LeVar Thomas
If you’re a fan of crispy, golden goodness, mark your calendar for the second Friday of July, National Fry Day! This playful, mouthwatering holiday is a perfect excuse to indulge in the world’s most beloved snack: French fries.
We’ve mapped out where and how to celebrate National Fry Day so you can turn it into an unforgettable experience, whether you’re staying local, exploring a new city, or even hosting a festive fry party at home.
Why Celebrate National Fry Day?
French fries have evolved far beyond a simple side dish. From Belgian frites and Canadian poutine to loaded curly fries, they’ve become a global food phenomenon.
National Fry Day invites everyone to embrace the delicious diversity of fries, explore creative toppings, and support local eateries that specialize in this salty treat. Whether you love them thin, thick, curly, crinkle-cut, or sweet potato, this day is about celebrating fries in all their forms.
Top Festivals and Events to Celebrate National Fry Day
One of the best ways to celebrate National Fry Day is to attend a festival or local event. In Blackfoot, Idaho, the Idaho Potato Museum hosts fun events and fry tastings that showcase the state’s pride in being the potato capital.
Pottsville, Pennsylvania throws the lively National French Fry Festival, with live music, fry-eating contests, and inventive vendors serving everything from truffle fries to loaded nachos. In Ocean City, Maryland, the boardwalk fries sprinkled with Old Bay seasoning are an iconic beach tradition perfect for the occasion.
Chicago’s legendary Taste of Chicago festival often overlaps with Fry Day and offers incredible loaded fry creations alongside global cuisine. For a smaller-town vibe, head to Sioux City, Iowa, where Fry Fest brings the community together with fry tastings, games, and a vote on the “Best Fry in Town.”
Best Restaurants for Fry Day Adventures
If you’re traveling—or even staying close to home—certain restaurants are worth visiting for fries that truly shine. In New York City, Pommes Frites serves authentic Belgian-style fries in paper cones with dozens of dipping sauces, while nearby Balthazar offers legendary steak frites with perfectly crispy potatoes.
Over in Detroit, The Potato Place is known for massive baked potatoes and inventive fries that are practically meals on their own. Los Angeles’ Father’s Office has garlic fries that pair beautifully with craft beer, and Portland’s Salt & Straw even gets in on the action with salty-sweet fry collaborations just for Fry Day.
How to Celebrate National Fry Day at Home
Of course, you don’t have to leave home to celebrate National Fry Day in style. You can create a fry bar with different shapes like waffle, sweet potato, and shoestring, plus an array of dips like aioli, sriracha mayo, and queso. Or host a fry tasting party by picking up fries from several local spots and comparing them to crown your town’s best.
If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with global toppings such as curry sauce, kimchi, or tzatziki, or try air-frying for a healthier crunch. For extra fun, pair your fries with themed drinks—milkshakes, craft beers, or sparkling water infused with lemon all make excellent companions.
Travel Tips for Fry Lovers
If you’re planning to travel to celebrate National Fry Day, book your reservations early, especially if you’re heading to a popular fry festival. Search apps like Yelp or restaurant social media pages for Fry Day specials—many offer free fries or discounts. Bring friends along to share and sample more options, and don’t forget to pack napkins, a sense of adventure, and maybe even your own portable salt shaker.
Why Fries Bring People Together
One of the reasons we love to celebrate National Fry Day is because fries are universal and inclusive. They’re vegetarian-friendly, easy to customize, and perfect for sharing with family and friends of all ages. From casual diners to upscale bistros, fries transcend boundaries and add a bit of joy to any table.
Make This Fry Day Your Tastiest Yet
So this July, don’t let National Fry Day pass you by. Use our guide to plan a delicious day filled with flavor, fun, and maybe even a little fried mischief. Whether you’re traveling cross-country to hit the best fry festivals or creating a fry masterpiece at home, this is your chance to savor every crispy bite and make some golden memories. Stay hungry and stay Always Packed!
