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National Drive-Thru Day

Make National Drive-Thru Day special - find your favorite fast food joint and treat yourself to a delicious meal without leaving the comfort of your car!

Friday

July 2026

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

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YEARLY DATEJuly 24

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYBusiness

SUBCATEGORYEntrepreneurship

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Celebrate National Drive-Thru Day on July 24 by taking a trip to your favorite drive-thru restaurant! It's the perfect day to indulge in some tasty fast food and enjoy the convenience of having it delivered right to your car. The concept of drive-thru restaurants first emerged in the 1950s, and has since revolutionized how we grab a meal on the go. From burgers and fries, to tacos and burritos, to ice cream sundaes and milkshakes – there are endless possibilities that you can enjoy with a drive-thru experience. So get ready for an exciting journey down memory lane as you celebrate National Drive-Thru Day!

DEALS & OFFERS

Past offers

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Nothing yet for 2026

Brands typically announce offers a week before the date. Check back closer to the day.

6 brands have run a deal

TIMELINE

National Drive-Thru Day Timeline

First Drive-Thru Restaurant

Red's Giant Hamburg in Springfield, Missouri, becomes the first known drive-thru restaurant in the United States.

In-N-Out Burger's Innovation

In-N-Out Burger opens its first location in Baldwin Park, California, introducing a unique two-way speaker system for its drive-thru operation.

Jack in the Box Joins In

Jack in the Box opens its first restaurant in San Diego, California, popularizing the drive-thru format for fast food chains across the country.

McDonald's Enters the Scene

McDonald's opens its first drive-thru window in Sierra Vista, Arizona, altering the course of fast food history.

Drive-Thru Banking

Banks begin to introduce drive-thru features at branches in order to offer customers more convenience.

Start of National Drive-Thru Day

Fast food chain Jack in the Box introduces National Drive-Thru Day, to commemorate the invention and proliferation of the drive-thru system.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Drive-Thru Day

Visit a new drive-thru

It's National Drive-Thru Day, so why not explore your options? Take some time to find a new drive-thru to visit and indulge in the deliciousness of fast food.

HAVE

Have a drive-in movie night

Grab some friends and have a drive-in movie night! Whether you have access to a drive-in theater or just set up your own in the backyard, it's sure to be a fun night of movies and snacks.

TRY

Try drive-thru karaoke

Drive up your car to the nearest drive-thru karaoke stand and belt out your favorite tunes. Not only will you have fun, but you'll also get to enjoy some snacks from the drive-thru while you sing!

ORGANIZE

Organize a drive-thru scavenger hunt

Put together teams of friends and family and create a scavenger hunt that takes you through different drive thru locations. It'll be an exciting way to celebrate National Drive Thru Day!

MAKE

Make an at home drive thru

Turn your home into a drive thru! Set up your own menu, make up orders for customers, and serve up food from the comfort of your own home. It'll be an unforgettable way to celebrate National Drive Thru Day.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Drive-Thru Day

Cost savings

Drive-thrus tend to be cheaper than sit down restaurants, so you can get more bang for your buck! Plus, since most drive-thrus charge only a small fee or no fee at all for service, you'll be able to stretch your dollars even further.

Convenience

The drive-thru is the perfect option for those days when you don't have time to sit down and eat. Getting your food quickly and easily without all the hassle of waiting in line or even getting out of your car is always a plus!

Variety

Most restaurants now have drive-thrus, so you're sure to find what you're looking for. Whether it's fast food, pizza, burgers, tacos or something else, you can have almost any type of meal from the comfort of your own car!