😂 August 16 – Tell a Joke Day: The One Day You Shouldn’t Keep It to Yourself 🎤
Knock knock.
Who’s there?
Interrupting blogger.
Interrupting blogg—WE’VE GOT JOKES, BABY!
August 16 is Tell a Joke Day, and whether your humor is pun-derful, dad-grade, dry as toast, or gloriously unhinged, today’s your moment to shine like a glittery whoopee cushion. This unofficial holiday is all about spreading laughter, lowering stress, and maybe even embarrassing your friends in the best way possible.
So what’s the punchline on where this day came from? Honestly, the origin’s a bit of a mystery (probably hiding behind a curtain with a squirting flower). But what we do know is that people have been telling jokes since ancient Sumerians, who apparently found flatulence hilarious. (Some things never change.)
Whether you're a stand-up wannabe or just want to prank your cat, we’ve got you covered with fun facts and offbeat ways to celebrate. Let’s get silly. 🃏
Affiliate Disclosure
Just so you know, this post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click through and buy something, I might earn a tiny commission—enough to keep the lights on and maybe snag a celebratory cupcake. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, pinky promise.
🤓 A Few Funny Facts to Kick Things Off:
The oldest recorded joke is from 1900 BC and—brace yourself—it’s a fart joke. (We really peaked early.)
A 2012 study found the "funniest joke in the world" involved Sherlock Holmes, camping, and a stolen tent. We'll explain later. Maybe.
Dad jokes are scientifically comforting. They're predictable, punny, and trigger groans and dopamine.
Comedians' brains actually light up differently during joke-telling. So yes, your funny friend is wired differently.
😆 10+ Ways to Celebrate Tell a Joke Day (No Banana Peel Required):
Open with a bang – Text your entire contacts list a truly cringeworthy pun. Bonus points if it involves fruit or wordplay. 🍌
Joke jar at work – Set up a communal joke jar in your office or Zoom chat. Bad jokes earn candy. Great jokes earn...more candy.
Karaoke, but make it stand-up – Host a comedy open mic night with your friends, even if you only have one joke memorized. (Just own it.)
DIY joke t-shirts – Grab some fabric markers or iron-on letters and wear your worst pun with pride. “I’m on a whiskey diet—I’ve lost three days already.” 🥃👕
Call your parents – Not for advice. Just to deliver the cheesiest dad joke you can find. Bonus: They’ll probably fire back with three more.
Watch bad stand-up specials – There's joy in the awkward. Queue up some vintage 80s routines or forgotten Netflix one-stars and cringe-laugh your way through.
Post a joke every hour on social media. Set a timer. Become the content. Your followers will either love you...or mute you.
Make your pet internet famous – Snap a pic of your dog with a sign that says, “Paws-itively punny.” Caption it with a groan-worthy joke. 🐶✨
Write your own "bad joke" zine – Just you, a stapler, and a brain full of glorious nonsense. Leave copies in coffee shops like a chaotic comedy Santa.
Prank someone sweetly – A little harmless mischief never hurt. Just maybe skip the glitter bomb. That’s just...mean.
Take a laughter yoga class – Yes, it's a thing. You’ll laugh, stretch, and probably cry a little from sheer absurdity. Worth it.
Create a “Joke of the Day” calendar – Future you will thank present you for the daily giggle. Or curse you. TBD.
🌼 Dinner Theme: “Pasta La Vista, Baby!”
🎭 Vibe: A playful, pun-filled evening with comfort food, cheeky signs (“You feta believe it!”), and a menu that’ll have everyone giggling between bites. Optional dress code: your best “dad joke” outfit (socks with sandals encouraged).
🍝 Main Dish: Pasta La Vista Carbonara
(It’s classic, creamy, and full of character—just like your uncle who thinks he’s hilarious.)
Ingredients:
12 oz spaghetti
4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced
2 large eggs
1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan
Black pepper (lots!)
Optional: peas, because they’re peas-fully delicious
Instructions:
Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
In a pan, cook pancetta until crispy. Set aside.
Whisk eggs with cheese and pepper in a bowl.
