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Friday Fish Fry Day

A cultural observance on February 20 celebrating the Friday night fish fry tradition, especially during Lent, featuring beer-battered fried fish and community gatherings at restaurants, taverns, and supper clubs.

Friday

February 2027

Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEFirst Friday in Lent

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYDining

ORIGIN

Individual Initiative

FOUNDING ENTITY

Caleb Westphal

FIRST OBSERVED

2021

HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

Caleb Westphal, a Milwaukee-area fish fry enthusiast, created the observance in 2021 to celebrate and promote Wisconsin's longstanding Friday night fish fry tradition rooted in Catholic abstinence practices. It has received official recognition through proclamations from the City of Milwaukee and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers.

Institutional Recordvia fridayfishfryday.com

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready for some crispy, golden deliciousness as we celebrate Friday Fish Fry Day on February 16! This yummy tradition has religious roots in Catholicism where meat was avoided on Fridays during Lent, and fish became a popular alternative. Over time, this practice evolved, transcending religious boundaries, becoming a staple across America, particularly in the Midwest. This flavorful day is perfect for gathering with friends and family to munch on perfectly fried fish paired with your favorite sides. So, dive right into the celebrations and let's get ready to enjoy a good old fashioned fish fry!

TIMELINE

Friday Fish Fry Day Timeline

Catholic Lenten Tradition

The religious practice of avoiding meat on Fridays during Lent, leading to an increase in the consumption of fish, begins within the Catholic Church.

Fish Fry in Social Gatherings

Fish Fry starts being used as a popular fundraising activity for churches and community groups in the United States, notably in the Midwest.

Broad Religious Acceptance

Fish Fry Fridays gains popularity beyond the Catholic church and is widely accepted and practiced among various Christian denominations.

Rise in Communal Dining Halls

The tradition experiences a shift with Fish Fry becoming a staple in local eateries, community centers, and dining halls across the nation.

Official Recognition

Friday Fish Fry Day is officially registered as a holiday and begins to be celebrated on February 16 annually.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Friday Fish Fry Day

Throw a fish fry party

Get together with friends and family and host a fish fry party. Everybody can contribute by bringing different types of fish to prepare, or different sides to complement the meal.

VISIT

Visit a seafood market

Plan a visit to a local seafood market or fishmonger where you can pick up some fresh fillets for your own home-cooked fish fry. Try getting a variety of fish species to mix things up.

COOK

Cook different fish recipes

Make this day a reason to explore the world's culinary traditions. Cook different fish dishes from around the world, like British fish 'n' chips, Mediterranean calamari, or Japanese tempura.

HOLD

Hold a cooking competition

Bring out the competitive spirits by holding a friendly fish frying competition among your friends or family. Who can make the crispiest, most delicious fried fish?

DINE

Dine out at a fish restaurant

If cooking isn't for you, then find a local seafood restaurant and order a fish fry dish. Enjoy the ambiance and appreciate the expertise of professional cooks on this special day.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Friday Fish Fry Day

It's a day of culinary exploration

Friday Fish Fry Day invites us to experiment with different recipes and cooking styles from around the world. So whether you're trying out British fish 'n' chips, Mediterranean calamari, or Japanese tempura, it's an exciting foodie adventure you don't want to miss out on!

It's a chance to savour delicious fish dishes

On Friday Fish Fry Day, we get the opportunity to binge on a variety of tantalizing fish fry dishes. From classic beer-battered fish to exotic tempuras and calamari, there's something delectable for everyone's taste buds.

It encourages camaraderie and fun

Whether you're hosting a fish fry party or participating in a friendly cooking competition, Friday Fish Fry Day promotes a sense of community and cheer, bringing loved ones together over delicious food, chatter and laughs.