June 24 National Days

June 24 is the 175th day of the year (176th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 190 days until the end of the year. Today’s celebrations explore themes of creativity, equality, folklore, and sustainability—all linked to the traditions of Midsummer.

Some observances connect to ancient seasonal festivals, while others reflect modern values like recycling, relationship equity, and emotional support for children.

Here’s a full overview of the 8 national and international days observed on June 24.

National and International Days on June 24

International Fairy Day: Founded by fantasy artist Jessica Galbreth, this whimsical day encourages us to embrace the magical world of fairies. Celebrated on June 24 to coincide with Midsummer traditions, the day invites fans of folklore and fantasy to explore nature, imagination, and mythical beings through art, storytelling, and playful decorations.

Midsummer: Though the summer solstice typically falls between June 20–22, Midsummer has long been celebrated in many European cultures on June 23–24. It marks the height of the summer season and was Christianized as Saint John’s Day. Traditional festivities often include bonfires, feasts, flower crowns, and outdoor gatherings to honor the sun’s peak and the season’s bounty.

National Patch Day: Launched in 2023 by the Oliver Patch Project, this day encourages people to send symbolic patches as gifts of strength, hope, and healing to children facing illness or emotional hardship. Observed each June 24, it shines a light on the power of small tokens of love to uplift children navigating difficult circumstances.

National Pralines Day: Celebrated annually on June 24, this day honors the rich, sweet confection made by combining nuts and sugar syrup. The treat dates back to 17th-century France, where Marshal du Plessis-Praslin inspired its creation. Today, variations include chocolate-coated nuts and creamy versions found in Southern U.S. cuisine, especially in Louisiana.

National Relationship Equity Day: Relationship coach Dr. Femi Ogunjinmi introduced this observance in 2019 to challenge traditional gender roles and promote fairness in partnerships. Held every June 24, the day encourages couples to value each other’s unique strengths and work toward a more balanced and equitable dynamic in their relationships.

National Take Back the Lunch Break Day: Created in 2018 by workplace hygiene brand Tork, this observance encourages employees to reclaim their lunch breaks. Research shows that workers who take regular lunch breaks report higher satisfaction and productivity. Observed annually on June 24, the day promotes a healthier work culture and helps counter the decline of midday breaks in fast-paced office environments.

National Upcycling Day: This eco-conscious observance encourages creative reuse instead of throwing things away. Although the concept of upcycling has existed for centuries, the term gained popularity in the early 2000s. Celebrated on June 24, National Upcycling Day highlights how repurposing old materials reduces waste and inspires sustainable living practices.

Swim a Lap Day: June 24 is a great time to hit the pool and enjoy the benefits of swimming. As a low-impact exercise, swimming improves cardiovascular health, builds strength, and reduces stress. The origins of Swim a Lap Day are unclear, but the annual event invites people of all fitness levels to enjoy a lap—or more—for fun and wellness.

World UFO Day* (also observed on July 2): Celebrated on two dates, this observance honors key events in UFO history. The June 24 date marks aviator Kenneth Arnold’s 1947 sighting of mysterious flying objects, often considered the first widely reported UFO encounter. The July 2 date commemorates the famous Roswell incident. The day encourages open discussions about extraterrestrial life and aims to raise awareness about unexplained aerial phenomena.

🎨 Related celebrations include Alien Abduction Day on March 20 and World Contact Day on March 15.