Summersgiving Day lights up the calendar annually on the Saturday following the summer solstice. This unique holiday invites everyone to celebrate life, express gratitude for loved ones, and bring together America’s finest Thanksgiving-style foods for a grand summer feast. Gather your family and friends, fire up the grill, and enjoy a delicious meal that blends the best of both seasons.
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History of Summersgiving Day
Summersgiving Day began in 2009 when Robert Solomon organized a Thanksgiving barbecue for his friends and loved ones to celebrate summer and have all the food associated with Thanksgiving Day. Solomon loved Thanksgiving food a lot, so he invited his friends to eat roast turkey and drink cranberry Martini long into the night. Summersgiving Day might have remained a private celebration had Solomon not met Eva Shure, a business entrepreneur, on a flight from Boca Raton to Newark in 2018.
They had a conversation in which he told her all about the event. According to Solomon, she was ecstatic and wanted to have a similar one with her friends. Shure said: “People love Thanksgiving. People love summer. This is something that could spread.” Together, they developed a website, and in 2019, National Summersgiving Day was proclaimed an official holiday to be celebrated every year on the Saturday after the summer solstice.
Americans eat tons of turkey every year, and most of it is eaten during Thanksgiving. Summersgiving Day provides an alternative opportunity to eat turkey while celebrating earlier in the year, instead of waiting until November. Since June is also National Turkey Lovers Month, it’s a double celebration of the widely-loved meal. Thus, Summersgiving Day was birthed out of the love of family, friends, good food, and drinks.
Summersgiving Day timeline
Solomon hosts a Thanksgiving barbeque for his friends during the summer.
Solomon meets Eva Shure on a flight to Newark, and they make plans to register National Summersgiving Day as a national holiday.
Summersgiving Day is registered as a national holiday.
Summersgiving Day is set on the Saturday after the summer solstice.
Summersgiving Day FAQs
When is Summersgiving Day?
Summersgiving Day 2026 falls on Saturday, June 27, offering a perfect weekend opportunity to gather with loved ones for a unique summer feast.
How many Americans celebrate Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving, the inspiration for Summersgiving, is celebrated by over 280 million Americans annually, making it one of the most widely observed holidays in the United States.
What is the origin of Summersgiving Day?
Summersgiving Day is a modern, unofficial holiday created to combine the warmth and gratitude of Thanksgiving with the relaxed, celebratory spirit of summer. It aims to provide another opportunity for families and friends to connect over food.
What are popular foods for Summersgiving Day?
Popular foods for Summersgiving Day often include grilled turkey or chicken, corn on the cob, potato salad, green bean casserole, and fruit pies. It’s a fusion of classic Thanksgiving and summer barbecue fare.
Summersgiving Day Activities
Invite friends over
Summersgiving Day wouldn't be complete without your friends and loved ones. So invite them over to share in the food and fun.
Grab a turkey
It’s all about our love for turkey. Enjoy a turkey with your favorite holiday food today.
Use the hashtag
Let everyone know what's being celebrated. Post about it on your socials, and use the hashtag #NationalSummersgivingDay.
Five Surprising Facts About Summersgiving
Summersgiving Day is widely celebrated
The holiday that started with Solomon and his friends is now celebrated by over 200 families across America.
Summersgiving Day started in Norwood
Summersgiving Day started in Norwood, where Solomon lives.
It's the second turkey day
National Summersgiving Day is widely regarded as the second turkey day, the first being Thanksgiving in November.
Solomon raised money for a good cause
In 2020, Solomon set up a GoFundMe account for donations to provide food for those in need.
Cooking runs in the family
Solomon's grandfather once owned a luncheonette.
Why We Love Summersgiving Day
Summersgiving Day is fun
Everyone gets to eat their best food. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate and have some fun.
We celebrate love and friendship
Summersgiving Day is all about spending time with our family and friends. We get to take out time to reflect and just be grateful for having loved ones in our lives.
We love turkey and great food
We get to celebrate our favorite Thanksgiving food early. Who doesn’t love turkey?
