July Food Holidays: Your Ultimate Guide to National Food & Drink Celebrations This Summer

Embrace the Sweet, Boozy, and Savory Delights of July!

July bursts forth as a vibrant celebration of all things delicious and refreshing, perfectly embodying the spirit of summer joy on a plate and in a glass! This month isn’t just about sunshine and long days; it’s a full-fledged culinary festival, highlighted by National Ice Cream Month. The entire summer food calendar for July is dedicated to keeping cool, enjoying grand festivities, and indulging in a little sweetness and fun. From the explosive flavors and barbecue feasts of the 4th of July, to an array of frosty treats, sophisticated cocktails, delightful cookies, and impressive cakes sprinkled throughout the days – there’s truly an exciting food holiday to savor every single day.

Imagine yourself scooping generous hot fudge sundaes, sipping on a frosty piña colada under the sun, or enjoying the comforting aroma of freshly baked blueberry muffins. July’s diverse flavor calendar serves as your official permission slip to slow down, embrace the moment, and fully immerse yourself in the season’s culinary treasures. It’s a time for gathering with loved ones, enjoying outdoor activities, and, of course, feasting on incredible food. Let’s make this month exceptionally delicious and memorable, one sweet, savory, or boozy bite at a time, exploring the wealth of national food and drink holidays that await!

🗓️ Monthly Food Holidays – July: A Month-Long Culinary Celebration

July truly dedicates itself to some of the most beloved summer staples, giving us two fantastic monthly celebrations that are perfect for beating the heat and enjoying seasonal flavors:

• National Ice Cream Month: A true highlight of summer, this entire month is an ode to the creamy, dreamy dessert that brings joy to all ages. Whether you’re a fan of classic vanilla, rich chocolate, exotic fruit flavors, or experimental concoctions, July encourages you to indulge. Celebrate by making your own homemade ice cream, trying a new flavor from your local parlor, creating elaborate sundaes, or simply enjoying a cone on a warm evening. Don’t miss out on exploring various toppings and mix-ins to elevate your ice cream experience throughout the month!
• National Watermelon Month: Nothing says summer quite like a refreshing slice of watermelon. This month celebrates the quintessential summer fruit, known for its hydrating qualities and sweet, crisp flavor. Enjoy watermelon chilled on its own, tossed in salads, blended into smoothies or cocktails, or even grilled for a unique twist. It’s a versatile fruit that brings a burst of summer freshness to any dish or occasion.

🗓️ Daily Food Holidays – July: A Delicious Day-by-Day Calendar

Every single day in July offers a unique reason to celebrate with food and drink. Here’s your detailed guide to the daily delights:

