self-Care Day, placed on 7/24 to reflect that self-care is a 24/7 practice. Samaritans Awareness Day invites anyone struggling to reach out and be heard, tequila is poured in Jalisco’s honour, and Pioneer Day marks the 179th anniversary of the Mormon pioneers’ arrival in the Salt Lake Valley. A drive-thru, some cousins, an old joke, and an archaeologist complete the Friday.

📅 Friday, July 24, 2026

National Days on July 24

All national & international days celebrated today

12 celebrations on this day
National Days on July 24, 2026

Here’s every observance celebrated on July 24, 2026.

✦ All 13 Observances on July 24
🏺 Ask an Archaeologist Day Your questions about the ancient world answered · fixed July 24
💆 International Self-Care Day ISF · fixed 7/24 · self-care is a 24/7 practice
🏀 LeBron James Day Proclaimed by PA Gov. Josh Shapiro · LeBron signs with the 76ers · 2026
✈️ National Amelia Earhart Day Born July 24, 1897 · first woman to solo the Atlantic 1932
👫 National Cousins Day The relatives who feel like friends · fixed July 24
🚗 National Day of Motoring Celebrating car culture, road trips & automotive heritage
🍔 National Drive-Thru Day In-N-Out opened first drive-thru 1948 · fixed July 24
🐶 National Shih Tzu Day Tibet’s “Little Lion” breed · fixed July 24
🥃 National Tequila Day Blue agave · Jalisco, Mexico · fixed July 24
😄 National Tell an Old Joke Day Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was outstanding in his field.
🌡️ National Thermal Engineer Day The people who keep our electronics from melting · fixed July 24
🏔️ Pioneer Day 🇺🇸 Mormon pioneers arrived Salt Lake Valley July 24, 1847 · Utah state holiday
📞 Samaritans Awareness Day / Talk to Us Day 116 123 (UK & Ireland) · a call answered every 10 seconds

National & International Days on July 24

Whether you’re sipping tequila, celebrating Amelia Earhart’s birthday, practising self-care, calling the Samaritans to share their number, honouring Utah’s Pioneer Day, asking an archaeologist a burning question, taking a drive-thru lap, calling your cousins, thanking a thermal engineer, or telling the worst joke you know, here’s the story behind each of these July 24 celebrations.


Ask an Archaeologist Day

Ask an Archaeologist Day* (Wednesday of Festival of Archaeology in the UK) started in 2018 in the UK, launched by the Council for British Archaeology as part of its Festival of Archaeology. It gives the public a chance to talk directly with archaeologists online, from curious kids to adults with long-held questions. The date shifts within the festival window and it always falls on a Wednesday, with people posting questions on social media using the hashtag #AskAnArchaeologist.


International Self-Care Day

International Self-Care Day was established in 2011 by the International Self-Care Foundation (UK) to promote self-care as a key part of personal health and well-being. Observed on July 24 to represent the 24/7 nature of self-care, the day encourages individuals to prioritize mental, emotional, and physical wellness through intentional daily habits. Whether through rest, healthy eating, exercise, or seeking support, self-care is recognized as a foundational component of lifelong health.

🌟 A separate National Self-Care Day is celebrated in the US on April 5.


LeBron James Day

LeBron James Day was proclaimed on July 24, 2026 by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro after LeBron James announced he was signing with the Philadelphia 76ers for his 24th NBA season. The proclamation is symbolic only, it doesn’t close state offices or create a legal holiday, but it recognizes James’s four championships, four Finals MVPs, and 22 All-Star selections as he joins his fourth franchise at age 41.


National Amelia Earhart Day

National Amelia Earhart Day honors the legacy of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart, born on July 24, 1897. Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean in 1932, inspiring generations with her courage and determination. Although the creator of this national day is unknown, it remains a time to reflect on her achievements and her lasting impact on aviation and women’s history.


National Cousins Day

National Cousins Day celebrates the special bond shared between cousins, often some of our first and longest-lasting friendships. The day acknowledges the role cousins play in family traditions, childhood memories, and lifelong connections. It’s a chance to reach out, reminisce, and strengthen those family ties—no matter the age or distance.


National Day of Motoring

National Day of Motoring was launched in 2021 by MINI USA to celebrate the joy of driving for fun rather than necessity. The day encourages car enthusiasts to take to the road—alone or with others—for the simple pleasure of the journey. Inspired by American road trip culture, the event invites drivers to participate in creative challenges or casual cruises, reinforcing the cultural and personal significance of motoring.


National Drive-Thru Day

National Drive-Thru Day was created by Jack in the Box, one of the earliest fast-food chains to adopt the drive-thru model, to celebrate the convenience of drive-thru service. First appearing in the 1930s, drive-thrus gained major popularity in the 1950s and remain a staple of modern life. This day recognizes their role in shaping how people access food, drinks, and services—especially during busy schedules or public health challenges.


National Shih Tzu Day

National Shih Tzu Day is celebrated on July 24 each year. It’s an informal, social media driven celebration where owners share photos and pamper their dogs, honoring a breed with roots in Tibet and China that dates back over a thousand years. Shih Tzus were prized by Chinese royalty and are known today for their small size, flowing double coats, and confident, affectionate nature.


National Tequila Day

National Tequila Day highlights the blue agave spirit that can be produced only in specific regions of Mexico. The day encourages people to learn about tequila’s unique production process and explore its different styles. The date is widely recognized across the U.S., where many restaurants and bars highlight tequila through tastings and special menu offerings.


National Tell an Old Joke Day

National Tell an Old Joke Day brings attention to classic forms of humor—dad jokes, knock-knock jokes, puns, and riddles that have stood the test of time. The day encourages people to share familiar jokes with friends and family, keeping laughter alive across generations. It’s a lighthearted reminder that humor doesn’t always have to be new to be effective.


National Thermal Engineer Day

National Thermal Engineer Day was founded in 2014 by Advanced Thermal Solutions, Inc. to recognize the professionals who manage heat in modern electronics and technology. Thermal engineers play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and performance of devices used in industries such as aerospace, biomedical engineering, data centers, and consumer electronics. This day highlights the importance of thermal management and honors the contributions of those who make reliable technology possible.


Samaritans Awareness Day

Samaritans Awareness Day, also known as Talk to Us Day, was created by the UK-based charity Samaritans to promote emotional support for people in crisis. The organization was founded in 1953 by vicar Chad Varah, who launched one of the first suicide prevention helplines. Observed annually on July 24, the day raises awareness of the importance of active listening, mental health care, and the availability of confidential, 24/7 support through the Samaritans network.

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Last Update: July 26, 2026

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