National Tell a Joke Day

Celebrate humor today with a good laugh.

AUG16

Monday, August 16Every year on August 16

days to go

Roots: Established in the early 2000s
Vibe: Light-hearted and inclusive
Also on Aug 16: Airborne Day · Bratwurst Day · Roller Coaster Day
Hashtag: #NationalTellAJokeDay

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3 ways to celebrate

AT HOME

Learn one good joke

Memorize a family-friendly joke to tell tonight.

WITH FRIENDS

Hold a joke-off

Everyone tells their best joke; loudest laughs win.

AT WORK OR SCHOOL

Share the laughs

Open the meeting with a clean joke.

Plan ahead

National Tell a Joke Day is observed on August 16 every year. Here is where it lands for the next ten years, handy for planners, marketers and party people.

2026Sun, Aug 16this year

2027Mon, Aug 16

2028Wed, Aug 16

2029Thu, Aug 16

2030Fri, Aug 16

2031Sat, Aug 16

2032Mon, Aug 16

2033Tue, Aug 16

2034Wed, Aug 16

2035Thu, Aug 16

2036Sat, Aug 16

Add to my calendar (repeats yearly)

Fast facts

Laughter can increase pain tolerance by 10%

Children laugh about 300 times a day

The story

National Tell a Joke Day, observed on August 16, is a day dedicated to sharing humor and laughter. It encourages individuals to tell jokes and share smiles, reinforcing the idea that laughter is a universal language. This observance invites everyone, from families to coworkers, to participate in spreading joy through lighthearted humor.

Read the full story

The origins of National Tell a Joke Day are somewhat unclear, but it has grown in popularity since the early 2000s. It serves as a reminder of the importance of laughter in our daily lives. Jokes can lighten stressful moments, foster connections, and improve our overall well-being. On this day, people are encouraged to be creative and share their wit.

In celebration of this day, gatherings often take place where friends and family can share their favorite jokes. Schools host joke-telling competitions, while workplaces might incorporate humor into team-building activities. The goal is simple, create an atmosphere filled with laughter and camaraderie.

Whether it’s a classic one-liner, a pun, or a clever story, the essence of National Tell a Joke Day lies in bringing people together through humor. So gather your friends, share a laugh, and remember that laughter truly is the best medicine.