Thirsty Thursday

Next celebratedThursday, July 1, 2027

Unwind and relax, it's Thirsty Thursday! Enjoy your favorite drink and let the good times flow. Cheers!

See how to celebrate

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Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar TeamHave an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATEFirst Thursday in July

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYAlcohol

INTRO

Introduction

Get ready to grab your favorite drink, unwind and celebrate Thirsty Thursday on July 4! The concept of Thirsty Thursday actually originated in college campuses, as a way to kick off the weekend a little early, and it has since spread globally to give everyone a delightful excuse for mid-week leisure. In 2023, Thirsty Thursday will fall on a significant date- America’s Independence Day! So whether you're sipping on a fine wine, a cold beer or a non-alcoholic beverage, let's toast to freedom, fun, and friends. Feel the merriment of both holidays merging into one grand celebration - a day of jubilation and camaraderie that makes a refreshing start to the long weekend! Raise your glasses, give a cheers and let's relish this day!

DEALS & OFFERS

2026’s deals have wrapped

See who celebrated this year, and browse offers from past years.

Offers wrapped for 2026

Thirsty Thursday ran on July 2. Here’s who celebrated with offers this year.

21 brands offered a deal this year

KFC

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse

Bravo Italian Kitchen +13 more

See past offers

TIMELINE

Thirsty Thursday Timeline

Originating on College Campuses

During the 1970s, the concept of Thirsty Thursday arose on college campuses as a way to start the weekend festivities early.

Spreading Beyond Colleges

In the 1990s, the tradition expanded beyond colleges, becoming a general celebration of relaxation and leisure during the work week.

Adoption By Service Industries

The early 2000s saw bars, restaurants, and other service industries adopting Thirsty Thursday promotional events to attract patrons.

Global Recognition

Thirsty Thursday gained global recognition in 2013, being celebrated in various countries around the world.

Thirsty Thursday on Independence Day

In 2023, Thirsty Thursday coincides with America’s Independence Day for a combined celebration of freedom, fun, and friendship.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Thirsty Thursday

Create a patriotic cocktail

Since Thirsty Thursday coincides with Independence Day, it would be fitting to create a red, white and blue drink. This could be as simple as adding blueberries and raspberries to your favorite white drink.

HOST

Host a taste test

Invite friends over to bring different types of wine, beer, or other beverages and have a blind taste test. It's a fun way to try new drinks while bonding with friends.

MAKE

Make DIY drink coasters

Get crafty and make some DIY drink coasters. You can design them with any pattern or color you like to make them unique just for your Thirsty Thursday celebration.

VISIT

Visit a brewery or winery

Thirsty Thursday is an excellent reason to finally visit that local brewery or winery you’ve been eyeing. You'll learn about the process of making your favorite drinks and also get to taste them fresh from the source.

ORGANIZE

Organize a hydration challenge

Not all beverages have to be alcoholic. For a healthier spin on Thirsty Thursday, you can organize a hydration challenge that encourages you and your friends to drink more water throughout the day. Make it fun by tracking everyone's intake and rewarding the person who drinks the most water.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Thirsty Thursday

It brings a delightful twist to staying hydrated

While Thirsty Thursday can be synonymous with alcohol consumption for many, it can also be a day to focus on staying hydrated. By encouraging a hydration challenge, not only do you keep yourself healthy, but you also add an element of fun to drinking water - something we often take for granted!

It's an excuse to try new drinks

Thirsty Thursday is a perfect day to explore beverages that you've never tried before. Whether you're sampling craft beers at a local brewery, hosting a wine-tasting party at home, or inventing your own custom cocktails, the possibilities are infinite and delectable.

It encourages camaraderie and fun

Nothing brings people together more than shared experiences. From having a quiet drink with friends to hosting a exuberant tasting party, Thirsty Thursday provides ample opportunity for merrymaking and creating lifelong memories with loved ones.