National Jukebox Day – November 26, 2026

Expected National Jukebox Day Deals

While we await official 2027 promotions, history shows that National Jukebox Day often inspires festive deals at venues across the country. Expect local bars and restaurants to offer ‘buy one, get one free’ song plays, special retro-themed menus, or discounts on classic cocktails. Music streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music might curate throwback playlists, while electronics retailers like Urban Outfitters or Target could feature sales on vinyl records or retro audio gear. Keep an eye on local establishments like Dave & Buster’s or Buffalo Wild Wings for special offers. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as November 24 approaches.

History of National Jukebox Day

Jukeboxes revolutionized music in multiple ways. With the invention of the jukebox, people could enjoy music in restaurants and bars. Artists found a new way to get public exposure and were further enabled to sell vinyl. The jukebox is a historical and cultural symbol in more ways than one. 

Louis Glass and William S. Arnold, managers of the Pacific Phonograph Co., created the first jukebox. Called a nickel-in-the-slot phonograph at the time, this revolutionary was displayed at the Palais Royale Saloon in San Francisco, California, on November 23, 1889. It saw instant success, making over $4000 (the equivalent of about $120,249.23 today) in the first year alone, and inspired innumerable people to create different versions all over the U.S. In no time, “phonograph parlors” with multiple nickel-in-the-slot phonographs spread across America and Europe. 

As the machine’s expansion and popularity increased, technological advancements were made. Record manufacturers came up with methods to produce record copies more efficiently, amplifiers were developed to enable large groups to listen simultaneously, and a disc record replaced the phonograph cylinder. In 1905, John Gabel presented the Automatic Entertainer to the world, which had 24 song selections. In 1928, Justus P. Seeburg manufactured a multi-select jukebox called the audio phone, and it had eight separate turntables, allowing people to choose from eight different records.

The jukebox took a hit when radio, another form of free entertainment, emerged in the 1920s, and the Great Depression hit in the 1930s. The sale of records saw a drastic dip as people lost the ability to spend on recreation. However, after the Great Depression, jukeboxes quickly bounced back and were thrust into their Golden Age as people got ready to live it up again. 

The term ‘jukebox’ is believed to have originated in southern American states and came into existence in 1937. Since then, the jukebox’s popularity has increased steadily, its form everchanging. From a wooden box with listening tubes to colorful lights, metal, art deco designs, and even bubbles! Jukeboxes gave a new meaning to entertainment and gave artists a louder voice. They have done innumerable things for humanity, inspiring TouchTunes — a digital jukebox platform — to declare the day before Thanksgiving as National Jukebox Day in 2017.