Learn more fun facts on the Thirsty Thursday Video Page.
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- Food & Beverage
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- DrinkingFood
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- International
- Date change rule:
- First Thursday of July
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- 🍻
Thirsty Thursday kicks off the first Thursday of July, inviting everyone to unwind and celebrate the unofficial start of the weekend. Gather your friends, find great deals, and toast to good times as you ease into the weekend.
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Expected Thirsty Thursday Deals
While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that bars and restaurants often roll out special deals for Thirsty Thursday. Expect popular chains like Applebee’s, Chili’s, and Buffalo Wild Wings to offer discounted appetizers and drink specials. Liquor stores such as Total Wine & More and delivery services like Drizly may feature promotions on beer, wine, and spirits. Local pubs and breweries will likely have happy hour extensions or themed nights. Food delivery apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash might also provide discounts on orders from participating restaurants. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as July approaches.
Platform Guide for Thirsty Thursday
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #ThirstyThursday. Share photos of your favorite drinks, happy hour spreads, or group celebrations.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #ThirstyThursday. Film short videos of creative cocktail recipes, fun bar crawls, or pre-weekend vibes.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #ThirstyThursday. Create event pages for local gatherings or share your favorite drink spots.
Thirsty Thursday Hero
The Anonymous College Students
History of Thirsty Thursday
We don’t really know about the origins of Thirsty Thursday. However, partying and the weekend is almost always synonymous with college-goers living it up after a hard week of studying. For as long as we can remember, the youth have set partying trends with drinking games, music, food, and even partywear. Thirsty Thursday is also a splendid way to brush up on the hottest cultural trends and see how you like the partying of the current generation. At its heart, Thirsty Thursday is a celebration of life and youth – one that reinvigorates us and removes the tiredness of the week gone by.
But is partying a completely new phenomenon? Absolutely not! The modern form of partying as we know it today — dancing, drinking, staying out late — emerged in the 1800s, nearly 200 years ago. The origin of club culture is a bit murky, but the earliest parties of such kind were usually held in warehouses. The ballrooms of the 19th century turned into jazz clubs in the 1940s where young people would often sing and dance late into the night. And from the jazz clubs emerged discotheques in the 1950s! However, the party culture really latched on in the 1970s with the influx of pop songs, themed clothing, and disc jockeys creating personalized tunes for the dance floors. ‘Dance numbers’ turned into a big thing and quickly gained fame as a new genre of music.
In the 1980s and 1990s, clubbing became commercialized. But soon after, in the 2010s, clubbing started to decline. This is mainly because younger people have taken to social media and dating apps, and do not need to go to clubs to meet new people.
Thirsty Thursday timeline
One of the oldest clubs in the U.S.A. begins operations.
The disco song by Sylvester is a hit among clubgoers.
A new genre of club music emerges.
One of the first European techno music clubs opens in Germany.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Thirsty Thursday
Local bars and restaurants can fully embrace Thirsty Thursday by offering enticing drink and appetizer specials. Consider extended happy hour pricing, themed cocktail menus, or even a ‘Thirsty Thursday Bingo’ to engage patrons. Retailers, especially liquor stores, can promote discounts on popular beverages or offer bundle deals for party supplies. Event venues might host special pre-weekend parties or live music events, creating a vibrant atmosphere that encourages early weekend revelry and boosts midweek traffic.
Thirsty Thursday FAQs
When is Thirsty Thursday?
In 2026, Thirsty Thursday falls on Thursday, July 2. It’s the perfect mid-week opportunity to gather friends and kick off the unofficial start to the weekend.
What is the origin of Thirsty Thursday?
Thirsty Thursday originated as an informal tradition among college students, who began using Thursday as a night to socialize and party, effectively extending their weekend. This practice gained popularity and has since spread beyond campuses to a broader audience.
How popular is Thirsty Thursday?
Thirsty Thursday is widely popular, especially among young adults and those in the service industry, who often embrace it as a pre-weekend social event. While not an official holiday, its cultural impact is evident in promotions by bars and restaurants.
Is Thirsty Thursday an official holiday?
No, Thirsty Thursday is not an official or federal holiday. It is an informal, culturally recognized observance that has grown organically from social traditions, particularly among college students.
Thirsty Thursday Activities
Treat yourself to a drink
Treat yourself to your favorite drink on Thirsty Thursday. That’s the best way to celebrate the day. If you do not drink, treat yourself to your favorite soda or iced tea. As long as you are drinking something, you are celebrating Thirsty Thursday!
Throw a party
Gather your friends to celebrate Thirsty Thursday in style. Throw a party and invite your closest friends for a night of merrymaking, singing, dancing, and enjoying each other’s company.
Celebrate by yourself
Can’t make it to a club on a weekday night? Fret not. Celebrate Thirsty Thursday by yourself. Put on some music, make your favorite drink, order in food, and enjoy your own company.
5 Facts Facts About Partying That Will Blow Your Mind
Israel has an underwater bar
Patrons can enjoy their drinks several feet under the water.
Ibiza is extremely popular
On any given day, Ibiza has the most number of people at clubs.
It’s a great way to meet people
According to surveys, clubs are still the number one place to meet romantic partners.
South Korea loves its liquor
The country has the most number of hard alcohol drinkers.
Russia recently classified beer as alcohol
Until 2013, beer was considered a non-alcoholic drink in Russia.
Why We Love Thirsty Thursday
It’s a day to party
Thirsty Thursday is truly the day to let your hair down and party. Unwind with your favorite drinks, food, and music, and get ready for more partying on the weekend.
Reminisce the good times
You can also reminisce about the parties from your youth on Thirsty Thursdays. Notice how the trends have changed and indulge in the latest partying fad.
It brings loved ones together
No party is complete without a big group of friends. Thirsty Thursday is the perfect excuse to bring all your loved ones together and enjoy some happy times in each other’s company.
Social Media Tips for Thirsty Thursday
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