National Dive Bar Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Dive Bar Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Dive Bar Day is celebrated on July 7th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Dive Bar Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as cool facts you may want to know about National Dive Bar Day.

📅 What day is National Dive Bar Day 2024?

In 2024, National Dive Bar Day is on Friday, July 7th. It is the 1st Friday in July; in 2024, it is Sunday. There are until the next observance. You also can discover all the fun details and facts about July 7, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

July 7th is National Dive Bar Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the beloved American institution of dive bars. Seagram’s, which is now owned by Diageo, was introduced on this same day as a way to honor these dive bars. They purposely chose the seventh day of the seventh month to coincide with the 7&7, a special dive bar cocktail made with Seagram’s Seven Crown whiskey and 7-Up.

📜 National Dive Bar Day History

Why are there so many dive bars? During Prohibition, alcohol was banned, leading to the rise of illegal bars across the country. When the prohibition was repealed, a thriving black market for alcohol emerged, and by the 1970s, dive bars gained popularity again.

Charles Bukowski, a writer and poet, is often credited with bringing dive bars into mainstream culture with his semi-autobiographical book “Barfly.” Previously, dive bars were not commonly depicted in popular culture, except during Prohibition and the Beatnik era. However, through pulp novels, noir thrillers, and movies like “Barfly” and “Blue Velvet,” dive bars gained a newfound prominence. Celebrating the culture of these gritty establishments became fashionable, leading many bars to adopt the label “dive” in the late 1980s.

The term “dive” in “dive bar” refers to the location of the bar’s entrance. Often, these bars were situated in cellars or basements, where people could enter discreetly. As gas and coal ovens became more prevalent, additional spaces were created beneath existing eateries, contributing to the proliferation of dive bars.

Seagram’s, a liquor company, has embraced the association between their brand and dive bars. They have even created a day to celebrate dive bars and alcohol, supporting the National Trust for Historic Preservation in their efforts to preserve these establishments.

✅ National Dive Bar Day Facts

🔖 They have a history
A genuine dive bar has witnessed a wide range of experiences, including multiple changes in ownership, eccentric customers, and the rollercoaster of political events.

🔖 Bathroom reading material
If you enter the restroom of a dive bar, be prepared to exit with newfound insights into a stranger’s romantic affairs and peculiar philosophical musings adorning the walls.

🔖 It’s too dark or too bright
Dive bars tend to have either excessive decorations resembling a Christmas tree or very minimal lighting.

👍 Why Is National Dive Bar Day Important

Dive bars are a part of our history, and if we play our cards correctly, they will also be a part of our future. They are more than just places to unwind. For many people, they are a home away from home, a place where they can unwind with a casual drink after a long day.

Consider that the dive bars around us are owned by local company owners. Supporting the neighborhood dive bar means helping local businesses stay open.

Sometimes we simply need to go somewhere where we don’t have to be our best selves or dress up. A dive bar is all of these things and more. The majority of customers at a dive bar are there for the atmosphere and the drinks, and they couldn’t care less about you or what you’re doing.

🙂 How To Observe National Dive Bar Day

⚡ Celebrate your local dive bar

⚡ Visit a dive bar
What are some ways to celebrate National Dive Bar Day? Well, the best way is to actually visit a dive bar! You can plan a trip to a genuine dive bar, which you can find more details about in our “5 Facts” section. If you already have a favorite dive bar, why not take a spontaneous trip there with your friends? To truly embrace the spirit of the day, make sure to order a 7-and-7 drink, paying homage to Seagram’s involvement in this special occasion.

⚡ Go on a dive bar scavenger hunt
Dive bars are rich with history, vivid stories, and perhaps even a celebrity or two. Inquire with the bartender or the owners about the origins and history of your local dive bar. Share your photos and tales on social media. Drinking and spending money at the local dive bar also benefits their business, so it’s a win-win situation.

📅 When is National Dive Bar Day?

Explore all 🔗 July holidays, including 🔗 Food & Beverage and other 🔗 Beverage holidays.

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