263 saved#634 of 6,224

Cow Appreciation Day

Head over to Chick-Fil-A on Cow Appreciation Day and get free food when you dress up as a cow!

Tuesday

July 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

Have an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATESecond Tuesday in July

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAnimals

SUBCATEGORYFarm Animals

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

It's time to mooooove over for Cow Appreciation Day on the second Tuesday of July! Celebrated since 2005, this holiday was created by Chick-Fil-A in order to acknowledge all the hard work cows do for us, from providing us with food and fuel, to helping promote a sustainable environment. With so much to be thankful for, it's no surprise that this day has become so popular. Put on your best cow costume or rock some cow-themed apparel, and head down to your local Chick-Fil-A to show your appreciation and enjoy some delicious treats!

TIMELINE

Cow Appreciation Day Timeline

First Cow Appreciation Day

Chick-Fil-A created the first Cow Appreciation Day to honor cows and encourage people to eat more chicken instead.

Free Food Offer

Chick-Fil-A started offering free food to customers dressed up as cows on Cow Appreciation Day.

National Recognition

Cow Appreciation Day is recognized by national media outlets, further increasing its popularity and participation nationwide.

International Expansion

The event starts spreading outside the U.S., with restaurants and individuals celebrating Cow Appreciation Day in various countries.

10 Year Anniversary

Chick-Fil-A celebrates the 10-year anniversary of Cow Appreciation Day with special promotions and events.

Digitized Celebrations

Due to the pandemic, Chick-Fil-A turns to digital platforms to celebrate Cow Appreciation Day, offering virtual promotions and activities for participants.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Cow Appreciation Day

Dress up as a cow

Create your own cow costume or buy one online and head to your local Chick-Fil-A. You will get free food for dressing up, and you will also be helping to bring awareness to the holiday.

HOST

Host a cow appreciation party

Invite your friends and family over to celebrate Cow Appreciation Day. Decorate in black and white (to represent cow spots) and serve up some delicious Chick-Fil-A favorites.

ORGANIZE

Organize a cow appreciation parade

Gather your friends and family to march through town dressed up as cows. Have some fun music playing, maybe even a marching band, and pass out flyers about the holiday.

HOLD

Hold a cow appreciation dance

Rent out a local hall and invite everyone you know. Have some fun activities, like cow mask making and a milkshake bar, and of course, some great music.

VISIT

Visit your local Chick-Fil-A

Head over to your nearest Chick-Fil-A and enjoy some delicious food while celebrating the holiday. Make sure to ask about any special promotions they may have for Cow Appreciation Day.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Cow Appreciation Day

Free food

On Cow Appreciation Day, customers dress up like a cow and get free food as a reward for their creativity! This makes it a great opportunity to score deals on some of your favorite menu items without having to hunt down coupons or discounts.

Chick-Fil-A is delicious

Chick-fil-A's signature marinated chicken breast sandwiches, buttery waffle fries and creamy shakes are some of the most delicious fast food meals around. They always deliver consistent quality and great taste, regardless of which store you visit!

Cow Appreciation Day celebrates cows

Chick-fil-A's Cow Appreciation Day is a special holiday dedicated to celebrating cows. By honoring these iconic animals, Chick-fil-A not only shows its appreciation for their customers but also pays homage to the hard work of the farmers and ranchers who raise these animals.