National days, ongoing national weeks and months, and global observances for July 16, 2026. Plus historical events and birthdays.
July 16, 2026 celebrates Get To Know Your Customers Day, plus 5 more. Get to Know Your Customers Day reminds businesses to reach out to patrons and get to know them better. The day is observed annually on the third Thursday of each quarter (January, April, July, October).
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Today is July 16 on the National Day Calendar and we are acknowledging the remarkable progress and pervasive influence of Artificial Intelligence on National AI Day. Join the conversation about the responsible integration of AI in society.
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Every year on July 16, National Cherry Day invites us to celebrate one of summer's most beloved fruits--the cherry. Whether you love sweet cherry treats or tart cherry delights, cherries area true summertime treat that always delivers a burst of delicious flavor.
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We are on mission to encourage everyone to try a true-to-fruit-soft serve because today is National Dole Whip® Day! Each year on the third Thursday in July, we share our love for the fruity-licious flavor it brings to people around the world.
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Move over, corn on the cob! National Corn Fritters Day on July 16 is the ultimate excuse to drop everything, heat up the oil, and fry up a batch of the crispiest, most flavorful bites of summer. Packed with sweet, juicy kernels held together by a light, golden batter, these little morsels are pure comfort food. While they are a certified crowd-pleaser all year round, making them with peak-season fresh summer corn takes this celebration to a whole new level.
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Each year on July 16, National Personal Chef Day recognizes the dedication, skill, and hard work of personal chefs across the United States. While many people confuse them with private chefs, these independent culinary entrepreneurs play a unique role in shaping how we eat, bringing bespoke, nutritious, and convenient meals directly to our tables.
Read the full story →People born on July 16
Religious leader and author who founded The Church of Christ, Scientist. She has been referred to as the Mother Church of the Christian Science movement.
Playwright and theatre manager who is considered the first stage director in America.
American journalist and activist who was one of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
American judge who was the first African-American woman to practice law before the United States Supreme Court on January 29, 1926.
Professional outfielder who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) in the early 20th century. His .356 career batting average is one of the highest in major-league history.
Events that occurred on July 16 throughout history
Father Junípero Serra founds California's first mission (Mission San Diego de Alcalá). It eventually evolves into the city of San Diego, California.
The District of Columbia is established as the capital of the U.S. after the Residence Act is signed by President George Washington. The Act stipulated that the U.S. President select a site on the Potomac River as the permanent capital of the country.
President Abraham Lincoln orders Union troops to begin a 25-mile march into Virginia, resulting the first major land battle of the Civil War (First Battle of Bull Run).
David Farragut is promoted to rear admiral, becoming the first officer in U.S. Navy to hold an admiral rank.
The first Order of the Arrow ceremony takes place at Treasure Island on the Delaware River to honor American Boy Scouts who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law.
The world's first parking meter is installed in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The meter cost a nickel per hour to park
The Manhattan Project performs the first test detonation of an atomic bomb. The test explosion vaporized the 100-foot steel test tower, melted the surrounding desert sand into a green glassy residue, and produced a massive mushroom cloud that soared 40,000 feet into the air.
Author of The Catcher in the Rye.
The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus perform their last performance under a canvas tent in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The "Big Tent" show ended due to changing economics.
The Apollo 11 lunar landing mission is launched from Cape Kennedy in Florida. The space flight was the first to land humans on the Moon.
John F. Kennedy Jr., his wife, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, and her sister, Lauren Bessette die in a plane crash off the coast of Martha's Vineyard. Kennedy was piloting the plane.
Longer-running observances that include this date.
National Ice Cream Month
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Disability Pride Month
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National Fragile X Awareness Month
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National Anti-boredom Month
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National Hot Dog Month
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National Blueberry Month
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National Picnic Month
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World Watercolor Month
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National Grilling Month
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National Culinary Arts Month
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National Cell Phone Courtesy Month
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Independent Retailer Month
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Showing the first 12 — See all months for July.
