- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- Activities
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every August 16
- Holiday emoji:
- 😂
National Tell A Joke Day arrives every August 16, inviting everyone to lighten the mood with a well-timed punchline. This day is a perfect excuse to practice your comedic timing and bring smiles to faces. Gather your funniest anecdotes, challenge friends to a joke-off, and spread joy throughout your day.
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Expected National Tell A Joke Day Deals
While we await official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Tell A Joke Day often inspires brands to offer lighthearted deals and promotions. Look for discounts at local comedy clubs like The Comedy Store or Laugh Factory, special offers on streaming services such as Netflix or HBO Max for comedy specials, and novelty items from retailers like Spencer’s. Some restaurants, including Chili’s or Applebee’s, might even run ‘joke for a discount’ promotions. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as August 16 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Tell A Joke Day
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalTellAJokeDay. Share your best short jokes or funny skits for a chance to go viral.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #TellAJokeDay. Post humorous memes, relatable comedy reels, or a video of you telling your favorite joke.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalTellAJokeDay. Tweet your funniest one-liners or engage in humorous banter with followers.
National Tell A Joke Day Hero
Milton Berle
History of National Tell A Joke Day
Picture a life without laughter — it’s hard to imagine that there may have been a time when jokes weren’t invented. Jokes are believed to have been a part of history since 1900 B.C. Many suggest that the joke was created by the Greek hero Palamedes, who outsmarted Odysseus during the Trojan War. There is little evidence to support this claim, and the exact origin of jokes is unknown. The creation of National Tell A Joke Day is also lost in time so we guess the joke’s on us!
Tell A Joke Day is a great day to lighten up and laugh it up! Not only is laughter great for the soul, it is also beneficial for our health. When times get hard, and we need help turning that frown upside down, a good joke will save the day! Laughter is also contagious, and the world can always use more smiles and laughter.
The structure of a joke isn’t set in stone. Initially, jokes were more like funny stories or accounts, either written or verbal. The comical situation would usually end with a punchline. Slapstick comedy relies more on props and movement to deliver jokes that involve small stunts. They need to be short and not dragged out, otherwise, the joke will be lost halfway through. Standup comedians depend on their delivery to get a good laugh out of the audience. Books on jokes and gags used to be popular at one time, but these days the meme format is the most used in today’s internet culture.
National Tell A Joke Day timeline
Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy’s comedy act becomes the peak of comedy in Hollywood.
Bob Dunn publishes the book “Knock Knock: Featuring Enoch Knox,” and is considered the inventor of the modern knock-knock joke.
The first episode of “The Simpsons” airs, fusing pop culture with jokes and leading to the popular Bart Simpson gags in the next few years.
The meme format becomes popular after rage comic memes are posted on the website 4chan.
National Tell A Joke Day related content
175 Halloween Jokes
With jokes for all types of ghouls and ghosts, this list offers hilarious puns and punchlines for all of your Halloween needs.
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International Joke Day
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.
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National Knock Knock Joke Day
National Knock Knock Joke Day arrives every October 31, celebrating one of the most enduring and universally loved joke formats. These simple, interactive jokes are perfect for all ages, fostering laughter and connection. Challenge friends to a joke-off, share your favorites on social media, or invent a new punchline!
See MoreTraditions
The traditions for National Tell A Joke Day are to tell as many jokes as possible. From witty one-liners to shows, jokes dominate the entertainment scene for the day. Famous comedians and their popular acts are aired on television, and trending online, live performance shows are sold out. People also share their favorite jokes and memes on the internet.
The idea behind the day is to keep the mood light and enjoy a good laugh. Just remember, jokes need to be setting-appropriate, and the golden rule is to not be offensive or insensitive.
National Tell A Joke Day FAQs
When is National Tell A Joke Day?
National Tell A Joke Day 2026 falls on Sunday, August 16. It’s the perfect opportunity to share your favorite gags and bring laughter to your weekend.
How does laughter benefit your health?
Laughter offers numerous health benefits, including stress reduction, improved mood, and even a temporary boost to your immune system. It releases endorphins, promoting a sense of well-being and connection.
How many jokes are there?
The number of jokes is virtually infinite, as new ones are constantly being created and old ones reinterpreted. There are countless variations of classic joke structures, from puns and riddles to observational humor and elaborate stories.
What is the origin of National Tell A Joke Day?
The precise origin of National Tell A Joke Day is somewhat elusive, like many unofficial holidays, but it emerged from a widespread cultural appreciation for humor. It’s a grassroots celebration of the joy and connection that jokes bring.
National Tell A Joke Day Activities
Learn some jokes
We're talking clever jokes. Nothing cheesy or too dirty. Practice your delivery. And remember, never laugh when you deliver the punch line. You're the comedian. Laughing's for all the other people in the room. Ideally.
Attend a comedy show
But remember, comedians may make you part of their act. It's not a play, after all. Keep an open mind and have fun! Oh, and don't heckle the performers. That rarely works out to your advantage.
Watch how the pros do it
Want to learn more about the art of being funny? Start with Jerry Seinfeld's Netflix series "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee" for some invaluable tips and advice. Then, check out specials from comedy stars like Ali Wong, Norm MacDonald, Gary Gulman, and Dave Chappelle
5 Facts That Are Unbelievably Funny
Walmart has a lower acceptance rate than Harvard
Harvard has a 4.5% admittance rate, whereas Walmart accepts only 2.6% of all applicants.
Phobia of long words
The fear of long words is called ‘hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia.’
“Collectible” art?
An art collector once paid $10,000 for an invisible sculpture sculpted by actor James Franco.
Cows have regional dialects
Depending on the herd, its peer group, and area, cows moo with distinct accents.
Oddly specific
The blob of toothpaste that is squeezed onto a toothbrush is called a ‘nurdle.’
Why We Love National Tell A Joke Day
Jokes can relax you
Laughter's the best stress reliever around. If you’re one of those serious types, then this day's not for you. Feel free to research “I Don’t Like to Laugh Day” on another website. Ha. That's a joke!
Laughs can lift your mood
A great joke at the right time can work wonders. Jokes bring happiness to those in need by temporarily distracting them from their worries.
Jokes can make you the life of the party
Everyone loves the guy or gal who can lighten the mood during serious times. It's a great way to make new friends — assuming your jokes go over well.
Social Media Tips for National Tell A Joke Day
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