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National Ugly Truck Contest Day

Rev up your engines and show off your ugliest truck for National Ugly Truck Contest Day - it's a competition you don't want to miss!

Monday

July 2026

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

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YEARLY DATEJuly 20

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFun

SUBCATEGORYSilly

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Rev up your engines and get ready for National Ugly Truck Contest Day on July 20th! This unique holiday celebrates those not-so-pretty pickup trucks that have character, charm, and a little bit of rust. The day was established in 1996 by the National Ugly Truck Association to honor these beloved vehicles and their owners who take pride in their unconventional appearance. So if you have an ugly truck or know someone who does, this is the perfect opportunity to show it off and embrace its quirks and imperfections. Let's celebrate the beauty in all things "ugly" on this fun-filled day!

TIMELINE

National Ugly Truck Contest Day Timeline

Birth of Pickup Trucks

The first pickup truck prototypes were developed, marking the beginning of a vehicle category that would later feature in National Ugly Truck Contest Day.

Ford's Model T Runabout

Ford releases the Model T Runabout with a pickup body, one of the earliest iterations of what we recognize today as a pickup truck.

Pickup Truck Popularity Grows

The culture around owning and driving pickup trucks strengthens in the U.S., laying the groundwork for niche celebrations like Ugly Truck Day.

First National Ugly Truck Contest Day

The first official National Ugly Truck Contest Day is celebrated by the National Ugly Truck Association providing a platform for ugly trucks across the country.

Digital Celebrations Emerge

With the rise of social media and online communities, Ugly Truck Day begins being celebrated digitally, reaching a wider audience.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Ugly Truck Contest Day

Design your own ugly truck

Get creative and design your own version of an "ugly" truck using materials you have at home. This can be a fun and silly activity to celebrate National Ugly Truck Contest Day.

ATTEND

Attend a local ugly truck contest

Check out if there are any local ugly truck contests happening in your area and attend as a spectator or participant. It's a great way to get involved in the community and see some truly unique trucks.

Share your favorite ugly truck memories

Gather with friends or family and share funny or memorable stories about ugly trucks. This is a great way to reminisce and celebrate National Ugly Truck Contest Day.

Go on an ugly truck scavenger hunt

Create a list of unique or unusual trucks to find and go on an ugly truck scavenger hunt. This can be a fun way to explore your city or town and discover some interesting vehicles.

ORGANIZE

Organize an ugly truck parade

Get together with friends and organize an "ugly truck" parade, where everyone can decorate their vehicles in the most outrageous and eye-catching ways. This is a great way to celebrate National Ugly Truck Contest Day and show off your creativity.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Ugly Truck Contest Day

Sometimes, we can take things too seriously. The National Ugly Truck Contest Day encourages us to let go of our judgments and have some lighthearted fun. After all, there's beauty in imperfection and what may be ugly to one person, can be a treasure to another!

It celebrates creativity and uniqueness

The National Ugly Truck Contest Day is all about embracing the beauty in imperfection. This holiday celebrates trucks that may not be considered conventionally attractive, but have a charm and character of their own. It's a great reminder to appreciate diversity and think outside the box!

It brings people together

The National Ugly Truck Contest Day is often celebrated with events where truck enthusiasts come together to show off their unique vehicles. It's a chance to connect with others who share a love for unconventional trucks and bond over their shared interests.