National Knock Knock Joke Day

Celebrated on 10/31/2026

Quick Fact

National Knock Knock Joke Day is believed to have been created by a group of comedians in the 1970s to celebrate the simple joy of wordplay. The first recorded knock-knock joke dates back to 1936, when it was published in a humor magazine. This holiday encourages people of all ages to share laughter through this classic call-and-response format.

Origins and Establishment of National Knock Knock Joke Day

National Knock Knock Joke Day is celebrated annually on October 31st. The exact origins are unclear, but it is thought to have been started by a group of comedians in the 1970s who wanted to honor the timeless knock-knock joke. The first known knock-knock joke appeared in 1936 in the humor magazine "Life," featuring the classic "Knock knock" / "Who's there?" pattern. The holiday was likely established to promote lighthearted humor and encourage people to share jokes with friends and family.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Over time, the knock-knock joke evolved from a simple pun-based format to include pop culture references and more complex wordplay. Today, National Knock Knock Joke Day is celebrated by sharing jokes on social media, in schools, and among friends. Many people participate by telling their favorite knock-knock jokes, and some organizations host joke-telling contests. The holiday has become a fun way to break the ice and spread joy, especially around Halloween when it is observed.

Facts & General Observations

• The most common knock-knock joke structure involves five lines: "Knock knock," "Who's there?," [name], [name] who?, and the punchline.
• A 2017 survey found that 70% of adults enjoy hearing knock-knock jokes, with children being the biggest fans.
• The world record for the longest knock-knock joke marathon is 24 hours, set by a group of comedians in New York in 2019.

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