Father’s Day 2025 in the United States

Father’s Day in the United States is celebrated on the third Sunday of June. This special day honors fatherhood and the positive role that fathers and father figures play in the lives of their children and families.

When Is Father’s Day in the US?

In the United States, Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June.

Is Father’s Day a Public Holiday?

Father’s Day is not a federal holiday, but it is recognized as a state legal holiday in Arizona. However, this recognition does not mean it is a paid public holiday.

Most government offices and some businesses remain closed, as is typical for Sundays. However, many restaurants and retail stores stay open, and some may offer special hours or promotions for families.

A Day to Say Thank You

Father’s Day is a meaningful day widely observed across the United States. It is a time to thank fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, guardians, and other male role models for their love, guidance, and support.

Whether it’s a quiet meal or a big celebration, this day is all about showing appreciation for the important role fathers play in our lives.

History of Father’s Day in the US

The idea of celebrating Father’s Day started in the early 1900s. In 1908, Grace Golden Clayton held a church service in Fairmont, West Virginia, to honor fathers who died in the 1907 mining disaster in Monongah, West Virginia.

A year later, Sonora Smart Dodd, a young woman from Spokane, Washington, proposed a national Father’s Day. Inspired by a Mother’s Day sermon, she wanted to honor her father, William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran and widower who raised his six children alone.

Sonora approached the Spokane Ministerial Alliance for support. Although she suggested June 5, her father’s birthday, the alliance opted for the third Sunday in June to give pastors more time to prepare their sermons.

With help from local churches, community groups, and the Spokane Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), the first Father’s Day celebration was held on June 19, 1910.

In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson visited Spokane and spoke at a Father’s Day service, showing early presidential support. The idea gained momentum over time.

By the 1930s, advertisers and retailers began promoting Father’s Day as a commercial holiday, encouraging people to buy gifts and cards. The National Council for the Promotion of Father’s Day helped push the holiday into wider public acceptance through marketing campaigns.

In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson issued a presidential proclamation recognizing Father’s Day. In 1972, President Richard Nixon signed it into law as an official national observance.

How Do People Celebrate Father’s Day in the US?

Many people spend time with their fathers or father figures. Common ways to celebrate include:

• giving gifts like tools, gadgets, books, or homemade crafts
• sharing meals together, such as family barbecues or picnics
• enjoying outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, or watching sports
• attending church services or local celebrations honoring fathers

Children often make cards, drawings, or homemade gifts for their fathers or father figures. Adults may call, visit, or plan a family outing. Restaurants are usually busy, as many families dine out.

Symbols and Traditions

Father’s Day doesn’t have any official symbols, but certain items and traditions are commonly associated with it:

• neckties: a classic gift choice
• greeting cards: a simple and common way to say thanks
• family time: the main tradition is spending time with loved ones

About Father’s Day in Other Countries

While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.