June 20 National Days

June 20 is the 171st day of the year (172nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 194 days until the end of the year. The national and international observances on this day span topics from sustainability and solstice traditions to animal welfare, workplace wellness, and sweet treats.

A few observances—such as National Take Your Dog to Work Day, the beginning of summer and National Take Back the Lunch Break Day—shift dates each year based on the calendar. The rest are celebrated annually on June 20.

Here’s a full overview of the 17 national and international days observed on June 20.

National and International Days on June 20

Global Car Recycling Day: Launched in 2023 by CarTakeBack, a UK-based car recycling network, Global Car Recycling Day raises awareness about responsible vehicle recycling. The goal is to spotlight the environmental impact of improperly discarded vehicles and to encourage improved global policies. With the rise of electric vehicles, the day also promotes the safe dismantling and reuse of valuable automotive materials.

♻️ Similar green-themed days include America Recycles Day on November 15.

International Nystagmus Awareness Day: Started by the Nystagmus Network, a UK charity founded in 1984, this day brings attention to nystagmus, a condition that affects vision due to involuntary eye movement. Observed annually on June 20, the day focuses on education, research, and support for individuals living with the condition, their families, and the broader community.

International Tennis Day: Founded in 2014 by the U.S. Court Tennis Association and the U.S. Court Tennis Preservation Foundation, International Tennis Day encourages greater interest in traditional tennis forms such as court tennis and jeu de paume. Celebrated annually on June 20, the day invites both seasoned players and newcomers to pick up a racquet and appreciate the sport’s long heritage.

National American Eagle Day: Founded by the American Eagle Foundation, this day promotes awareness about the bald eagle, its conservation, and the bird’s symbolic role in the United States. Observed every June 20, it highlights efforts to protect eagle habitats and encourages educational outreach.

🐦 A similar observance, National Bird Day, is held on January 5.

National Celluma Light Therapy Day: This awareness day, celebrated annually on June 20, was created to promote the benefits of Celluma Light Therapy, a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular activity. Originally used by military veterans, the therapy is recognized as an alternative to prescription drugs and surgery for managing various conditions.

National Hike with a Geek Day: Founded by Mendel Kurland of Geek Adventures (formerly Hiking with Geeks) in 2016, this day encourages tech professionals and gamers to take a break from screens and reconnect with nature. Observed on June 20, the celebration promotes outdoor activity, face-to-face interaction, and community building in the natural world.

National Ice Cream Soda Day: On June 20, we celebrate the fizzy, creamy drink that combines soda with scoops of ice cream. While several inventors claimed to have created the beverage, Robert McCay Green popularized it in 1874 in Philadelphia. Earlier claims date back to 1862 by Philip Mohr of New Jersey.

🥤 Related observances include National Root Beer Float Day on August 6 and National Black Cow Day on June 10.

National Kouign Amann Day: Celebrated on June 20, this food day spotlights the sweet, caramelized pastry from Brittany, France. Named after the Breton words for cake (“kouign”) and butter (“amann”), it’s a decadent, layered treat similar to croissant dough. First created in 1860 and brought to wider attention by b.patisserie in 2015, the kouign amann continues to delight pastry lovers worldwide.

🥐 Related pastry observances include National Croissant Day on January 30.

National Seashell Day: Established in 2016 by The Beaches of Ft. Myers & Sanibel, National Seashell Day takes place on the first day of summer to celebrate the beauty of seashells and the joy of beachcombing. Popular with collectors known as “shellers,” the day highlights the unique biodiversity found along shorelines, especially in Florida.

National Take Back the Lunch Break Day* (Third Friday in June): Created in 2018 by Tork, a professional hygiene brand, this day encourages workers—especially in North America—to reclaim their lunch breaks as a way to boost morale, productivity, and mental well-being. The initiative was a response to declining lunch break habits in modern workplace culture.

🗓️ Similar wellness-minded observances include National Leave the Office Early Day on June 2.

National Take Your Dog to Work Day* (Friday after Father’s Day): First introduced in the UK in 1996 and brought to the U.S. by Pet Sitters International in 1999, this day celebrates the companionship between dogs and humans by allowing employees to bring their pups to work. It also raises awareness about pet adoption from shelters and rescue groups.

🐱 A similar observance, National Take Your Cat to Work Day, is held on June 16.

National Vanilla Milkshake Day: This sweet holiday, observed every June 20, honors one of America’s most beloved frozen drinks. The vanilla milkshake evolved from earlier 19th-century milk-based tonics that sometimes included whiskey. By the early 1900s, ice cream was added, and soda fountains across the country helped popularize the drink.

🍫 A related observance, National Chocolate Milkshake Day, takes place on September 12.

National Yard Games Day* (First day of Summer): Created in 2021 by Luke Lorick, president of Tailgating Challenge, this holiday encourages families and friends to step outside and play lawn games like cornhole or bocce. Celebrated on the first day of summer, National Yard Games Day blends fun and outdoor activity during the longest day of the year.

Summer Begins* (date varies): The first day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere—also called the Summer Solstice—typically falls on June 20 or 21. It marks the longest day of sunlight in the year and signals a seasonal shift toward warmth, growth, and outdoor activity. This astronomical event occurs when the Earth’s axial tilt is most inclined toward the sun, creating longer daylight hours.

West Virginia Day: Celebrated each year on June 20, this state holiday commemorates West Virginia’s admission to the Union in 1863, during the American Civil War. After seceding from Virginia, the northwestern counties formed a new state. West Virginia Day is marked by official events and community festivals across the state. For a related tribute, see National West Virginia Day on March 22.

World Productivity Day: Recognized every year on June 20, this day encourages people and businesses to reflect on how they can be more productive. From workplace efficiency to personal time management, the day invites discussion around tools, habits, and strategies that improve outcomes. It also reminds us that productivity isn’t just about quantity—it’s about doing meaningful work well.

World Refugee Day: First observed on June 20, 2001, this international day was established by the United Nations to honor refugees around the world. It commemorates the strength, resilience, and courage of people forced to flee their home countries due to war, persecution, or disaster. Events throughout the week help amplify refugee voices, promote understanding, and highlight the contributions refugees make in their new communities.