Dads are pretty great. They’re there for emotional support, academic guidance, and a good laugh with their corny jokes. That’s why we celebrate fathers of all kinds on the third Sunday in June. But is today Father’s Day?
To celebrate someone special this Father’s Day—whether it’s your dad, stepdad, husband, grandfather, uncle, or another father figure—you’ll need to know the exact date. After all, you need time to find a unique gift or plan a memorable family outing.
We’ve gathered all the details about when Father’s Day falls this year, along with some interesting history and fun facts about why we honor our favorite father figures annually in June. You might be surprised to learn that Father’s Day became an official holiday after Mother’s Day.
This year, Father’s Day is on Sunday, June 16th. If you haven’t made plans yet, there’s still time to plan brunch, a backyard barbecue, or a round of golf. Don’t forget to send heartfelt Father’s Day wishes in a card or text message.
Father and child playing catch for Father's Day
Father’s Day is celebrated each year on the third Sunday of June, so the date changes annually. In 2024, it’s June 16th, but in 2023, it was June 18th. Next year, Father’s Day will be on June 15th, 2025.
The idea for Father’s Day originated in the early 1900s. Sonora Smart Dodd, whose father raised her and her siblings after their mother died, wanted a day to honor fathers. She envisioned a day to “instill the same love and reverence for the father as is the mother’s portion.” The first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19th, 1910, the month of her father’s birthday.
While Dodd organized the first Father’s Day over a century ago, it took decades to become an official holiday. The celebration gained popularity, spreading across the U.S. with the rose as its symbol. A colored rose represented a living father, while a white rose symbolized a father who had passed away. Several presidents acknowledged the day, but it wasn’t until 1972 that President Richard Nixon signed a proclamation making Father’s Day a national holiday.
Americans now spend billions of dollars annually on Father’s Day gifts, ranging from books and clothing to electronics, tools, and gift cards. The most popular gift categories are greeting cards, clothing, and special outings, demonstrating the significant cultural and economic impact of this celebration.
