Father's Day in United States

History

Father's Day traces back to Sonora Smart Dodd, who proposed a day honoring fathers in Spokane, Washington in 1909-1910, inspired by the newly established Mother's Day. It spread gradually and unevenly as a local and regional observance for decades before President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation in 1966; it became a permanent national observance in 1972 when President Nixon signed it into law.

How it's celebrated

It's marked with cards, gifts, and family gatherings — often a special breakfast or dinner, outdoor activities, or a day off from usual chores for dad. It is not a public holiday: banks, schools, and most businesses stay open as normal.

See the full list of public holidays in United States for 2027, browse an interactive calendar, or check holidays for any country with the holidays tool.

Frequently asked questions

Is Father's Day a public holiday in the US?

No — it is a national observance, not a federal public holiday. Banks, schools, and most workplaces operate as usual.

Who started Father's Day?

Sonora Smart Dodd first proposed it in Spokane, Washington in 1909-1910. It wasn't made a permanent national observance until President Nixon signed it into law in 1972.

Is Father's Day always the same date?

No — it falls on the third Sunday of June every year, so the calendar date changes year to year.