28 fun facts for July, 13

Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
<< July, 12
July, 14 >>
Summary
July 13th holds celebrations of National French Fry Day, International Rock Day, and numerous noteworthy events, such as the Live Aid concert in 1985, the unveiling of the Hollywood sign in 1923, and the release of Prince's "Purple Rain" in 1984. The day also marks the birth and death of several famous individuals including Harrison Ford, Cory Monteith, and Frida Kahlo's marriage to Diego Rivera.
28 Fun facts
  1. National French Fry Day: Celebrated annually on July 13th, National French Fry Day praises the crispy, golden treat that is enjoyed worldwide as a favorite side dish with various toppings.
  2. In 1863, the New York City Draft Riots occurred on this day, due to discontent with new laws passed by Congress to draft men to fight in the Civil War. This remains one of the largest civil insurrections in American history.
  3. International Rock Day: Not to be confused with Rock 'n Roll, International Rock Day (July 13th) celebrates the appreciation and collection of rocks, minerals, and geological phenomena.
  4. In 1985, the Live Aid concert was held on this day. Music legends like Queen, U2, and Led Zeppelin participated in this epic fundraising effort, simultaneously held at London's Wembley Stadium and Philadelphia's JFK Stadium, to raise money for Ethiopian famine relief.
  5. On July 13, 1923, the iconic Hollywood sign in Los Angeles was officially dedicated. Originally created as an advertisement for a local real estate development, the sign soon became synonymous with the American entertainment industry.
  6. In 1942, Harrison Ford was born on this day. The iconic actor is best known for his roles in the Indiana Jones and Star Wars film franchises.
  7. In 2013, "Glee" actor Cory Monteith tragically passed away on this day at the age of 31.
  8. On July 13, 1928, legendary Mexican painter Frida Kahlo married fellow artist Diego Rivera. Their tumultuous union lasted until her death in 1954.
  9. In 1984, "Purple Rain" – Prince and the Revolution's hit song – was released. This track became one of Prince's most famous songs and served as the title for the film starring the musician himself.
  10. On July 13, 1960, Massachusetts Senator John F. Kennedy was nominated for US president by the Democratic National Convention. Later that year, he would win the election and become the youngest man ever elected to the office.
  11. In 1990, the romantic drama film "Ghost" was released, starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg. The movie was a massive success, both critically and financially.
  12. On this day in 1957, American composer and conductor Benjamin Cutter premiered his Intermezzo for String Orchestra.
  13. In 1985, British composer Steve Martland premiered his piece "Babi Yar" in London. This momentous work commemorated the Holocaust victims who perished at the Babi Yar ravine.
  14. July 13th marks the birthday of famed inventor, scientist, mathematician, and author Isaac B. Singer, known for his major contributions to the sewing machine and its modernization.
  15. In 2018, British cave divers rescued the remaining members of a Thai soccer team and their coach after spending over two weeks trapped in a flooded cave system.
  16. On July 13, 1974, Eric Clapton's hit song, "I Shot the Sheriff," was released. Originally written and recorded by Bob Marley and the Wailers, Clapton's version reached No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
  17. In 1968, the legendary rock band Steppenwolf released their hit song "Born To Be Wild." The song would later be used in classic road movie "Easy Rider."
  18. On this day in 1983, British pop singer Sonia was born. She rose to fame as one of the United Kingdom's most successful female solo acts in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
  19. On July 13, 1994, American singer-songwriter and guitarist Dave Matthews Band released their debut studio album, "Under the Table and Dreaming."
  20. In 1973, Queen, the legendary British rock band, released their debut album.
  21. On July 13, 1939, acclaimed American actor and filmmaker David Swift was born. He is best known for his work on films like "The Parent Trap" (1961) and "Pollyanna" (1960).
  22. In 1996, British rock band Oasis played at Knebworth, Hertfordshire. This was the largest two consecutive days audience in UK history, with 250,000 fans attending.
  23. On this day in 1952, retired East German Major Erich Mielke confessed to killing two police officers in 1931. Mielke was later the first East German Minister of State Security.
  24. On July 13, 2001, Beijing was awarded the 2008 Summer Olympics, beating out rival cities like Toronto and Paris.
  25. In 1969, American baseball player Ken Griffey Jr. was born. Widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time, Griffey was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016.
  26. On July 13, 1793, French revolutionary Jean-Paul Marat was assassinated by Charlotte Corday. His death would later become a symbol of sacrifice in the French Revolution.
  27. In 2011, South Sudan gained independence from Sudan, becoming the youngest country in the world.
  28. On this day in 1865, American civil rights activist Sarah E. Goode became the first African-American woman to be granted a United States patent for her invention of the folding cabinet bed.

Browse all the fun facts per month