Toss hot pasta with pancetta, then slowly mix in egg mixture off the heat (nobody wants scrambled eggs).
Add reserved pasta water a bit at a time to make it creamy.
Serve immediately with a sprinkle of cheese and one spaghetti pun per bite.
Bonus Joke: What do you call someone who steals pasta? A penne criminal.
🥗 Side: “Cease & Desist Salad” (Because Lettuce Romaine Calm)
A Caesar salad with a rebellious twist.
Ingredients:
Romaine lettuce
Croutons
Shaved Parmesan
Caesar dressing
Optional: add grilled chicken, because you’re clucking awesome
🍸 Drink: The “Mock Me Maybe” Lemon Fizz
Zesty, sweet, and sparkling—like the best jokes.
Ingredients:
1 cup lemonade
1/2 cup club soda or sparkling water
Splash of grenadine
Garnish with a cherry and lemon wedge
Optional: add vodka or gin if the jokes get unbearable
🍨 Dessert: “Tiramisu? I Barely Know Her!”
A no-bake dessert that layers flavor and laughs.
Ingredients:
1 cup heavy cream
8 oz mascarpone cheese
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups brewed coffee or espresso (cooled)
2 tbsp coffee liqueur (optional, or sub more coffee)
1 pack ladyfinger cookies
Cocoa powder for dusting
Optional: shaved chocolate or chocolate-covered espresso beans for garnish
Instructions:
Whip the heavy cream to soft peaks. In another bowl, mix mascarpone, sugar, and vanilla.
Fold whipped cream into mascarpone until smooth and fluffy.
Mix coffee and liqueur in a shallow bowl. Quickly dip ladyfingers (don’t soak!) and layer in a dish.
Spread half the mascarpone mix, add another layer of dipped cookies, then the rest of the cream.
Dust with cocoa powder. Chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight).
Serve with a cheesy grin and say, “This dessert’s a real pick-me-up—literally!”
🕯 Bonus Atmosphere:
Set out little “Dad Joke” cards for table talk.
Use punny place cards: “You’re Grate,” “You’re One in a Melon,” “Olive You.”
End the night with a toast: “To pasta, puns, and punchlines!”
🎈ELEMENTARY (Grades K–5): “Joke Writers’ Workshop & Laffy-Taffy Talent Show”
📚 Focus: Literacy, Writing Conventions, Speaking & Listening
🍭Activity Overview:
Students become mini comedians by crafting their own kid-friendly jokes using classic joke structures (“What do you call…?”, “Knock knock,” “Why did the…?”). Then, they take center stage in a lighthearted talent show to deliver their best zingers!
🛠️ Materials:
Pre-made Joke Writing Templates (provided below!)
Anchor chart or slide with classic joke structures
Optional: Small mic (real or toy), mini stage area, and laugh sound effects
“Laffy-Taffy” printable certificates for participation 🍬
📋 Step-by-Step:
Warm-Up Wiggles (10 min): Start the day by sharing a few silly jokes. Ask, “What makes a good joke?” and chart student responses.
Joke Structure Mini-Lesson (10 min): Display common joke formats and brainstorm examples as a class.
Joke Drafting Time (20 min): Pass out joke templates. Encourage students to write 2–3 jokes using different formats.
Peer Share + Giggle Check (10 min): Students read their jokes to a partner for feedback—"Does it make sense?" "Is it funny?"
Laffy-Taffy Talent Show (15–20 min): One by one, students take the stage to deliver their favorite joke. Applause encouraged!
Wrap-Up: Pass out joke certificates and reflect: “What makes us laugh together as a class?”
🖨 Printable: Joke Writing Template
Name: _______________________
Joke #1 (Why did the…?)
Why did the ___________________________?
Because _______________________________!
Joke #2 (Knock knock!)
Knock knock!
Who's there? __________________
____________ who? ___________________
Joke #3 (What do you call…?)
What do you call a ______________________?
A _____________________________!
🌟 Quirky Twist:
Create a “Class Joke Book” by collecting everyone's jokes and binding them into a giggle-worthy keepsake for families!
