When is Father's Day?

In the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and many other countries, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June.

How did Father's Day start?

It was first held in 1910 thanks to Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington, who wanted a counterpart to Mother's Day to honor her widowed father.

Is Father's Day the same date everywhere?

No. While many countries use the third Sunday of June, others — such as Spain, Portugal, and Italy — celebrate it on March 19th (St. Joseph's Day), and Australia observes it in September.

👔 Days Until Father's Day

There are

days until Father's Day (June 15)

Related holidays

About Father's Day

Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June in the United States and many other countries. It honors fathers and father figures for their contribution to family life. The holiday was first proposed in 1910 by Sonora Smart Dodd in Spokane, Washington, and became a permanent U.S. federal holiday in 1972. Families typically celebrate with gifts, cards, barbecues, and outdoor activities.

How to prepare for Father's Day

Plan an activity your dad actually enjoys — whether that's a round of golf, a fishing trip, a workshop class, or a movie marathon. If grilling is his thing, consider upgrading his setup with new tools or specialty meats. Personalized gifts like engraved items or a custom photo album are best ordered at least two weeks in advance. For dads who say they don't want anything, quality time together is always appreciated.

Traditions and customs

The holiday was first celebrated in 1910 in Spokane, Washington, after Sonora Smart Dodd — raised by a single father who was a Civil War veteran — proposed a day to honor fathers. It took decades to catch on and only became a permanent federal observance in 1972. Celebrations lean casual: barbecues, ballgames, fishing or golf outings, and gifts of tools, gadgets, and grilling gear. A rose is the traditional symbol — red for a living father, white in memory of one who has passed.

Frequently asked questions

When is Father's Day?: In the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and many other countries, Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June.
How did Father's Day start?: It was first held in 1910 thanks to Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington, who wanted a counterpart to Mother's Day to honor her widowed father.
Is Father's Day the same date everywhere?: No. While many countries use the third Sunday of June, others — such as Spain, Portugal, and Italy — celebrate it on March 19th (St. Joseph's Day), and Australia observes it in September.

← All holiday countdowns