National Get Gnarly Day

National Get Gnarly Day is celebrated annually on the last Friday of July. In 2026, this date falls on July 31. This lighthearted American observance invites everyone to shake off routine, embrace boldness, and put a bit of daring into their day.

History of National Get Gnarly Day

National Get Gnarly Day was created in 2016 by the Whirlpool Corporation as part of an internal campaign to encourage employees to put some “gNARliness” into their work. The capital letters NAR stood for North American Region, and the initiative aimed to motivate staff to get excited about reaching goals and satisfying customers. The campaign was a great success among employees, and Whirlpool decided to share the spirit by making it a national day. The Registrar at National Day Calendar approved the day in June 2016, fixing it to the last Friday in July.

The word “gnarly” itself has a longer history. It is thought to have originated among surfers in the 1960s as a way to describe dangerous or impressive waves. By the 1980s it had crossed into mainstream pop-culture slang, where it could mean either excellent or, oddly, disgusting depending on the speaker. National Get Gnarly Day leans on the positive reading, treating gnarly as a badge for anyone willing to take on a challenge.

Why is National Get Gnarly Day important?

National Get Gnarly Day matters because it gives people permission to step outside their comfort zones. Even a playful observance has a point: it nudges individuals to try things that feel slightly out of reach and approach the rest of the year with more confidence. For many, the hardest part of doing something new is simply starting, and a dedicated day provides that first bit of momentum.

The day also builds community. Sharing gnarly experiences with friends, family, or coworkers turns a personal challenge into a collective celebration. It reminds people that life does not have to be routine and that a little daring can lead to memorable moments.

• It encourages people to try something new and break free from everyday monotony.
• It fosters a sense of adventure and pushes individuals to explore unfamiliar activities.
• It provides a fun, low-pressure excuse to gather with friends and create shared memories.
• It celebrates the positive, exciting meaning of the word gnarly, moving beyond fear to embrace challenge.
• It turns a corporate campaign into a nationwide moment of boldness and creativity.

How to Celebrate National Get Gnarly Day

Getting gnarly can mean different things to different people. The whole point is to do something out of the ordinary. You might find a gnarly new hobby like surfing, rock climbing, or skateboarding. Or you could give your look a gnarly makeover with a bold hairstyle or a new tattoo. The options are wide open as long as you step beyond your usual routine.

Another great way to celebrate is to throw a gnarly party. Invite friends to come in wild costumes, try cuisine you have never had before, and experiment with decor and music. You can also meet gnarly people by volunteering, joining a class, or accepting invitations you usually decline. The idea is to expand your social circle and your horizons at the same time.

• Find a gnarly hobby such as surfing, mountain climbing, or fencing.
• Give your style a gnarly update with a new hairstyle, tattoo, or room decor.
• Throw a gnarly party with costumes, adventurous food, and upbeat music.
• Meet gnarly people by taking a cooking class or volunteering for a local charity.
• Get a gnarly passport and start planning international travel to broaden your world.

National Get Gnarly Day Dates