June 6

National Yo-Yo Day

Celebrate National Yo-Yo Day with a dazzling display of tricks and skills! Get creative and show off your best moves for a fun-filled day!

Yearly Date

June 6

Observed in

United States

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate National Yo-Yo Day on June 6! Did you know that yo-yos have been around for centuries? It is believed that the first yo-yo was invented in ancient Greece as a child's toy in 500 B.C. The word "yo-yo" itself comes from an old Philippine language and means "come back." Today, millions of people all over the world can compete in tricks with their favorite toys for this special day!

National Yo-Yo Day Timeline

1789

Yo-Yo in Europe

The yo-yo entered European society when the French became intrigued by the Philippine toy during Napoleon’s time.

1928

Yo-Yo Manufacturing Company

Pedro Flores, a Filipino immigrant in the United States, started the Yo-Yo Manufacturing Company in Santa Barbara, California.

1932

Duncan Yo-Yo Company

Entrepreneur Donald F. Duncan bought Pedro Flores's Yo-Yo Manufacturing Company and renamed it to Duncan Yo-Yo Company.

1965

Invention of the Butterfly Yo-Yo

Duncan released the first butterfly style yo-yo, a design that would become popularized through its use in competitive yo-yoing.

1985

National Yo-Yo Day

National Yo-Yo Day is instituted to be celebrated on June 6, celebrating the birthday of Donald F. Duncan Sr.

2000s

Yo-Yo Renaissance

The early 2000s sees a yo-yo renaissance with advancements in yo-yo technology ushering in a new era of high-performance yo-yos that cater to modern competitive play.

How to Celebrate National Yo-Yo Day

1 Host a yo-yo tournament

Get some friends together and host a yo-yo tournament. You can create different categories and challenges such as long spin time, most reps in one minute, or longest roller coaster. Have fun and get creative with your challenges.

2 Perform a yo-yo trick show

If you’re the type of person who likes to show off their tricks, then this one is for you. Gather an audience, find a suitable venue and perform all your favourite yo-yo tricks.

3 Organize a yo-yo workshop

If you’re an experienced yo-yoer, why not teach others your skills? Organizing a workshop offers the perfect opportunity to share your knowledge with those who may be less experienced.

4 Go to a yo-yo store

Nothing says National YoYo Day like visiting your local yo-yo store. Whether it’s picking up new equipment or just browsing the selection, it’s sure to make for a great day out.

5 Create a yo-yo video

Show off your moves by recording yourself performing some of your best tricks and upload the video on YouTube or any other social media platform.

Why We Love National Yo-Yo Day

Yo-yos are fun

Yo-yos offer a great way to bring some fun into your day. Everyone loves practicing tricks, or just playing around with a yo-yo - it's a great way to take a break from the stresses of everyday life. Plus, you can even compete in tournaments for a chance to win prizes!

Yo-Yos Offer Creative Expression

From paints and clay to music and dance, creative expression is a great outlet for youngsters and adults alike. With so many different types of yo-yos available, anyone can find one that speaks to their individual style and use it as an extension of their creativity.

Yo-Yos Promote Hand/Eye Coordination

Using a yo-yo to perform tricks or keep it spinning requires precise hand and eye coordination. It takes practice and patience but perfecting each move is extremely satisfying! Yo-yos are great tools for kids and adults alike to work on fine motor skills, dexterity and precision.