Summer's Tastiest Month
From ice cream to barbecue, July offers the perfect excuse to enjoy local flavors every day
With National Ice Cream Month and multiple barbecue celebrations, July is packed with delicious food holidays that highlight summer's bounty.
☀️ July Food Holidays
July is National Ice Cream Month and peak summer grilling season - making it one of the most delicious months of the year with food holidays celebrating everything from creative ice cream to barbecue ribs.
← Back to Full CalendarNational Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day
Kick off July by inventing or indulging in wild ice cream flavors. Many creameries unveil limited-edition flavors around this time.
National Anisette Day
A day for the anise-flavored liqueur popular in Mediterranean cultures. Sip some anisette or enjoy anise cookies on July 2.
National Eat Your Beans Day
Mid-summer may not scream 'beans,' but July 3 reminds us legumes are good for us. Perhaps a bean salad at your BBQ.
National Barbecued Spareribs Day
Independence Day in the USA, and fittingly a day to enjoy BBQ ribs. Most people are grilling anyway on the Fourth of July.
National Apple Turnover Day
A sweet pastry day following the Fourth - apple turnovers are on the menu July 5.
National Fried Chicken Day
A major comfort-food day. Fried chicken is celebrated July 6; many restaurants (especially Southern ones) have specials.
World Chocolate Day
Said to mark the anniversary of chocolate's introduction to Europe in 1550. Eat your favorite chocolate in any form - you don't need an excuse, but here it is!
National Freezer Pop Day
In the heat of July, those freeze pops/ice lollies in plastic sleeves get their own day. Perfect for when it's 100°F out!
National Sugar Cookie Day
The simple, sweet sugar cookie - often decorated with colored sugar or icing - is feted on July 9.
National Piña Colada Day
"If you like piña coladas..." - then July 10 is your day. This coconut-pineapple rum cocktail screams summer vacation.
National Blueberry Muffin Day
A bakery staple, the blueberry muffin, gets its honors on 7/11. Perhaps pick one up (maybe free if your local 7-Eleven is doing a promo).
National Pecan Pie Day
Pecan pie isn't just for Thanksgiving - July 12 invites you to enjoy this rich, nutty pie even in summer.
National French Fry Day
Huge alert - French Fry Day has gained a lot of traction. Major chains often give out free fries on this day.
National Mac & Cheese Day
A top comfort food, mac and cheese, has its shining moment on July 14. Many restaurants feature gourmet twists on mac & cheese today.
National Ice Cream Day
Officially the Third Sunday in July (July 20 in 2025). National Ice Cream Day was proclaimed by President Reagan in 1984.
National Hot Dog Day
Hot dogs are as American as it gets, and National Hot Dog Day is traditionally the third Wednesday in July. This day is backed by the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council.
National Peach Ice Cream Day
July is National Ice Cream Month, and here's another specific flavor day - peach ice cream, perfect for peak peach season.
National Caviar Day
A little luxury for July 18 - caviar, the fancy sturgeon roe. You might not find broad celebrations, but upscale restaurants take note.
National Daiquiri Day
Cool off with a daiquiri (classic rum-lime or the frozen strawberry kind) on July 19. Bars often run specials, especially in summer destinations.
National Lollipop Day
The kid in all of us can enjoy a lollipop on July 20. Some candy makers promote new lollipop flavors or giveaways.
National Junk Food Day
Perhaps tongue-in-cheek, this day basically gives permission to indulge in chips, candy, fast food - whatever your favorite 'junk' food is - with no guilt.
National Mango Day
The tropical mango, at its juicy peak mid-summer, is celebrated July 22. Enjoy a mango smoothie or mango salsa.
National Vanilla Ice Cream Day
Right after the extravaganza of Ice Cream Day, we honor the classic vanilla on July 23. Sure, it's plain, but it's the base of so many treats.
National Tequila Day
A spirited holiday indeed. Tequila Day is widely marked by bars and Mexican restaurants, often with margarita specials.
National Hot Fudge Sundae Day
As if we needed an excuse for a sundae - July 25, pile on the hot fudge, whipped cream, nuts, and cherry. Summertime decadence at its best.
National Bagelfest Day
This comes from the town of Mattoon, Illinois (home of the original Lender's Bagels factory). July 26 is a day to celebrate bagels.
National Crème Brûlée Day
The elegant French dessert - rich custard with a caramelized sugar top - is feted on July 27. A good day for a fancy dessert at a nice restaurant.
National Milk Chocolate Day
After a day for dark chocolate in October and chocolate overall on World Chocolate Day, July 28 specifically appreciates the sweeter milk chocolate.
National Chicken Wing Day
This is official - the Mayor of Buffalo declared Chicken Wing Day on July 29, 1977. Buffalo (where wings were invented) goes all out, and nationwide many bars and wing joints offer deals.
National Cheesecake Day
A big one for dessert fans. Many cheesecake shops offer specials or even free slices on July 30. It's a day to indulge in any variety - New York style, fruity, chocolate, you name it.
National Avocado Day
A relatively new but viral holiday (popularized by social media). July 31 we celebrate the avocado - toast, guacamole, smoothies, or straight up with a spoon.