June 16 National Days

June 16 is the 167th day of the year (168th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 198 days until the end of the year. Today’s observances span topics from wildlife conservation and global remittances to fudge, waterfalls, and even cats at the office.

A few observances, such as National Take Your Cat to Work Day, change dates depending on the calendar, while the rest are fixed to June 16.

Here’s a complete list of the 9 national and international days celebrated on June 16.

National and International Days on June 16

Arborist Appreciation Day honors the professionals who care for trees and manage their health in urban and rural landscapes. Arborists, sometimes known as tree surgeons, ensure trees thrive through pruning, treatment, and safety assessments. Their work improves ecosystems, urban aesthetics, and public safety. Celebrated annually on June 16, this day complements other green-focused holidays like Arbor Day (last Friday in April).

Fresh Veggies Day, observed each year on June 16, encourages people to enjoy the vibrant taste and health benefits of seasonal vegetables. It’s a timely reminder to support local produce and boost vegetable intake, aligning with public health goals like the WHO’s recommendation of 400 grams of fruit and vegetables per day.

🥗 This day complements June’s broader observance as Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month, which began in 2019, and pairs well with National Eat Your Vegetables Day on June 17.

International Day of Family Remittances recognizes the financial support migrant workers send back home to their families and the broader economic impact of those funds. It was first observed during the Global Forum on Remittances and Development at the 2015 World Expo in Milan. In 2018, the United Nations officially adopted the day and assigned the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to coordinate its observance.

International Day of the African Child commemorates the tragic events of June 16, 1976, when thousands of Black schoolchildren in Soweto, South Africa, protested against apartheid education policies. Many were killed during the uprising. The Organization of African Unity established this day in 1991 to honor their bravery and to highlight the ongoing need to improve educational access and equality for children across Africa.

International Waterfall Day was founded in 2020 by Bob Matthews of Rochester, New York. Sparked by travel restrictions during the pandemic, the day began as a personal project and quickly turned into a global celebration of waterfalls. It encourages people to share photos, visit local falls, and appreciate these natural wonders for their beauty, ecological value, and calming presence in nature.

National Fudge Day offers a sweet reason to celebrate on June 16 with this delicious confection. The first recorded mention comes from an 1886 letter by Vassar student Emelyn Battersby Hartridge, though some say fudge was created accidentally when caramels were overcooked. Mackinac Island in Michigan became a fudge hotspot in the late 19th century and still boasts original fudge shops.

🍮 A related holiday, National Peanut Butter Fudge Day, is observed on November 20.

National Take Your Cat to Work Day* (First day of Take Your Pet to Work Week) was first celebrated in 2022, thanks to Petplan pet insurance. It offers feline companions the same spotlight previously given to dogs and encourages cat owners to include their pets in the workplace fun.

🐱🐶This light-hearted holiday kicks off National Take Your Pet to Work Week* (June 16-20, 2025) and mirrors National Take Your Dog to Work Day, which began in the late 1990s.

World Refill Day, celebrated annually on June 16, is part of a global campaign to reduce single-use plastic and promote reusable alternatives. Launched in 2021 by the UK-based environmental organization City to Sea, the day encourages both individuals and businesses to adopt refillable systems. The campaign also advocates for legal targets: 5% of packaging to be reusable by 2026 and 30% by 2030. World Refill Day aligns with broader sustainability goals and calls on policymakers to support initiatives like the Reuse Manifesto.

World Sea Turtle Day raises awareness about the importance of sea turtle conservation. It’s celebrated on June 16 to honor the birthday of Dr. Archie Carr, a pioneering marine biologist who founded the Sea Turtle Conservancy. First established in 2000 by conservation groups, the day highlights threats such as habitat loss, climate change, and plastic pollution.

🐢 A closely related observance, World Turtle Day, is marked on May 23 to celebrate all turtle species, both marine and terrestrial.