When is Father’s Day?
Third Sunday in June. Here is the date, the background and what to know before you make plans.
Next Father’s Day
Sunday, June 20, 2027Father’s Day dates, 2026–2031
Rule: Third Sunday in June.
What’s open on Father’s Day
| Service | Typical status |
|---|---|
| Banks | Closed Closed (Sunday closure, not a federal holiday closure) |
| Post Office / Mail delivery | Closed No regular delivery (Sunday) |
| Stock market (NYSE, Nasdaq) | Closed Closed (Sunday; markets don’t trade weekends) |
| Federal & most state government offices | Closed Closed (Sunday closure) |
| Public schools | Closed Closed (weekend, typically summer break by this date) |
Father’s Day always falls on a Sunday, so the usual weekend closures apply; it is not a federal holiday and has no effect on weekday business hours. Individual banks, school districts and employers can still make their own call, so confirm directly if a closure affects an important errand or appointment. Check any date with the holiday status checker.
The story behind Father’s Day
Father’s Day was inspired by Sonora Smart Dodd, who wanted to honor her father, a Civil War veteran who raised six children alone, after hearing a Mother’s Day sermon in 1909. The first celebration was held in Spokane, Washington in 1910.
Unlike Mother’s Day, Father’s Day took decades longer to gain formal recognition, partly because it was seen as redundant or overly sentimental for men. President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation in 1966, and President Richard Nixon signed it into permanent law in 1972.
How it’s celebrated
Modern traditions include cookouts, gifts like tools or electronics, cards, and family time, with a notably smaller commercial footprint than Mother’s Day, according to retail spending data tracked every year.
It took 62 years from the first Father’s Day celebration in 1910 to its establishment as a permanent national observance in 1972.
Make the plan personal
This is a cultural observance, not a federal day off. Sunday opening hours can vary by location, especially for museums, restaurants and outdoor facilities.
Start with the person rather than a standard gift list. A shared walk, favorite meal, repair project, game or conversation may be more welcome than a crowded outing. Ask about mobility, weather and travel time before committing to a venue.
If people live apart, settle the time zone and call time in advance. For a group gathering, agree on who will handle food and reservations so the day does not leave one guest doing all the work.
Father’s Day planning checklist
- Two to three weeks ahead: reserve restaurants, outings or event tickets.
- Ten days ahead: order personalized or shipped gifts.
- One week ahead: coordinate the plan around work, travel and accessibility needs.
- The day before: confirm venue hours and prepare a weather backup for outdoor plans.
Frequently asked questions
When is Father’s Day in the U.S.?
The third Sunday in June.
Is Father’s Day a federal holiday?
No. Federal offices do not receive a separate Father’s Day holiday.
Does the date match Mother’s Day?
No. Mother’s Day is the second Sunday in May; Father’s Day is in June.
When is Father’s Day in 2027?
Father’s Day is Sunday, June 20, 2027.
Are businesses closed for Father’s Day?
Father’s Day is not a federal holiday, so most businesses use normal Sunday hours. Confirm individual locations and reservations.
Sources and how we check
Federal holiday dates and observed-day rules follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Market dates follow the NYSE holiday calendar; bank dates follow the Federal Reserve. Read our editorial policy or report a correction.