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Legal Drinking Age Day

Celebrate Legal Drinking Age Day responsibly - enjoy a cold beer, glass of wine, or your favorite cocktail with friends and family!

Tuesday

July 2026

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

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YEARLY DATEJuly 21

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYCivics

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Raise a glass and join us in celebrating Legal Drinking Age Day on July 21! This special day commemorates the adoption of the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984, which set the legal drinking age at 21 in all states. Since then, it's become an occasion to celebrate responsible drinking and to acknowledge those who are old enough to legally enjoy alcoholic beverages. So grab your favorite drink, invite some friends over, and let's raise a toast!

TIMELINE

Legal Drinking Age Day Timeline

Prohibition Era Begins

In 1920, the 18th Amendment prohibited the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages in the United States.

End of Prohibition

The 21st Amendment was ratified in 1933, effectively repealing the prohibition. Legality of alcohol consumption resurfaces, states begin setting their own drinking age laws.

Voting Age Lowered

The 26th Amendment lowers the voting age to 18. Many states subsequently reduce their drinking ages to match, as young adults argue "old enough to vote, old enough to drink".

Drinking Age Set to 21

President Ronald Reagan signs the National Minimum Drinking Age Act, which required all states to raise their minimum age for purchase and public possession of alcohol to 21.

Continuing Debate

Throughout the 2000s, debates continue about lowering the drinking age, citing comparisons to other countries with lower minimum ages, but no changes are implemented.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Legal Drinking Age Day

Visit a brewery

Take a tour and sample some of the best beers around. Learn about the brewing process, taste some excellent craft beers, and get a souvenir glass.

HOST

Host a tasting party

Gather friends to try out different types of beer or wine and discuss your favorites. You can even make it a game - who can identify each one correctly?

TAKE

Take a mixology class

Learn how to create delicious cocktails like an expert bartender. Get creative with classic recipes, or dream up something new!

TRY

Try out a new bar

Research your city’s local watering holes and find one that looks interesting. Order something unique off the menu or ask the bartender for their signature drink.

CREATE

Create your own drink

Take charge and come up with your very own boozy concoction. Who knows, maybe you’ll invent the next big thing? Don’t forget to name it first.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Legal Drinking Age Day is Important

Sets societal expectations and norms

The legal drinking age also sets societal expectations and norms around our culture of alcohol consumption. Having a law in place sends a message that consuming alcohol responsibly is expected of citizens once they reach the legal age, and reinforces respect for the law and encourages responsible decision making.

Keeps young people safe

Having a legal drinking age serves as a reminder for young people to wait until they are of the legal age to consume alcohol. Not only is this important for public safety, but it ensures that those who are under 21 don't put themselves at risk for various health and social consequences related to alcohol consumption.

Helps prevent underage drinking

Having a legal drinking age also serves as a deterrent to underage drinking. By making it illegal for anyone under 21 to buy or consume alcohol, it helps discourage those under that age from engaging in behavior that can be dangerous or even deadly.