World Juggling Day (3rd Sat in June)
Every third Saturday in June, jugglers around the world step outside, props in hand, to celebrate World Juggling Day.
It’s a time to toss, catch, and connect, whether you’re just starting or have years of experience.
What began as a community event now spans continents, bringing people together through shared skill and creativity.
From public performances to backyard practice sessions, the day highlights both the fun and focus that juggling inspires. One of the most weird holidays in June, and one of the most skillful too.
When is the Holiday?
World Juggling Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in June each year. Upcoming dates include:
- June 21, 2025
- June 20, 2026
- June 19, 2027
- June 17, 2028
- June 16, 2029
Who Invented It?
The holiday was started by the International Jugglers’ Association (IJA) in the mid-1990s. The IJA, founded in 1947, created World Juggling Day to promote the art globally and foster a sense of community through shared events and challenges.
The History of the Holiday
Juggling dates back thousands of years, ancient tombs in Egypt depict jugglers mid-act.
Over time, it became a staple in street performances, circuses, and even royal courts. In the 20th century, jugglers like Enrico Rastelli elevated it into a high-level performance art.
The modern celebration through this holiday reflects this rich history and keeps the skill in the spotlight.
Fun Facts About Juggling
- Juggling boosts brainpower – Studies show that learning to juggle can increase gray matter in the brain, especially in areas linked to movement and visual processing.
- The earliest record is over 4,000 years old – Ancient Egyptian tomb paintings from Beni Hasan depict people juggling, making it one of the oldest known performance arts.
- The world record is 11 balls – British juggler Alex Barron caught 11 balls for 23 consecutive catches, a record few dare attempt.
- It improves mental health – Juggling is used in therapy to reduce stress and improve focus, especially for those with ADHD or anxiety.
- Contact juggling doesn’t involve throwing – Popularized by films like Labyrinth, this form uses rolling and balancing instead of tossing props.
Activities to Celebrate
- Attend a local juggling meetup – Many cities host events open to all skill levels.
- Learn to juggle – Start with scarves or beanbags and watch free tutorials online.
- Share your progress – Post your first (or hundredth) juggling trick on social media.
- Make your own juggling props – Try DIY balls or sock-based juggling chooks for a hands-on craft.
- Host a mini show – Invite family or neighbors and put on a backyard juggling performance.
**This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and a participant in other affiliate programs, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.**
Links to Resources
- How to Make Juggling Balls – A fun starter project.
- Learn Juggling Basics (IJA) – Beginner tutorials from the official source.
- Juggling Coloring Pages – For younger learners or fun downtime.
- World Juggling Day Event Map (IJA) – See where celebrations are happening globally.
- Juggling Balls for Beginners – These pro-level juggling balls are designed for stability and durability, making them ideal for both beginners and advanced jugglers.
- Juggling: What it is and how to do it – A practical and well-written guide by a world-class performer, perfect for learning technique and theory.
Related Holidays
National Let’s Laugh Day (March 19) – Humor and fun take center stage, much like the joyful spirit of juggling performances.
World Circus Day (Third Saturday in April) – Honors circus arts including acrobatics, clowning, and of course, juggling.
Fruitcake Toss Day (Jan 3) – A quirky holiday where airborne objects (like fruitcake) become part of the fun, juggling adjacent in spirit.
National Goof Off Day (March 22) – Embraces playfulness and silliness, making it a perfect complement to juggling’s lighthearted vibe.
Pin it!
Share this post about World Juggling Day on Pinterest!
