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Friendship Day

Make your Friendship Day memorable - plan a fun day with your besties and show them how much you care!

Sunday

August 2026

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

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YEARLY DATEFirst Sunday in August

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYRelationships

SUBCATEGORYFriendship

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate the special bond you share with your friends on Friendship Day, which takes place on the first Sunday of August! This holiday has been around since 1935 and is a great reminder to appreciate those closest to us. Friends bring joy and laughter into our lives, so it's important to take some time out of our busy schedules and celebrate these relationships. The day can be celebrated in many different ways; from exchanging cards or gifts, going for brunch, or just spending quality time together. So grab your friends and get ready for an amazing day of celebrating Friendship Day!

TIMELINE

Friendship Day Timeline

Hallmark's Friendship Cards

Hallmark starts producing friendship cards, acknowledging the importance of friends and companionships.

Friendship Day's Foundation

The United States Congress proclaims the first Sunday in August as National Friendship Day.

World Friendship Crusade

Dr. Artemio Bracho proposes the idea of World Friendship Day during a dinner party in Paraguay, leading to the formation of World Friendship Crusade, an international civil organization that promotes friendship and peace.

Winnie-the-Pooh, Ambassador of Friendship'

Winnie-the-Pooh is appointed as the world's Ambassador of Friendship by the United Nations.

UN Officially Recognizes Friendship Day

The United Nations officially recognizes 30th July as International Friendship Day, promoting the role of friendship in promoting peace and understanding.

Friendship Day During Pandemic

People around the world find creative ways to celebrate Friendship Day remotely due to COVID-19 pandemic, reinforcing the importance of connections.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Friendship Day

Plan a picnic

Gather your friends and plan a picnic in the park or at the beach. Make sure to include all of the essentials like sandwiches, chips, drinks, and of course, dessert!

Go camping

Pack up your camping gear and go on an adventure with your friends. Make sure you bring enough food and supplies for everyone, and don't forget to take lots of pictures!

THROW

Throw a party

Invite your friends over for a party in honor of Friendship Day. Have everyone bring something to share and decorate with balloons or streamers.

Go out to dinner

Take your friends out to dinner and celebrate Friendship Day over a delicious meal. Make sure you have enough money to pay the bill and tip the server!

HAVE

Have a movie night

Pop some popcorn and watch a movie with your friends. Choose a classic film or one of your favorites, and don't forget to bring snacks and drinks!

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Friendship Day is Important

Friendships give us a sense of belonging

Having close relationships creates a sense of security and belonging somewhere. When you have someone who cares deeply for you, listens when you need to talk, and has your back in most situations, it can provide great peace of mind knowing that you belong somewhere.

Friendships help us cope with difficult times

Having good friends allows us to cope with difficult situations in a positive way. Whether it’s losing a job, going through a break up, or dealing with an illness, having friends who care and understand can make all the difference during tough moments in life.

Friendships enrich our lives

Having strong friendships brings joy and fulfillment to our lives. It provides us with people to laugh and experience life together, which makes it all the more enjoyable. Good friends can support each other emotionally and provide assistance when they are needed.