National Men Make Dinner Day

Celebrated each year on the first Thursday in November, National Men Make Dinner Day encourages men to take charge of the evening’s meal and kitchen duties.

History of National Men Make Dinner Day

This day was created by Sandy Sharkey in 2001 to inspire men who may feel intimidated in the kitchen to step in and cook a full meal.
It was framed to challenge traditional gender roles around cooking and household meals—encouraging men to shop, cook, and clean up on this specific day.

Why is National Men Make Dinner Day important?

Cooking is a life skill that benefits everyone, and this day highlights that men too can—and should—participate in meal preparation. It sends a message of shared responsibility in the household and helps renegotiate kitchen roles.
Moreover, the celebration can bring families together around the dinner table, give men a chance to learn new techniques, and foster appreciation for the effort that goes into preparing a meal.

• It promotes kitchen confidence among men who rarely cook.
• It encourages shared household duties and teamwork.
• It provides an opportunity for families to celebrate together.
• It can introduce new recipes and cooking skills.
• It honors the simple act of making and sharing a meal.

How to Celebrate (or Observe) National Men Make Dinner Day

On this day, men take the lead: they shop for ingredients, plan and cook the meal, and clean up afterward. Traditional takeout or reheating leftovers is discouraged—cooking from scratch is the idea.
Whether you’re a man who already cooks or one who rarely does, this day can be fun, light-hearted, and meaningful. Invite family or friends into the kitchen, choose a recipe you’ve wanted to try, and enjoy the process and the results.

• Pick a main dish plus a side and dessert (minimum 4 ingredients).
• Do the grocery shopping yourself.
• Don’t default to the grill or microwave—use standard cooking utensils.
• Invite others to help or to watch and learn.
• Share a photo of the finished meal and the story behind it.

National Men Make Dinner Day Dates Table