NICKELODEON DECLARES JULY 14 “SPONGEBOB DAY”
First Annual Global Celebration Brings Bikini Bottom to Fans Everywhere;
Tom Kenny to Host Event on TikTok Live
Share It: @SpongeBob #SpongeBobDay #SpongeBob
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| Courtesy of Nickelodeon |
06/30/2026
Nickelodeon today declared July 14 “SpongeBob Day,” an annual global celebration honoring the enduring cultural impact of SpongeBob SquarePants and the generations of fans that have made the franchise a worldwide phenomenon. Timed to coincide with SpongeBob SquarePants’ birthday within the animated series, the inaugural “SpongeBob Day” will feature a cross-platform slate of activations designed to bring the world of Bikini Bottom to audiences of all ages everywhere.
“SpongeBob Day” highlights include:
- Tom Kenny (voice of SpongeBob SquarePants) will host an event on TikTok Live for the first time on Tuesday, July 14, at 6:00 PM (ET), with behind-the-scenes commentary, three never-before-seen alternate endings of the classic episode “Shanghaied,” first looks at upcoming specials (hour-long SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS “Merry Christmas, Mr. Plankton” and THE PATRICK STAR SHOW Halloween episode “Scary Tales”), new exclusive toy reveals and additional surprises.
- The Patrick Star Official YouTube channel launches July 14 with clips, shorts, compilations and live streams spotlighting characters from THE PATRICK STAR SHOW and SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS.
- SpongeBob suits up to defend Bikini Bottom for “SpongeBob Day” on Roblox. SpongeBob SquarePants Tower Defense, the #1 top-earning licensed/branded game of all-time and a 2025 Roblox Innovation Award winner for Best Use of IP, drops new in-game content, extending its run of 70+ consecutive weeks of weekly updates (200,000+ peak concurrent users; a top 15 earning experience for 12 months running).
- First-ever music release from THE PATRICK STAR SHOW across all streaming platforms, kicking off with the single “Watch Out for That Rake” on July 9, followed by a full album, Patrick Star Superstar, which will be available for presale beginning July 14.
- Multiplatform programming event featuring fan-favorite episodes on Nickelodeon beginning Tuesday, July 14, at 2:00 PM ET/PT, alongside all-day marathons on Nicktoons and Nick Pluto and a SpongeBob takeover on Nick.com.
- “SpongeBob Day” will be recognized at Nickelodeon’s hotels and attractions, including Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts in Punta Cana and Riviera Maya, and Nickelodeon Universe theme parks at Mall of America and American Dream, among other locations.
- Global markets including Asia, Latin America, Germany and U.K. will celebrate across linear, streaming, digital, social and consumer marketing with localized programming stunts, custom content and region-specific campaigns throughout July.
- On “SpongeBob Day,” every meme will be a SpongeBob meme, with the launch of a marketing activation where SpongeBob crashes the world’s most iconic memes in an internet-wide cultural takeover.
- SpongeBob SquarePants-inspired multi-space activations at The New Children’s Museum in downtown San Diego, beginning July 11, ahead of Comic-Con International: San Diego 2026.
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| Courtesy of Nickelodeon |
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| Courtesy of Nickelodeon |
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| Courtesy of Nickelodeon |
Since its launch on July 17, 1999, SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS has generated a universe of beloved characters, pop culture catchphrases and memes, theatrical releases, consumer products, a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical and a global fan base. SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS is one of the most widely distributed properties in Paramount history, seen in more than 180 markets, translated in 30+ languages and averaging more than 90 million total viewers every quarter. SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS was created by Stephen Hillenburg and produced by Nickelodeon in Burbank, Calif. The character-driven cartoon chronicles the nautical and sometimes nonsensical adventures of SpongeBob, an incurable optimist and earnest sea sponge, and his undersea friends.
Nickelodeon, now in its 47th year, is the #1 entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The brand includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, digital, location-based experiences, publishing and feature films. For more information, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon is a division of Paramount, a Skydance Corporation (Nasdaq: PSKY).
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Three Never-Before-Seen “Shanghaied” Endings:
- SpongeBob wishes that the Flying Dutchman was already full, so he turns SpongeBob, Patrick and Squidward into beverages;
- Patrick keeps wishing for one wish more;
- Squidward wishes to get home for good, however, the Flying Dutchman transports his home into his stomache.
