National Dive Bar Day

National Dive Bar Day is celebrated annually on July 7. On this day, friends gather at their favorite dive bar to reminisce about old times and enjoy a simple, unpretentious drink. The term “dive” in the bar’s name likely originated from the idea of “diving” into an establishment that was often hidden away or located underground. However, not every small bar qualifies as a dive bar, as these establishments have a distinct culture and history.

History

National Dive Bar Day was launched in 2018 by Seagram’s 7 Crown, which donated $25,000 to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The date, July 7, was chosen as a nod to the famous 7&7 cocktail, made with Seagram’s 7 Crown whiskey and 7 Up soda.

In the past, dive bars were considered rough, unpolished establishments, frequented primarily by the working class. Urban Dictionary defines a dive bar as a no-frills, unglamorous bar serving inexpensive drinks to a loyal group of regulars. The term “diver” emerged to describe frequent visitors who seemingly existed outside mainstream society.

A typical dive bar features a pool table and a jukebox but often lacks an extensive food menu. These bars were immortalized in film noir classics and pulp fiction, cementing their place in popular culture by the 1980s.

Interesting Facts

• The first recorded use of the word “dive” in reference to a drinking establishment appeared in The Oxford English Dictionary in July 1871.
• During Prohibition (1920–1933), illegal speakeasies flourished as bars were forced underground.
• The popularity of dive bars surged in the 1980s, thanks to films like Blue Velvet and Barfly.

How to Take Part

Celebrate National Dive Bar Day by visiting a true dive bar with friends. Order a classic 7&7 cocktail, enjoy the atmosphere, and strike up a conversation with the bartender or regular patrons—you might hear some fascinating stories. If you don’t have a dive bar nearby, you can recreate the experience at home with dim lighting, a jukebox playlist, and a few well-mixed drinks.

When is National Dive Bar Day in 2025?

National Dive Bar Day is observed on July 7 each year.

Observations