National Men Make Dinner Day

National Men Make Dinner Day is celebrated every year on the first Thursday in November to encourage men—especially those who rarely cook—to take over the kitchen for an evening.

The day was founded in 2001 by Sandy Sharkey, a Canadian radio broadcaster from Ottawa. She created it as a lighthearted challenge for men to prepare a full meal from scratch while giving the household’s usual cook a well-deserved break. Though humorous in tone, the observance carries a meaningful message about sharing domestic responsibilities and appreciating the work that goes into everyday meals.

A Playful but Thought-Provoking Day

While the day began as a humorous event, it sparks useful conversations about equality at home. In many families, cooking duties are still unevenly shared. This observance reminds everyone that making dinner can be both rewarding and fun, and that learning basic cooking skills is a sign of care—not a gendered task.

When Is National Men Make Dinner Day?

National Men Make Dinner Day takes place on the first Thursday in November each year. The date shifts slightly but always lands early in the month, giving families a lighthearted way to share kitchen duties before the busy holiday season begins. Below are the upcoming dates through 2030:

How to Participate?

National Men Make Dinner Day invites men to step into the kitchen and handle every part of the meal—from planning and shopping to cooking and cleaning. The idea is not to make something fancy, but to put in genuine effort.

• Cook from scratch: Prepare a meal using at least four ingredients and more than one cooking utensil.
• Do the shopping: The cook must buy all the ingredients personally.
• Skip shortcuts: No takeout, reheated leftovers, or grilling on the barbecue.
• Clean as you go: The kitchen should look just as tidy when dinner is done.
• Enjoy it: Aprons are optional, and bragging rights are limited to three gloating moments.
• Share the fun: Post your results online using #MenMakeDinnerDay.