June 21 National Days

June 21 is the 172nd day of the year (173rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 193 days until the end of the year. This date marks the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, making it a popular choice for celebrations that honor light, nature, and outdoor living.

Some holidays, such as International Surfing Day and National Dog Party Day, are tied to the third Saturday of June or the summer solstice. Others, like National Selfie Day and World Giraffe Day, are fixed on June 21 each year.

Here’s a full overview of the 22 national and international days observed on June 21.

National and International Days on June 21

Go Skateboarding Day: Founded in 2004 by Don Brown and the International Association of Skateboard Companies (IASC), Go Skateboarding Day brings together skaters across the globe each June 21. The day celebrates skateboarding culture as a creative, athletic, and unifying force that thrives in urban spaces. Events and skate sessions are held worldwide to promote the sport and inspire new generations to get on a board.

International Day of Yoga: Proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and adopted by the United Nations in 2014, International Day of Yoga is observed every June 21—the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The day promotes the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga and encourages global participation in this ancient practice that fosters harmony between body and mind.

International Surfing Day* (Third Saturday in June): First celebrated in 2005 by Surfing Magazine and the Surfrider Foundation, International Surfing Day promotes ocean conservation through the joy of surfing. The day encourages communities to celebrate surf culture while also protecting coastlines. Cleanups, contests, and surf sessions are held around the world.

🌊 A similar holiday, World Oceans Day, takes place on June 8.

International Vanlife Cooking Day: Created around 2022 and supported by Vanlife Eats and social media communities, International Vanlife Cooking Day celebrates the creativity of van dwellers who prepare meals in small, mobile kitchens. Observed on June 21, the day highlights the adventurous and self-sufficient spirit of vanlife, showing how flavorful food can be made on the go.

National Arizona Day: Celebrated on June 21 to honor the Grand Canyon State. While Arizona Statehood Day is officially observed on February 14, this day recognizes Arizona’s cultural richness, natural beauty, and historical landmarks like Old Oraibi—one of North America’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements.

National Cookie Dough Day: This sweet celebration pays tribute to the rise of edible cookie dough, which gained popularity in 1984 when Ben & Jerry’s introduced cookie dough ice cream. Later, entrepreneur Kristen Tomlan helped create a safe-to-eat version of raw dough through her company DŌ.

National Dachshund Day: Held on the summer solstice to match the famously long shape of this small dog breed, National Dachshund Day honors the loyalty, charm, and quirky personality of dachshunds. The day also raises awareness about ethical breeding and responsible pet ownership.

🐶 It’s one of several dog-related days, including National Dog Day on August 26 and National Puppy Day on March 23.

National Daylight Appreciation Day: Sponsored by Solatube International, Inc., this observance highlights the benefits of daylight, especially as June 21 offers the longest stretch of sun all year in the Northern Hemisphere. The day promotes daylighting in architecture to enhance energy efficiency and well-being.

National Day of the Gong: Founded by GongtoGo.com in 2017, National Day of the Gong honors this powerful and ancient instrument known for its ceremonial, musical, and therapeutic use. Observed on June 21, the day celebrates the gong’s unique sound qualities and cultural significance across civilizations.

National Dog Party Day* (Third Saturday in June): Created by pet safety coach Arden Moore in 2011, this fun-loving day invites dog owners to host or attend parties for their pups. The aim is to strengthen the human-dog bond through playful interaction, treats, and socialization.

National Flexible Working Day: Launched in 2023 by a London-based initiative, this day calls attention to the growing importance of flexible work arrangements. Observed on June 21, it encourages work-life balance and highlights how remote work, flex schedules, and hybrid models benefit both employees and organizations.

National Peaches ‘N’ Cream Day: A summery treat takes center stage on June 21 with National Peaches ‘N’ Cream Day. Peaches are in season across many U.S. states, including Georgia and California, making it the perfect time to enjoy this classic dessert.

🍑 A related day, National Peach Day, is observed on August 22.

National Selfie Day: Founded in 2014 by DJ Rick McNeely, National Selfie Day celebrates self-expression through photography. On June 21, people are encouraged to take and share selfies, promoting creativity and connection in the age of smartphones and social media.

National Smoothie Day: Celebrated on June 21, National Smoothie Day takes advantage of seasonal fruits and vegetables to promote healthy, refreshing drinks. Some smoothie chains like Smoothie King and Jamba might offer special deals, including BOGO promotions, to encourage participation. It’s one of several food-themed days focused on wellness and hydration.

National Wagyu Day: Founded in 2024 by Steve Haddadin, National Wagyu Day highlights the luxurious, marbled beef known for its tenderness and high fat content. Celebrated on June 21, the day also raises awareness about the strict standards used to authenticate true Wagyu.

Shades for Migraine: This global awareness campaign was launched in 2017 by the Association of Migraine Disorders. On June 21, participants wear sunglasses and post photos online to show solidarity with those affected by migraine disease. The campaign highlights photophobia—a common migraine symptom—and promotes the hashtag #ShadesForMigraine to raise visibility.

World Giraffe Day: Initiated in 2014 by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, World Giraffe Day falls on June 21 to match the long neck of the giraffe with the longest day of the year. The day raises awareness about giraffe conservation as population numbers decline due to habitat loss and poaching. It’s part of a growing list of animal conservation observances.

World Humanist Day: Celebrated on the summer solstice since the late 1980s, World Humanist Day promotes the values and philosophy of Humanism. The American Humanist Association and Humanists International began recognizing June 21 as a time for reflection, outreach, and global awareness rooted in secular ethics and reason.

World Hydrography Day: Established in 2005 by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), this day emphasizes the importance of charting and surveying oceans, rivers, and lakes. June 21 was chosen to mark the anniversary of the IHO’s founding in 1921. The observance promotes better understanding of water resources and their role in global development.

World Lambrusco Day: Celebrated on June 21, World Lambrusco Day honors the Italian sparkling red wine known for its fruity flavor and cultural legacy. The event is organized by the Consorzio Tutela Lambrusco and rotates locations each year. The day invites wine enthusiasts to explore Lambrusco’s history, rooted in ancient Etruscan and Roman winemaking.

World Martini Day / National Martini Day* (Third Saturday in June): First marked in 2012 by Belvedere Vodka, this day toasts the martini’s status as a classic cocktail. Traditionally made with gin and vermouth and garnished with an olive or lemon twist, the martini has a debated origin—possibly tied to Martinez, California, or to Italian vermouth brands.

🍸 Related days include National Cocktail Day on March 24. See also our complete list of alcohol-themed national day.

World Motorcycle Day: Celebrated on June 21, World Motorcycle Day embraces the freedom and culture of motorcycling. Riders mark the solstice with long-distance rides and gatherings. The day recognizes the impact motorcycles have had on transportation, adventure, and community building around the world.