National Onion Rings Day 2026
National Onion Rings Day on June 22 is for the golden loop: onion slices dipped in batter or crumbs and fried until crisp. It is a casual U.S. food-calendar date beloved by diners, drive-ins, and backyard cooks.
About National Onion Rings Day
History & origins
June 22 is the date most U.S. weird-holiday and food calendars use for National Onion Rings Day. The observance is informal — not a federal holiday — and published founder claims are not fully settled across sources. Writer Jeremy Kolb has publicly described declaring National Onion Ring Day on June 22 around 2006 and documenting a “National Onion Ring Day Association” discussion online; other food-blog figures have also claimed credit for listing onion-ring days. Treat any single-founder story cautiously; what is clear is that June 22 stuck as the common calendar date.
The food itself is older than the hashtag. Breaded or battered fried onions appear in twentieth-century American restaurant cooking and earlier European fried-onion traditions. Fast-food and casual chains helped make the appetizer platter a default side beside burgers. Culinary writers often note mid-century U.S. restaurant menus as the period when onion rings became a mainstream American side.
Why it matters
Onion rings are a technique food: hot oil, dry onion, batter that clings, salt while hot. A named day gives diners and home cooks a reason to order the side intentionally and to notice how different batters — beer batter alternatives, buttermilk, panko — change crunch and sweetness.
How to celebrate
Order a basket from a diner or burger spot. Make a small homemade batch: slice onions into thick rings, separate, dredge, and fry safely in hot oil until deep gold; drain and salt. Compare thin crispy rings with thick steakhouse-style rings. Serve with ketchup, ranch, or a spicy dip. Share the plate — onion rings are better in a group.
Facts
- National Onion Rings Day is commonly listed on June 22
- The day is informal and is not a U.S. federal holiday
- Founder claims vary; Jeremy Kolb is one person who has publicly described proposing the June 22 date around 2006
- Onion rings are battered or breaded onion slices fried until crisp
- They are a staple appetizer and burger side in U.S. casual dining
Upcoming dates
- Monday, June 22, 2026
- Tuesday, June 22, 2027
- Thursday, June 22, 2028
- Friday, June 22, 2029
- Saturday, June 22, 2030
Frequently asked questions
When is National Onion Rings Day in 2026?
National Onion Rings Day in 2026 falls on Monday, June 22, 2026.
Is today National Onion Rings Day?
No. National Onion Rings Day in 2026 falls on Monday, June 22, 2026, not today.
What is National Onion Rings Day?
It is an informal U.S. food observance for enjoying fried onion rings — battered or breaded onion loops.
Who started National Onion Rings Day?
Claims vary. Some accounts credit Jeremy Kolb with proposing June 22 around 2006; other listicle creators have also claimed onion-ring days. The observance remains informal.
How do you celebrate National Onion Rings Day?
Order a basket or fry a careful homemade batch. Taste different batters and share with friends. It is not a federal day off.
Is National Onion Rings Day an official holiday?
No. Offices and schools follow their usual schedules. It is a food calendar date.
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