Discovering the Vibrant Holidays and Observances of July in the United States (2025)

July in the United States is a month brimming with diverse celebrations, from the widely recognized federal holiday of Independence Day to numerous unique national days and observances. This overview delves into the key holidays and noteworthy dates that make July a lively period across the nation in 2025.

Key Highlights of July 2025 Holidays

Independence Day: The most significant federal holiday in July, celebrated on the 4th, commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
Variety of Observances: Beyond federal holidays, July features a wide array of national days, weeks, and months dedicated to various interests, foods, and causes.
Summer Celebrations: Falling during the height of summer for much of the U.S., July holidays often involve outdoor activities, gatherings, and travel.

Federal Holidays in July 2025

The most prominent federal holiday in July is Independence Day.

Independence Day - July 4th

Independence Day, observed on July 4th, is a federal holiday celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. This day marks the birth of the United States of America. In 2025, Independence Day falls on a Friday, which for most federal employees means the holiday is observed on Friday, July 4th. This often results in a long weekend, allowing for extended celebrations.

Celebrations across the U.S. typically include:

Fireworks displays
Parades
Barbecues and picnics
Concerts and festivals
Family gatherings

Independence Day is a time for patriotic displays, with many people flying the American flag and attending community events.

A vibrant Independence Day parade.

Observance for Federal Employees

For federal employees, when a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is typically observed as the holiday. If it falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed. In 2025, July 4th is a Friday, so the observance aligns with the actual date.

Beyond the 4th: Other Notable July Observances (2025)

While Independence Day is the only federal holiday in July, the month is packed with a wide variety of national days, weeks, and even months dedicated to specific themes. These range from lighthearted and fun to those recognizing important professions or health awareness.

Monthly Observances in July 2025

Several themes are celebrated throughout the entire month of July:

National Blueberry Month: A time to enjoy and appreciate blueberries.
National Ice Cream Month: A popular summer treat gets its own month of recognition.
National Picnic Month: Encouraging outdoor dining and gatherings.
National Cell Phone Courtesy Month: Promoting polite cell phone usage.
National Anti-Boredom Month: Encouraging engaging activities to combat boredom.
Independent Retailer Month: Supporting small and independent businesses.
Good Care Month: Focuses on providing and receiving good care.

Weekly Observances in July 2025

Specific weeks in July are also designated for various themes. While the exact dates for some weekly observances can vary year to year, common themes include:

Various animal and pet-related weeks
Weeks focused on specific foods or beverages
Weeks highlighting health or safety awareness

Daily Observances in July 2025

Almost every day in July has one or more designated national day. These range widely in topic and origin. Here is a selection of some notable daily observances in July 2025:

July 1:

International Joke Day
National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day
National U.S. Postage Stamp Day
National Postal Worker Day

July 2:

National I Forgot Day
World UFO Day

July 3:

Disobedience Day
International Plastic Bag Free Day
National Stay Out of the Sun Day
National Eat Beans Day

July 4:

Independence Day (Federal Holiday)

July 5:

National Bikini Day
National Work-a-holics Day

July 6:

National Fried Chicken Day
International Cherry Pit Spitting Day (First Saturday in July)
Ashura (Religious Observance)

July 7:

National Macaroni Day
National Strawberry Sundae Day

July 8:

National Chocolate With Almonds Day

July 9:

National Sugar Cookie Day

July 10:

National Don't Step on a Bee Day
National Cow Appreciation Day

July 11:

All American Pet Photo Day
National Cheer Up the Lonely Day
National 7-Eleven Day

July 12:

National Pecan Pie Day
National Etch A Sketch Day

July 13:

National French Fry Day
National Embrace Your Geekness Day

July 14:

Bastille Day (International)
National Macaroni Day

July 15:

National Give Something Away Day
National Tapioca Pudding Day
MLB All-Star Game (Tentative Date)

July 16:

National Corn Fritters Day
National Personal Chef Day

July 17:

National Hot Dog Day (Third Wednesday in July)
World Emoji Day

July 18:

National Caviar Day
National Sour Candy Day

July 19:

National Raspberry Cake Day
National Get to Know Your Customers Day (Third Thursday of Each Quarter)

July 20:

National Lollipop Day
National Moon Day
National Gorgeous Grandma Day

July 21:

National Junk Food Day
National Be Someone Day

July 22:

National Hammock Day
National Penuche Fudge Day

July 23:

National Vanilla Ice Cream Day
National Hot Enough For Ya Day

July 24:

National Tequila Day
National Drive-Thru Day
National Cousins Day

July 25:

National Hot Fudge Sundae Day
National Culinarians Day
National Intern Day (Last Thursday in July)

July 26:

National Bagelfest Day
National All is Appreciated Day
National Day of the Cowboy (Fourth Saturday in July)

July 27:

National Scotch Day
National Creme Brulee Day
National Parents' Day (Fourth Sunday in July)

July 28:

National Milk Chocolate Day
National Enjoy the Ride Day

July 29:

National Lasagna Day
National Lipstick Day

July 30:

National Cheesecake Day
National Father-in-Law Day

July 31:

National Avocado Day
National Talk in an Elevator Day
National System Administrator Appreciation Day (Last Friday in July)

This is not an exhaustive list of 100 holidays, as many observances are less widely recognized or celebrated. However, it provides a comprehensive look at the variety of national days and awareness periods in July 2025.

Community celebrations are common throughout July.

Understanding Different Types of U.S. Holidays

It's helpful to understand the distinction between different types of holidays in the United States:

Federal Holidays

Federal holidays are established by U.S. law and apply to federal employees and the District of Columbia. While many states and private businesses observe federal holidays, they are not legally required to do so.

State Holidays

State holidays are designated by individual state governments. These vary from state to state.

Observances and National Days

These are not legally mandated holidays but are often created by organizations, groups, or even individuals to raise awareness, celebrate a topic, or simply for fun. The list of these is extensive and constantly evolving.

July in Context: Summer and Celebrations

July falls in the heart of summer for the majority of the United States. This timing influences many of the month's observances and how they are celebrated. Warm weather encourages outdoor activities, travel, and community events. Independence Day, in particular, is a major catalyst for summer travel and outdoor festivities.

Summer activities often accompany July holidays.

The numerous national days related to food, such as National Hot Dog Day and National Ice Cream Month, reflect the popularity of these items during the summer months and associated events like barbecues and picnics.

Frequently Asked Questions About July Holidays in the USA (2025)

Is July 4th a federal holiday in 2025?

Yes, July 4th, Independence Day, is a federal holiday in the United States in 2025. Since it falls on a Friday, it will be observed on that day for most federal employees.

Are businesses closed on Independence Day?

Many businesses and government offices are closed on Independence Day, as it is a federal holiday. However, this can vary depending on the employer and the type of business.

What are some popular ways to celebrate the 4th of July?

Popular ways to celebrate include watching fireworks, attending parades, having barbecues or picnics, and spending time with family and friends.

Are there any other federal holidays in July?

No, Independence Day on July 4th is the only federal holiday observed in July.

Where can I find a complete list of all national days in July?

While this response provides a significant number of daily observances, complete lists can be found on various websites that track national days and holidays. The provided references offer several resources.