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National Taco Day

Taco 'bout a celebration! Get your fiesta on and enjoy National Taco Day with delicious tacos, margaritas, and lots of fun!

Tuesday

October 2026

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

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YEARLY DATEFirst Tuesday in October

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYGlobal Cuisines

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate National Taco Day on the First Thursday of October! The history of the taco is a long and delicious one, with it's origins dating back to 19th century Mexico. Since then, tacos have become a staple dish all over the world in various forms including soft shells, hard shells and even vegetarian options. Whether you like your tacos loaded with cheese or extra guacamole, this day is dedicated to appreciating these wonderful creations!

DEALS & OFFERS

Past offers

No active deals yet — here’s who’s celebrated before.

Nothing yet for 2026

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

12 brands have run a deal

Laredo Taco Company

El Pollo Loco

Bubbakoo's Burritos

Rubio's Coastal Grill

Moe’s Southwest Grill

Abuelo's

Chuy's

Jack in the Box +4 more

See past offers

TIMELINE

National Taco Day Timeline

Birth of the Taco

The exact origins of the taco are unknown, though they likely began with silver miners in 19th century Mexico. Tacos referred to the small explosives miners used to extract the ore.

Tacos Enter United States

The taco made its way to America with the establishment of the first Mexican fast-food chain, "Taco Tia", by Glen Bell who later founded Taco Bell.

Taco Bell Founded

Glen Bell opens the first Taco Bell in Downey, California initiating the spread of Mexican cuisine across America.

Variations Develop

The 1980s welcomed a variety of taco styles including fish tacos popularized in San Diego and gourmet taco trends in restaurants across America.

National Taco Day

National Taco Day is celebrated for the first time, recognized by several food magazines and networks.

Global Spread

By the 2010s, tacos became a global phenomenon, with variations to cater to local taste preferences in Asia, Europe and beyond.

National Taco Day Is Moved

National Taco Day is moved from October 4th to the First Tuesday of October. Go Taco Tuesday!

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Taco Day

Try a new taco recipe

Look up a new taco recipe and try it out. If you're feeling particularly daring, modify the recipe and make it your own!

ORGANIZE

Organize a taco party

Gather your friends and family for a taco party! Have everyone bring their own toppings and shells, or try to recreate an authentic Mexican taco experience.

VISIT

Visit a taco truck

Find a local taco truck and take a road trip to get some delicious tacos. It's sure to be a fun adventure.

MAKE

Make DIY Taco Kits

Put together DIY Taco kits for your friends and family. Include all the ingredients needed to make tacos, along with instructions on how to assemble them.

HOST

Host a taco eating contest

Invite people over for a fun taco eating contest! Make it even more interesting by adding prizes for the winner.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Taco Day

Tacos are easy to make

Tacos only require a few simple steps and minimal prep time, making them the perfect quick dinner for busy weeknights (or lazy Sundays!). Plus, all the ingredients needed to make tacos are usually easily accessible at most grocery stores - so what are you waiting for? Let's dig in!

Tacos are delicious

As far as comfort food goes, tacos have to be up there with the best of them. Whether you like them hard or soft, crunchy or juicy, they're always a sweet and savory treat sure to satisfy any craving!

Tacos are versatile

The great thing about tacos is that there's no one right way to make them. You can use whatever ingredients you want and get creative with your toppings - from guacamole and salsa to sour cream and shredded cheese. The possibilities are endless!