• July 1: Kick off the month with the warm, spicy crunch of National Gingersnap Day – a perfect cookie for dipping in coffee or tea. Then, unleash your creativity for Creative Ice Cream Flavor Day, inviting you to experiment with unique and exciting ice cream combinations.
• July 2: Sip on the aromatic charm of National Anisette Day, celebrating the licorice-flavored liqueur often enjoyed as a digestif.
• July 3: Indulge in the delicate sweetness of National Chocolate Wafer Day, or get your fiber fix on Eat Your Beans Day – a healthy balance before the big holiday.
• July 4: The Fourth of July is a culinary explosion! While celebrating Independence Day, savor the smoky goodness of National Barbecued Spareribs Day. Balance your plate with the crisp freshness of Caesar Salad Day, or opt for a plant-based feast on Independence From Meat Day. It’s a day for parades, fireworks, and truly unforgettable backyard barbecues.
• July 5: Enjoy the flaky pastry of National Apple Turnover Day. It’s also National Graham Cracker Day, perfect for s’mores, and National Jam Day, ideal for spreading on toast or pairing with cheese.
• July 6: Crispy, juicy, and utterly satisfying – celebrate National Fried Chicken Day with your favorite recipe or from your go-to spot.
• July 7: Cool down with a classic on National Strawberry Sundae Day. For chocolate lovers, it’s World Chocolate Day, a global acknowledgment of this beloved treat. Plus, don’t forget National Macaroni Day, perhaps inspiring a creamy mac salad for your next picnic.
• July 8: Double the delight! It’s National Chocolate with Almonds Day for a satisfying crunch. Enjoy the fresh, tart sweetness of National Blueberry Day, perfect for baking or snacking. Cool off further with National Freezer Pop Day, and don’t miss a second celebration of National Ice Cream Sundae Day – pile on those toppings!
• July 9: Bake up some happiness for National Sugar Cookie Day, decorating them with your favorite icing and sprinkles.
• July 10: Transport yourself to a tropical paradise on National Piña Colada Day – blend up a creamy, coconutty, pineapple delight. Complement this with National Pick Blueberries Day, perhaps even using your freshly picked berries in a lavender-infused dessert for National Lavender Day, adding a delicate floral note to your summer treats.
• July 11: Start your morning sweetly with National Blueberry Muffin Day, the perfect breakfast pastry. Then, cool down with a refreshing minty classic on National Mojito Day. And for a savory snack, celebrate National French Fry Day – whether you like them crispy, seasoned, or dipped in your favorite sauce.
• July 12: Indulge in the nutty, sweet comfort of National Pecan Pie Day, a Southern classic.
• July 13: It’s another chance to celebrate National French Fry Day! Consider trying a new style of fries, like sweet potato or loaded fries, or simply enjoy your favorite kind again.
• July 14: Savor the ultimate comfort food on National Mac and Cheese Day – from creamy baked versions to gourmet twists. For adults, it’s also National Grand Marnier Day, celebrating the sophisticated orange liqueur.
• July 15: Unleash your inner child for National Gummi Worm Day, a colorful and chewy treat. Then, enjoy the creamy, classic dessert of National Tapioca Pudding Day.
• July 16: Enjoy the sweet and savory crunch of National Corn Fritter Day, a delightful side dish. It’s also National Hot Dog Day, perfect for grilling and summer gatherings.
• July 17: Experience the taste of summer fruit in a frozen treat on National Peach Ice Cream Day – a truly refreshing indulgence.
• July 18: For a touch of luxury, celebrate National Caviar Day – an exquisite delicacy.
• July 19: Mix up a refreshing tropical cocktail for National Daiquiri Day, a vibrant blend of rum, citrus, and sweetness.
• July 20: A truly indulgent day! The third Sunday of July marks National Ice Cream Day, a cornerstone of National Ice Cream Month – pile on those extras! Pair it with another National Ice Cream Sundae Day for an ultimate dessert experience. For lighter, playful treats, there’s National Lollipop Day and National Fortune Cookie Day. And for those who love baked goods, July 20th also brings International Cake Day, inviting you to bake or enjoy a slice of your favorite confection.
• July 21: Give in to your cravings on National Junk Food Day – a guilt-free excuse to enjoy your favorite chips, candy, or fast food.
• July 22: Explore the rich, buttery flavor of National Penuche Fudge Day. It’s also National Mango Day, celebrating the tropical fruit’s sweet and vibrant taste, perfect in salsas, smoothies, or desserts.
• July 23: Celebrate the timeless appeal of National Vanilla Ice Cream Day, the versatile base for countless desserts. Then indulge in the timeless pairing of Peanut Butter & Chocolate Day – whether in a cookie, a candy, or a rich dessert.
• July 24: Raise a glass on National Tequila Day! Whether it’s a classic Margarita, a Tequila Sunrise, or a neat shot, it’s a perfect excuse to enjoy this spirited beverage responsibly. It’s also National Drive-Thru Day, perhaps inspiring a quick stop for your favorite fast-food treat.
• July 25: Indulge in a decadent dessert for National Hot Fudge Sundae Day – warm, rich fudge over cold ice cream is pure bliss. Pair it with savory delights on National Wine and Cheese Day for a sophisticated evening.
• July 26: Start your day with a refreshing twist on National Coffee Milkshake Day. And don’t miss Bagelfest, a celebration of the chewy, versatile bagel, perfect with cream cheese or as a sandwich.
• July 27: Enjoy the crispy sugar crust and creamy custard of National Crème Brûlée Day. For those who appreciate fine spirits, it’s National Scotch Day. Plus, satisfy your savory cravings on National Chicken Fingers Day.
• July 28: Indulge your sweet tooth with National Milk Chocolate Day, a classic favorite. Then, fire up the grill for National Hamburger Day, celebrating the iconic American sandwich.
• July 29: Savor layers of cheesy, meaty, pasta goodness on National Lasagna Day. For a more casual bite, it’s National Chicken Wing Day – perfect for sharing (or not!).
• July 30: Wrap up the month with a luxurious treat on National Cheesecake Day! From New York style to no-bake varieties, it’s the perfect creamy, rich dessert to savor.
• July 31: End July with a trio of delightful holidays: National Raspberry Cake Day offers a burst of fruity sweetness, National Cotton Candy Day brings carnival fun, and National Avocado Day celebrates the healthy, creamy fruit, perfect in guacamole or on toast.