June 1 National Days

June 1 is the 152nd day of the year (153rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 213 days until the end of the year. The first day of June kicks off a wide mix of celebrations—from honoring cancer survivors and parents to raising awareness about milk, reefs, narcissistic abuse, and more.

A few observances, such as National Cancer Survivor’s Day, change dates each year based on weekday placement, while most are fixed on June 1.

Here’s a complete overview of the 23 national and international days celebrated on June 1.

National and International Days on June 1

Dinosaur Day: Celebrated twice a year—on the third Tuesday in May and again on June 1—this day encourages people to learn more about dinosaurs and their extinction. The June 1 version gained popularity after a 2016 blog post by Fossil Crates and highlights the fascination with these prehistoric creatures through fossil exploration and educational events.

Flip a Coin Day: Recognizes the long-standing tradition of using a coin toss to make decisions, a method that dates back to the time of Julius Caesar. Observed on June 1, this lighthearted day celebrates how a simple flip can help us choose between options—serious or silly.

Global Day of Parents: Proclaimed by the United Nations in 2012, this day honors the vital role parents play in nurturing and protecting children. It stems from earlier UN initiatives focusing on family development, including the declaration of 1994 as the International Year of the Family. June 1 is now set aside to celebrate the commitment and sacrifices made by parents around the world.

Intergenerational Day: Started in 2010 in Canada by the i2i Intergenerational Society, this day aims to bridge the gap between younger and older generations. It was inspired by classroom projects tied to World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Observed on June 1, the day promotes respect, connection, and shared wisdom across age groups.

International Tabletop Day: First celebrated in 2013 and sponsored by Geek & Sundry, this day brings attention to board games, role-playing games, and other tabletop activities. It’s an invitation to gather with friends and family, unplug, and enjoy face-to-face fun.

National Billboard Day: Founded in 2021 by Keystone Outdoor Advertising, this day pays tribute to one of the oldest forms of advertising. First used prominently in the 1800s, billboards have evolved into digital displays while remaining a major part of visual marketing. June 1 highlights the legacy and ongoing impact of outdoor advertising.

National Cancer Survivor’s Day* (First Sunday in June): Introduced by Merril Hastings at a cancer survivor conference in 1987 and first held on June 5, 1988, this day honors people who have survived cancer and inspires those currently facing it. It’s a reminder that life after a diagnosis is possible and worth celebrating.

National Game Show Day: Created in 2023 by Fremantle, the parent company of BUZZR, this day honors the entertainment, hosts, and audience connection found in TV game shows. The genre dates back to 1940 with the show Truth or Consequences, and remains a beloved staple of television today.

National Go Barefoot Day: Launched in 2005 by Soles4Souls after the 2004 tsunami, this day encourages people to go barefoot to raise awareness for those in need of shoes. The nonprofit has since donated over 56 million pairs worldwide. It’s both a symbolic and practical call to action for global support.

National Hazelnut Cake Day: Celebrates a sweet dessert with roots in the Piedmont region of Italy, where hazelnuts were used in place of expensive flour. Today, variations of the cake are enjoyed worldwide. Hazelnuts also carry a long cultural history, from Ancient Roman weddings to traditional remedies.

National Heimlich Maneuver Day: Observed on June 1, this day recognizes Dr. Henry J. Heimlich’s lifesaving technique developed in 1974. Known as abdominal thrusts, the maneuver helps clear blocked airways and is a key part of first aid awareness, marking the beginning of National Safety Month.

National Nail Polish Day: Founded by essie in 2017, this day celebrates the start of nail care season. Nail polish has a rich history dating back to 3000 BCE in China and ancient Egypt. Today, nail colors reflect trends, self-expression, and personal care routines.

💄 Related celebrations include National Lipstick Day on July 29, National Hair Day on October 1, and National Lash Day on February 19—all of which highlight the many ways people express personal style through beauty and grooming.

National Olive Day: Created in 2015 by Divina, this day honors the olive—one of the oldest cultivated fruits. Celebrated on June 1, it acknowledges olives’ culinary and symbolic roles, from Mediterranean meze tables to their historical meaning as a symbol of peace and unity.

National Pen Pal Day: Founded by dedicated letter writer Rosie Tholl, this day celebrates the meaningful connections built through handwritten correspondence. Tholl helped organize pen pal reunions and co-founded Pen Pals United. June 1 encourages people to write letters, nurture friendships, and keep the art of pen palling alive.

National Say Something Nice Day: Established in 2006 by Mayor Keith Summey of North Charleston, South Carolina, this day promotes kindness and positive communication. Inspired by the work of Dr. Mitch Carnell, author of Say Something Nice: Be a Lifter at Work, it serves as a reminder to uplift others through words.

National Skincare Education Day: Created in 2020 by Higher Education Skincare, this day aims to spread awareness about skin health and proper care routines. It encourages people to understand their skin types, select safe products, and prioritize daily care. June 1 highlights the importance of education in making informed skincare choices.

New Year’s Resolution Recommitment Day: Marking the halfway point in the year, this day offers a second chance to revisit and renew January’s resolutions. June 1 serves as a reset button, encouraging reflection, goal-setting, and recommitment for the remaining months.

Stand For Children Day: Originated from a major rally held on June 1, 1996, in Washington, D.C., organized by the nonprofit Stand for Children. The day focuses on advocacy for youth, especially in education, healthcare, and child safety. It’s a time to champion children’s rights and make their voices heard in policy decisions.

Wear a Dress Day: An unofficial observance celebrated on June 1 and December 1, this day began in 2010 in Bend, Oregon, as a fun way to encourage wearing dresses. It’s a lighthearted celebration of femininity, personal expression, and wardrobe joy.

👗 A related day, National Dress Day, falls on March 6.

World Milk Day: Proclaimed by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2001, this global celebration highlights milk’s importance as a nutrient-rich food. It also promotes sustainable dairy farming and the economic impact of the dairy industry. The choice of June 1 aligns with existing observances in several countries.

🥛 A similar day, National Milk Day, is celebrated each year on January 11.

World Narcissistic Abuse Awareness Day: Initiated in 2016 by psychotherapist Bree Bonchay, this day brings attention to the hidden impact of narcissistic abuse. Through education, advocacy, and community support, June 1 helps survivors find resources and empowers the public to recognize manipulation and emotional harm.

World Outlander Day: Celebrated by fans of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series, this day marks the book’s original publication date—June 1, 1991. Although unofficial, the observance gained momentum after the TV adaptation launched in 2014. Fans worldwide now commemorate the characters, storylines, and historical richness of the series.

World Reef Awareness Day / World Reef Day: Founded in 2019 by Raw Elements USA, this observance draws attention to the urgent need to protect coral reefs. Celebrated on June 1, it also marks the start of World Oceans Month. Supporters use the day to raise awareness, promote sustainable habits, and encourage reef-safe products.