Countdown to Father's Day
When is Father's Day? Date, facts & history →Countdown Location
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Father's Day is a celebration honoring fathers, fatherhood, and the bonds between fathers and their children. In the United States, Father's Day falls on the third Sunday of June, although the exact date varies by country, with many nations observing it at different times of the year. It is a day to thank dads, grandfathers, and father figures with cards, gifts, and quality time together.
Whether you are planning a cookout, a round of golf, or a heartfelt phone call, the countdown above shows exactly how much time remains until the next Father's Day in the US. The holiday complements Mother's Day and rounds out a season of family appreciation.
When is Father's Day?
In the United States, Father's Day is always the third Sunday of June, so the calendar date shifts each year while the rule stays fixed. The date varies by country: many Catholic nations celebrate it on March 19, the feast of Saint Joseph, while others choose their own day. Use the countdown above for the US date, and try our holiday timer or time until calculator to prepare. You can also check the Mother's Day countdown for its companion holiday.
History and origins of Father's Day
The American holiday is often traced to Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington, who organized the first Father's Day celebration in 1910 to honor her father, a Civil War veteran who raised six children alone. The idea took decades to gain official status. President Lyndon B. Johnson issued a proclamation in 1966, and in 1972 President Richard Nixon signed a law making Father's Day a permanent national holiday on the third Sunday of June.
How Father's Day is observed
- Giving cards, neckties, tools, and gadgets.
- Barbecues, cookouts, and family meals.
- Outdoor activities like fishing, golf, or sports.
- Spending quality time with dads and father figures.
- Phone calls and visits to grandfathers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Father's Day in the United States?
In the US, Father's Day is always the third Sunday of June, so the date changes each year.
Is Father's Day the same date worldwide?
No. The date varies by country. The US uses the third Sunday of June, while many Catholic countries celebrate on March 19, Saint Joseph's Day.
Who started Father's Day?
Sonora Smart Dodd is widely credited with organizing the first Father's Day in 1910 in Spokane, Washington.
When did Father's Day become an official US holiday?
It became a permanent national holiday in 1972, when President Richard Nixon signed it into law.
Is Father's Day a public holiday in the US?
No. Father's Day is widely celebrated but is not a federal public holiday, so most businesses stay open.