🎤SECONDARY (Grades 6–12): “Stand-Up Study Hall: The Academic Comedy Challenge”
🧠 Focus: Public Speaking, Humor Writing, SEL, Content Review
🎭 Activity Overview:
Students turn classroom content into comedy gold! Working solo or in pairs, they’ll write short stand-up routines using school subjects (math, science, English, history, etc.) as inspiration—then perform for their peers.
🛠️ Materials:
Laptops or paper for script writing
Examples of school-appropriate comedians or humorous TED Talks (optional: Flula Borg, Brian Regan, Kid President)
“Academic Comedy Challenge” entry slips
Optional: Spotlight lamp, mic, or laughter soundtrack
📋 Step-by-Step:
Kickoff Clip (5–10 min): Show a short, clean clip of a funny comedian riffing on school or life.
Brainstorming Prompt (10 min): “What’s something funny, frustrating, or weird about [insert subject]?”
Write It Out (20–25 min): Students write a 1–2 minute comedy bit that blends humor with school content.
Example: A geometry roast (“Parallel lines have so much in common... it’s a shame they’ll never meet.”)
Peer Review & Punch-Ups (10 min): Pairs trade scripts to offer friendly edits or add punchlines.
Stand-Up Study Hall (30 min): Perform routines in front of the class! Keep it light and respectful.
Vote & Reflect: Applaud all acts, then vote on “Funniest Fact,” “Best Academic Burn,” and “Most Unexpected Angle.”
🌟 Quirky Twist:
Create a classroom “Comedy Wall of Fame” with quotes from student performances! Add drawings, props, or doodles to make it pop. 🎨✨
🎁 BONUS IDEA (All Grades):
"Joke Jar of the Day" 📜
Invite students to write clean jokes on slips of paper and drop them into a decorated jar. Pick one to start each day for the rest of the week—instant smiles! 😄
🎭 Quirky in the Workplace
"The Office Joke Hotline" (But It’s Just a Phone in the Supply Closet)
Set up a landline phone (or any phone-looking thing—someone’s old Nokia will do) in a quiet corner, label it “The Joke Hotline,” and invite coworkers to call in and leave their best (or worst) jokes throughout the day.
At the end of the workday, host a dramatic live reading of the top submissions over the office speaker system, in full late-night-radio-host voice. Think: velvet tones, dimmed lights, and far too much emotional investment in a knock-knock joke about spreadsheets.
Optional add-ons:
Award categories: Most Unhinged Pun, Dad Joke Supreme, HR-Adjacent But Still Safe
Tiny trophy made from paper clips, googly eyes, and existential dread
A laugh track button someone’s allowed to abuse
Tagline for the day:
“Tell a Joke Day: Because we all need a break from pretending we understood that meeting.”
🎬 Movie Pick: The Hangover (2009)
Why it fits:
This modern classic comedy delivers joke after joke with perfect timing and absurdity. A bachelor party gone completely off the rails in Las Vegas becomes a hilarious mystery, packed with outrageous characters, one-liners, and unforgettable punchlines. It’s ideal for a day dedicated to laughter.
📺 TV Episode Pick: Brooklyn Nine-Nine – “The Vulture” (Season 1, Episode 5)
Why it fits:
This episode showcases the show's signature blend of clever writing, physical comedy, and whip-smart banter. Detective Jake Peralta’s antics clash with a smug rival from Major Crimes ("The Vulture"), resulting in a series of hilarious schemes and running jokes—perfect for honoring Tell a Joke Day.
🧠 Need a Joke to Start With? Here You Go:
Why don’t skeletons fight each other?
They don’t have the guts. 💀
You're welcome.
So Go Forth and Be Ridiculous
Laughter lowers blood pressure, boosts your immune system, and makes you 73% more tolerable at family reunions.* So on August 16, let your inner goofball run wild. Life’s serious enough the other 364 days—this one is made for punchlines, pratfalls, and puns so bad they loop back around to brilliant.
(*OK, that stat is made up. But admit it—it sounded legit.)
📢 Hashtag and Tell:
#TellAJokeDay
#DadJokeOlympics
#LOLIRL
#PunAndGames
#GroanWorthyGoodness
#QuirkyAndProud
