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National Moon Day

Celebrate National Moon Day with a dreamy night of stargazing, moon watching, and making wishes on the stars!

Monday

July 2026

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

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YEARLY DATEJuly 20

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYCivics

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate National Moon Day on July 20! This day marks the anniversary of when American astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first person to set foot on the moon in 1969. Since then, a number of other astronauts have followed suit and explored our closest celestial neighbor. On this special day, let's take a moment to appreciate all that we've learned about our amazing moon and its many secrets!

TIMELINE

National Moon Day Timeline

Moon as a Target for Exploration

During the 1950s, the moon becomes a major focal point in the Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union.

Soviets Touch the Moon

Soviet spacecraft Luna 2 becomes the first human-made object to reach the moon, crash-landing on its surface.

Historic Presidential Pledge

US President John F. Kennedy makes his famous pledge to land an American on the moon within the decade.

Man Walks on the Moon

On July 20, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin become the first humans to walk on the moon as a part of NASA's Apollo 11 mission.

First Lunar Rover

Apollo 15 astronauts drive NASA's first Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV), nicknamed the “moon buggy”, exploring unprecedented amounts of the lunar surface.

Final Apollo Moon Landing

Apollo 17 marks the last NASA mission that brought humans to the moon, and astronaut Eugene Cernan is the last man to walk on its surface to date.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Moon Day

Go stargazing

Pack a picnic and head to the nearest dark sky park or a place away from light pollution to truly appreciate the beauty of the night sky and all its stars.

WATCH

Watch a lunar eclipse

A lunar eclipse is when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, blocking out the Sun's light from reaching the Moon. It's an awe inspiring sight that should not be missed.

BUILD

Build a moon castle

Head to your local beach or river and construct an impressive sandcastle inspired by the moon. Get creative and use items found in nature such as shells and driftwood.

HAVE

Have a moonlit dinner

Celebrating National Moon Day with a romantic dinner under a starry sky is sure to make it a night to remember.

READ

Read about the Moon

Take some time to learn about our closest neighbor in space, from its history and myths to its impact on culture and science.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Moon Day is Important

It Helps Us Reflect On Our Place In The Universe

National Moon Day encourages onlookers to pause and reflect on their place in the universe. It serves as a reminder of how small and insignificant we can be in comparison to the vast expanse of space around us - yet, at the same time, how connected we all are to each other and to the wider cosmos.

It Symboizes Peace and Unity

National Moon Day is an occasion to celebrate peace, unity and humanity. The idea of people from all over the world gathering on the same night to look at the same moon is a powerful symbol of our interconnectedness as members of one global community.

It Highlights Important Achievements in Space Exploration

National Moon Day celebrates some of the most important achievements in space exploration history. It marks the day that humankind first set foot on the moon, a truly remarkable feat that changed the way people think about our place in the universe.

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