Celebrate the Unique and Meaningful Holidays of July 13th
Every day brings its own little reason to celebrate, reflect, or simply have fun—and July 13th is no exception. From quirky food fests to globally recognized observances, today marks a blend of tradition, awareness, and indulgence. Whether you’re a history buff, a food lover, or someone looking to connect with meaningful causes, these five holidays offer a fresh way to celebrate July 13th.
1. National French Fry Day (USA)
Origin Story:
National French Fry Day is an unofficial yet widely celebrated food holiday in the United States. While the exact origin is unclear, fast food chains and food bloggers helped popularize it in the early 2000s. It’s often celebrated on the second Friday in July, but in 2025, it officially falls on Sunday, July 13.
How It’s Celebrated:
Restaurants, especially fast food giants like McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Checkers, often offer free fries or limited-time deals. Social media explodes with hashtags like #NationalFrenchFryDay, and foodies post their best fry photos—from curly to waffle to poutine-drenched.
Why It Matters:
It may seem lighthearted, but National French Fry Day celebrates cultural comfort food that has transcended borders and sparked creative culinary variations across the globe. It’s also a reminder of how shared experiences—like a plate of fries—can bring people together.
2. International Rock Day
Origin Story:
This lesser-known but oddly fascinating holiday has murky beginnings, possibly started by geology buffs or educators to draw attention to Earth’s ancient history. It recognizes rocks of all kinds—from precious gems to plain old gravel.
How It’s Celebrated:
Museums, science centers, and classrooms may host rock-related activities. Hobbyists and kids go rockhounding (searching for cool stones), and some share their mineral finds on platforms like Reddit’s r/rockhounds. It’s also a great excuse to explore local geology or go hiking.
Why It Matters:
Rocks are literally the foundation of our planet. They hold clues to Earth’s formation, evolution, and even climate history. International Rock Day encourages curiosity about the natural world and appreciation for Earth sciences.
3. Embrace Your Geekness Day
Origin Story:
Created by Wellcat Holidays (the same folks who gave us “Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day”), Embrace Your Geekness Day is about letting your inner geek shine—no shame, no apologies. It champions passion, whether for Star Wars, coding, medieval history, or anime.
How It’s Celebrated:
Fans might cosplay, binge-watch their favorite shows, play tabletop games, attend fandom meetups, or post on social media using #EmbraceYourGeeknessDay. It’s also a great excuse for comic book shops and sci-fi clubs to run events or sales.
Why It Matters:
The word “geek” has transformed from an insult to a badge of honor, representing curiosity, creativity, and devotion to knowledge. This day promotes self-acceptance and community for people passionate about niche interests.
4. National Beans ‘n’ Franks Day (USA)
Origin Story:
This throwback comfort dish—baked beans with sliced hot dogs—became a staple during the Great Depression and gained popularity in the postwar era. National Beans ‘n’ Franks Day likely originated from nostalgic American food lovers wanting to celebrate simple, hearty meals.
How It’s Celebrated:
People post their favorite recipes, from traditional stovetop versions to updated gourmet takes with spicy sausages and craft beans. Many enjoy it as a cookout side or even main dish. It’s also a moment to reflect on economic resilience and food creativity in tough times.
Why It Matters:
Beyond the chuckle-worthy name, Beans ‘n’ Franks tell a story of American culinary history—a dish born from necessity that became a symbol of thrift, comfort, and resourcefulness.
5. Barbershop Music Appreciation Day
Origin Story:
This sweet-sounding day honors the legacy of barbershop quartet singing, a uniquely American a cappella tradition with African-American roots. It’s celebrated annually on July 13 in honor of the birthday of Edna Mae Anderson, who founded Sweet Adelines International in 1945 to encourage women in barbershop singing.
How It’s Celebrated:
Barbershop quartets often perform in public spaces, retirement homes, or local festivals. You might also find YouTube tributes, TikTok challenges, or amateur singers trying to master those tight harmonies. Sweet Adelines and other organizations host appreciation posts and virtual concerts.
Why It Matters:
Barbershop music celebrates harmony, community, and tradition. It reminds us of a time when music was a communal, unifying experience—and continues to connect generations through a love of performance and collaboration.
Let’s Celebrate Together
From indulging in golden fries to harmonizing in four-part barbershop glory, July 13 is bursting with flavor, creativity, and curiosity. What will you celebrate today?
🎉 Will you go rockhounding? Geek out over your favorite fandom? Share a plate of Beans ‘n’ Franks? Let us know in the comments or tag us on social media with your celebration snapshots!
