Learn more fun facts on the International Drop a Rock Day Video Page.
- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- FunInternationalSpecial Interest
- Where:
- International
- Date change rule:
- Every July 3
- Holiday emoji:
- 🪨
International Drop a Rock Day lights up July 3, inspiring communities worldwide to share kindness through painted rocks. Join the global scavenger hunt by creating your own rock art, hiding it for others to discover, or searching for hidden gems in your local area.
Want to sponsor International Drop a Rock Day? Learn how
Expected International Drop a Rock Day Deals
While specific 2027 promotions are still under wraps, International Drop a Rock Day often sees craft and art supply retailers offering special deals. Look for sales at stores like Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and JOANN Fabric and Crafts on paints, brushes, and rock art kits. Online retailers such as Amazon and Dick Blick Art Materials may also feature discounts on outdoor-friendly art supplies. Local art shops and independent craft vendors might host workshops or offer bundles for rock painting enthusiasts. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as July 3 approaches.
Platform Guide for International Drop a Rock Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #DropARockDay. Share photos of your painted rocks, hiding spots, or happy finders.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #DropARockDay. Film short videos of your rock art process, hiding adventures, or reaction to finding a rock.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #DropARockDay. Join local rock art groups and share your community’s finds.
International Drop a Rock Day Hero
Megan Murphy
History of International Drop a Rock Day
International Drop A Rock Day was originally founded by The Word Rocks Project in 2015. It brings thousands of people around the world together for a common cause. The sponsors, which now include both The Word Rocks Project and The Kindness Rock Project, created this unofficial holiday. Annually they release theme words or phrases to be used in the celebration. The purpose of the holiday is to show kindness, bring hope, and create fun — while displaying creativity in rock word art. Word rock art groups around the globe celebrate the holiday and create social media handles to showcase their works. With themes like “Together” for 2020, “Be The Light” for 2021, “Harmony,” and “You Matter” for 2019 and 2018 respectively, we can only say that the themes perfectly reflect the set goals for the day’s celebration.
The art of designing rocks to pass special information isn’t new. It didn’t start in 2015, or even in the last hundreds of years. It began tens of thousands of years ago. Over 30,000 years ago, cave paintings were made in caves around the world, and as near as 500 B.C., the art of pictographs became increasingly popular due to their evolution. The ancient Egyptians use cave engravings and paintings to pass down their gods’ history. While cave paintings are not always about depictions of history, as is seen in some religious and traditional cave paintings, the vast majority of the art involves directing observers to vital information.
The same applies to word rock artists who design rocks with themed words, hiding them in places on International Drop A Rock Day, with the sole intention of searchers who find them to get inspired and have a feeling of togetherness with fellow observers around the world.
International Drop a Rock Day timeline
Rock paintings, also known as pictographs, are made in an ancient cave in France.
Pictographs become popular as they develop into logographic writing symbols.
The archaeological studies of rock art are developed by Francophone scholars.
An increasing number of Anglophile and Latin American archaeologists begin to study rock art in the '80s and '90s.
The UNESCO World Rock Art Archive Working Group meets to talk about the base model for an archive.
How Businesses Can Celebrate International Drop a Rock Day
Local businesses can embrace International Drop a Rock Day by hosting community rock painting sessions, providing supplies and a designated area for creation. Cafes might offer discounts to customers who bring in a painted rock to hide nearby, while art supply stores can run promotions on paints, brushes, and sealants. Consider partnering with local schools or community centers to organize a ‘rock drop’ event, encouraging participation and generating positive local buzz for your brand.
International Drop a Rock Day FAQs
When is International Drop a Rock Day?
International Drop a Rock Day 2026 falls on Friday, July 3. It’s a perfect opportunity to kick off the weekend by spreading some unexpected joy through rock art.
How many people participate in rock art activities?
While exact numbers for International Drop a Rock Day are hard to track, the broader rock art movement involves millions globally. Online groups dedicated to painted rocks often boast hundreds of thousands of members, indicating a widespread and active community.
What is the purpose of International Drop a Rock Day?
The purpose of International Drop a Rock Day is to inspire kindness and foster community connections through the simple act of painting and hiding decorative rocks. It encourages creativity, outdoor activity, and spreading positive messages.
How do I participate in International Drop a Rock Day?
Participation is easy: paint a rock with an uplifting message or design, seal it to protect it from the elements, and then hide it in a public space for someone else to find. You can also search for rocks hidden by others in your community.
International Drop a Rock Day Activities
Design your rocks
One of the two best ways to celebrate this day is to indulge yourself in designing as many rocks as you can. Don't forget to write the proposed theme word or phrase of the year on the rocks. Then hide them where others are sure to find them at some point. You could even write inspiring words on stones, put them in a bottle and encourage a loved one with a unique message bottle.
Go on a search
The other best way is to embark on a rock hunt. You might find a few that will definitely leave you motivated, fulfilled, or even exhilarated. You can also look for rocks for your nearest rock artist.
Post it on social media
For each rock design you make or find while searching, don't forget to take a nice picture and post it on Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #DropARockDay. Make others aware. And don’t stop at just the one day, you may drop a rock of kindness anytime.
5 Facts About Paintings You Should Know
Special paint containers
Until the invention of paint tubes in 1841, artists used to store their paints in animal bladders, fashioned into purses.
The oldest oil painting
The oldest known oil paintings are from the 14th century.
Duration for drying
The duration for drying oil paints is between a day and two weeks, depending on the color and type.
Fast drying
Acrylic paints take less than two hours to dry.
Artists' interest
Great artists such as Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol, and Mark Rothko had special interests and knowledge of acrylic paints.
Why We Love International Drop a Rock Day
It encourages creativity
Hundreds of rock designs will be made and found on this day. We are confident the creative talents of rock designers on display will encourage others to try their hand at it next time.
It brings hope and shows kindness
With theme words like “You Matter” and “Be The Light,” searchers can feel the kindness of designers. To see or find such a message at the right time, makes a difference.
It is fun
Nothing beats showing kindness, getting inspired, engaging in a world activity, and at the same time having fun. The day brings all these elements to all those who engage in its celebration. It lights up the world of the finder even more, as well.
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