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- Special Interest
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- Date change rule:
- Every July 1
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- 😂
International Joke Day brightens the calendar every July 1, inviting everyone to share a laugh and appreciate the power of humor. Take time to tell your favorite joke, discover new comedic talent, and bring a smile to someone’s face.
Want to sponsor International Joke Day? Learn how
Expected International Joke Day Deals
While specific 2027 promotions are still under wraps, International Joke Day often inspires brands to offer lighthearted deals. Look for special offers from streaming services like Netflix and Hulu featuring stand-up comedy specials. Fast-food chains such as Wendy’s and Burger King might roll out funny social media campaigns with exclusive app-only discounts. Retailers like Target and Walmart could feature sales on board games, joke books, and novelty items. Keep an eye on local comedy clubs for discounted tickets or open mic nights. Even snack brands like Lay’s or Doritos often engage with humorous content, sometimes including limited-time flavors or packaging. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as July 1 approaches.
Platform Guide for International Joke Day
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #InternationalJokeDay. Film yourself telling your funniest short joke or reacting to viral comedy sketches.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #InternationalJokeDay. Share a humorous reel, a funny quote graphic, or a photo of you and friends laughing.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #InternationalJokeDay. Tweet your best one-liners, retweet funny memes, or engage in witty banter with followers.
International Joke Day Hero
Mark Twain
International Joke Day timeline
The oldest identified joke is an ancient Sumerian proverb featuring toilet humor.
The Westcar Papyrus contains an example of one of the earliest jokes.
An anthology of jokes “Facetiae” by Poggio Bracciolini is published.
Shakespeare introduces the knock-knock joke in his play “Macbeth.”
The monthly New York magazine “The Knickerbocker” is the first to publish the classic joke, “Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to the other side.”
International Joke Day FAQs
When is International Joke Day?
International Joke Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, July 1, providing a mid-week opportunity to share some laughs and brighten spirits.
How does laughter benefit health?
Laughter offers numerous health benefits, including stress reduction, mood enhancement, and even pain relief. It triggers the release of endorphins, promoting a sense of well-being and strengthening social bonds.
How many people enjoy stand-up comedy?
Stand-up comedy enjoys widespread popularity, with millions of fans globally attending live shows, watching specials on streaming platforms, and engaging with comedians’ content online. It’s a thriving art form.
What is the origin of International Joke Day?
While the exact origins of International Joke Day are somewhat obscure, it’s widely believed to have emerged as an informal observance dedicated to celebrating humor and the act of telling jokes. It’s a day to simply enjoy laughter.
International Joke Day Activities
Support live comedy
One of the best ways to celebrate International Joke Day is to head out to a comedy club in your area, support the club and its comedians, and get a hearty dose of laughter while you’re at it. Perhaps it’s a local, small club with up-and-coming comedians, or an established business that attracts top talent. Either way, your support means we’ll have a steady stream of one liners rolling out for years to come.
Learn a joke
Telling a good joke is a lot harder than memorizing a few words. It takes timing, reading your audience, delivery, articulation, and experience. So, why not take this holiday as an opportunity to learn - and practice - a joke? Consider the context in which you might use it, practice the delivery, and test it out with your friends. If it floats, you’ve got a joke in your back pocket you can pull out at any awkward dinner party.
Take a break from the news
In today’s 24-hour news cycle, it’s sometimes overwhelming to try to keep up. For one day on July 1, perhaps try avoiding the news, and instead, read humor pieces in any of the country’s leading newspapers. Or, you can of course find the internet’s best comedy on sites like Reddit, Buzzfeed, The Onion, or any of your preferred sources. Who knows what could be accomplished if we all shared a good sidesplitting laugh, even if just for a day.
Why We Love International Joke Day
They're good for our bodies
We’ve all heard laughter is the best medicine, but did you know there’s scientific evidence to back that up? Studies have shown laughing has far reaching positive effects for the mind and body. It gives the immune system a boost by decreasing stress hormones, it improves heart health by increasing blood flow, and can even burn calories.
They bring us all together
Every country has its own unique set of humor, and July 1 is the perfect time to share that piece of culture. No matter what differences we have, we still all love having a great belly laugh in good company. International Joke Day reminds us that humor is human, and that binds us together.
They're totally human
Humans have been telling jokes for nearly as long as we’ve had civilization. While some scholars believe it was the ancient Greeks who told the first jokes, others say they can trace it back to the Sumerians nearly 4,000 years ago. And the most common joke material throughout the ages? Let’s just say they told bawdy jokes, in every sense of the word.
Social Media Tips for International Joke Day
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