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National Tell A Joke Day

Make your day a little brighter and spread some joy on National Tell A Joke Day - share your favorite jokes with friends and family!

Sunday

August 2026

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

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YEARLY DATEAugust 16

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFun

SUBCATEGORYSilly

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to crack some jokes and have a good laugh on National Tell A Joke Day on August 16! This special day was first celebrated in 2002, and it's the perfect opportunity to show off your best humor skills. Whether you're telling corny puns or hilarious one-liners, there's no better way to spread joy than by sharing a few laughs with friends and family.

TIMELINE

National Tell A Joke Day Timeline

First National Tell A Joke Day

The inaugural National Tell A Joke Day is celebrated, encouraging people to spread joy and laughter through comedy.

Social Media Popularity

As social media platforms like Facebook gained prominence, National Tell A Joke Day gained visibility with users sharing jokes online.

Celebrity Participation

Celebrities including comedians start acknowledging the day, sharing jokes and promoting the art of humor.

Global Reach

National Tell A Joke Day gained international popularity with people around the world joining in to share jokes and humor online.

COVID-19's Impact

As multiple lockdowns are imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the holiday becomes a means of spreading joy and easing stress for people at home.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Tell A Joke Day

Gather friends and family

Invite your friends and family to join you for a night of laughter. Have everyone bring their favorite joke to share!

HOST

Host a comedy show

Set up a mini comedy show in your living room and invite your guests to take turns telling jokes. You can even have prizes for the best jokes.

WATCH

Watch stand up specials

Browse through Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime and enjoy some classic stand up comedy specials from your favorite comedians.

MAKE

Make a joke book

Make a compilation of your family's favorite jokes, one liners, and puns and turn it into an adorable homemade joke book that you can give away as gifts.

Share online

Share your favorite jokes on social media using the hashtag #NationalTellAJokeDay. Who knows, maybe your joke will be featured on someone else's profile!

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Tell A Joke Day

Jokes make life more enjoyable

We all know that life can be difficult sometimes, so why not take time out of your day to crack some jokes? Not only can it help raise your spirits when things get tough, but it can also help put things into perspective and give you a much needed dose of humor and joy.

Jokes are a great way to connect

Sharing jokes is a simple and fun way to bring people together. Whether it's a group of friends or a room full of strangers, sharing laughs over a good joke will break the ice and create an atmosphere of camaraderie and connection. Plus, it's a great way to bond with those around you!

Jokes are perfect for any occasion

No matter what the situation is, there's always room for a good joke. Whether you're at work during lunch, at home with your family on the weekend or even out on a date, cracking a funny joke or two is sure to lighten the mood and keep everyone in high spirits.

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WED

Jul 2026

Fun

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Get ready to laugh and groan on National Knock Knock Joke Day! Share your favorite jokes or try out some new ones with friends and family.

International Moment of Laughter Day

Spread joy and laughter this International Moment of Laughter Day with funny jokes, stories, and silly antics - it's guaranteed to bring a smile to your face!