We’ve been saying it for years: every Friday is a Friday fish fry day in Wisconsin, but there can only be one official Friday Fish Fry Day. And guess what? Today’s that day!
Yes, for the third year in a row, Gov. Tony Evers had issued a proclamation for an official Friday Fish Fry Day. This year’s big day is February 20, 2026. Happy Friday Fish Fry Day, Wisconsin!
“WHEREAS, today, the state of Wisconsin joins fish fry enthusiasts across the state in celebrating this cherished Friday night tradition,” reads the proclamation. “NOW, THEREFORE, I, Tony Evers, Governor of the State of Wisconsin, do hereby proclaim February 20, 2026, as FRIDAY FISH FRY DAY throughout the State of Wisconsin, and I commend this observance to all our state’s residents.”
What genius do we have to thank for Friday Fish Fry Day? That would be none other than Milwaukee Record fish fry columnist Caleb Westphal. Westphal created the holiday in 2021. It’s since been officially recognized by the City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and the State of Wisconsin. Oh, and Caleb hasn’t missed a Friday fish fry since 2013, and today he’ll celebrate his 634th Friday fish fry in a row! Keep up with his “Enjoy Every Fish Fry” adventures HERE!
“Friday nights are for coming together with family and friends and enjoying a fish fry, and that’s what Friday Fish Fry Day is about as well,” Westphal explains on the Friday Fish Fry Day website. “Head out to a restaurant, tavern, or supper club with your loved ones! You could also pick up a fish fry from a local establishment to eat at home, or even make your own fish fry. Make sure to share a photo of your fish fry on social media along with the name of the place you got it from and the hashtag #FridayFishFryDay!”
But there’s more to the deep-fried holiday than just eating fish at a wood paneled bar/restaurant. Though there’s no public event this year, Westphal is asking folks to use the day to help folks in need.
“Since Friday Fish Fry Day is a celebration of food, it is also an ideal day to support those who face food insecurity, who might not have ready access to not only fish frys, but everyday food staples,” Westphal says. “During some celebrations, Friday Fish Fry Day has partnered with organizations that work to eradicate hunger, such as Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin and Interchange Food Pantry. Another way to celebrate Friday Fish Fry Day besides eating a fish fry is by donating in the name of the holiday to these and other organizations that work to eradicate hunger.”
Damn straight. Thanks, Caleb, for creating Friday Fish Fry Day, and thanks, Gov. Evers, for making it official. As for us? We’ll have the cod. Or maybe the walleye. Perch? Yeah, let’s try the perch this week.
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