July 4 National Days

July 4 is the 185th day of the year (186th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 180 days until the end of the year. While most people in the U.S. associate this date with fireworks and independence, a surprising number of other cultural, culinary, literary, and awareness days also share the spotlight.

A few of today’s celebrations fall on rotating Fridays, such as Comic Sans Day, while the rest are fixed to July 4.

Here’s a complete overview of the 10 national and international days celebrated on July 4.

National and International Days on July 4

Alice in Wonderland Day: On July 4, 1862, Lewis Carroll (then known as Charles Dodgson) told the story of a curious girl named Alice to Alice Liddell and her sisters during a boat trip. That tale became Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, published in 1865. The book has never gone out of print and has been translated into nearly 200 languages. In 2015, British fans began marking July 4 as Alice in Wonderland Day, now celebrated worldwide with themed events honoring one of the most enduring children’s stories ever written.

Comic Sans Day * (First Friday in July): Started by Dutch radio DJs in 2009, this lighthearted observance pokes fun at the Comic Sans font while encouraging people to use it freely for one day. Created in the mid-1990s by Vincent Connare for Microsoft, Comic Sans was designed to be friendly and readable. Over time, it became known more for its overuse than its charm, making this day a mix of mockery and celebration.

Independence Day (U.S.): On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, formally separating the thirteen colonies from British rule. Though the vote for independence happened on July 2, the adoption of the final document on July 4 is what the U.S. celebrates each year. The day is marked with fireworks, parades, barbecues, and patriotic displays across the country.

Independence From Meat Day: Coinciding with U.S. Independence Day, this observance encourages people to try going meat-free for a day. Started in the U.S., the day highlights the benefits of a plant-based diet for both personal health and environmental impact. It’s a lighthearted way to rethink food choices and explore new meatless meals.

Invisible Day: This quiet and introspective day invites people to step away from the pressures of daily life and embrace solitude. While its origins are unclear, Invisible Day resonates with those who feel overlooked or overwhelmed. It encourages taking a break from social expectations and finding peace in moments of quiet disconnection.

Jackfruit Day: First celebrated in 2016, this day draws attention to the jackfruit’s incredible size and many uses. Native to South and Southeast Asia, jackfruit is often used as a plant-based meat substitute due to its texture when unripe. The fruit is also enjoyed ripe in desserts.

National Barbecued Spareribs Day: One of the most fitting food holidays for the Fourth of July, this day celebrates spareribs cooked on the grill—seasoned, sauced, and smoky. Pork or beef spareribs are a backyard barbecue favorite and a crowd-pleaser at Independence Day gatherings across the U.S.

National Caesar Salad Day: On July 4, 1924, Caesar Cardini created the now-iconic salad in his Tijuana, Mexico, restaurant. With ingredients like romaine, Parmesan, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce, the original version was prepared tableside and quickly gained popularity.

National Country Music Day: First started by the Country Music Deejay Association in the 1950s to honor Jimmie Rodgers, this observance celebrates a genre deeply rooted in American history. The day coincides with Independence Day, reflecting the connection between country music and American identity. It’s a time to recognize influential artists and the cultural heritage of this beloved musical style.

🎶 National Country Music Day takes place on July 4, but some sources also recognize September 17 as International Country Music Day.

Sidewalk Egg Frying Day: This playful day takes inspiration from the phrase, “It’s so hot you could fry an egg on the sidewalk.” While concrete doesn’t actually get hot enough to cook an egg, places like Oatman, Arizona, host egg-frying contests using mirrors, foil, and solar cookers to make it happen. The holiday draws attention to heat waves, solar energy, and a bit of summer fun.