Tom Kenny also revealed that SpongeBob will be in the 100th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!
From the official Paramount newsroom:
Jul 14, 2026 | Content Strategy
Nickelodeon Launches the First-Ever SpongeBob Day
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| Courtesy of Paramount |
After more than 25 years of making audiences laugh, inspiring countless memes and becoming one of the most recognizable characters in entertainment, SpongeBob SquarePants is getting something entirely new: his own annual day of celebration.
On July 14, Nickelodeon will celebrate the inaugural SpongeBob Day, a global, cross-platform event that transforms SpongeBob's birthday within the series into a worldwide celebration of one of Paramount's most enduring franchises.
What began in 1999 as the story of an optimistic sea sponge living in a pineapple under the sea has grown into a global phenomenon spanning television, streaming, consumer products, gaming, music, live experiences and social media. Today, SpongeBob SquarePants reaches audiences in more than 180 markets, is translated into more than 30 languages and continues to entertain an average of more than 90 million viewers every quarter.
"SpongeBob Day felt like a great way to celebrate the incredible fandom that has captivated generations of fans for over 25 years," said Angie Sharma, SVP, Head of Global Franchise Management. "What makes SpongeBob special is its universal appeal, but that can manifest across so many different lines of business. SpongeBob Day is an opportunity to unite all of that energy in one day, to really harness the power of our favorite Sponge."
For Sharma and her team, the celebration is about more than marking SpongeBob's birthday, it's about recognizing the franchise's extraordinary staying power and the fans who have embraced it for generations.
"Few properties can claim genuine multigenerational fandom the way SpongeBob can. He's a first watch for kids and a lifelong love for the adults who grew with him," Sharma said. "Awareness of SpongeBob has never wavered, but for our team, committing to that awareness was the real goal."
The celebration was designed to meet fans wherever they are. The festivities begin with Tom Kenny, the iconic voice of SpongeBob, hosting his first-ever event on TikTok Live. Fans will get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of the series, watch three never-before-seen alternate endings of the classic episode "Shanghaied," preview upcoming specials—including Merry Christmas, Mr. Plankton and a new The Patrick Star Show Halloween episode—and catch exclusive toy reveals and surprises.
@spongebob SpongeBob Day with Tom Kenny on TikTok Live! Register now to be the first to celebrate with exclusive never-before-seen surprises! #SpongeBobDay ♬ original sound - SpongeBob
Across digital platforms, Patrick Star is stepping into the spotlight with the launch of his official YouTube channel, featuring clips, compilations and livestreams celebrating everyone's favorite starfish. Fans will also hear music from The Patrick Star Show on streaming platforms for the very first time, beginning with the release of the single "Watch Out for That Rake" ahead of the upcoming Patrick Star Superstar album.
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| Courtesy of Paramount |
Gamers can jump back into Bikini Bottom through SpongeBob SquarePants Tower Defense on Roblox, one of the platform's most successful branded experiences, which will debut new in-game content as part of the celebration.
On television and streaming, Nickelodeon will air fan-favorite episodes throughout the day, joined by all-day marathons on Nicktoons and Nick Pluto and a SpongeBob takeover of Nick.com.
Beyond the screen, the celebration extends to Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts, Nickelodeon Universe theme parks and attractions around the world. Fans can also explore SpongeBob Land at the newly opened Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas, where Bikini Bottom comes to life through immersive attractions and play experiences designed especially for young fans, as well as SpongeBob-inspired installations at The New Children's Museum in San Diego ahead of Comic-Con International.
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| SpongeBob Land at the newly opened Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas |
The celebration is global. Teams across Asia, Latin America, Germany, the United Kingdom and other international markets are bringing SpongeBob Day to life through localized programming, digital campaigns, consumer marketing and custom content throughout July. Even social media is joining the festivities, with a playful campaign that inserts SpongeBob into some of the internet's most recognizable memes. A fitting tribute to a character who has become one of pop culture's most enduring online personalities.
SpongeBob Day is also creating unforgettable memories for fans in a more personal way. Through Paramount’s ongoing commitment to helping fulfill wishes with Make-A-Wish, 15-year-old Kaiden—who shares SpongeBob's July 14 birthday—was treated to a once-in-a-lifetime celebration on the Paramount Lot. Before arriving, Kaiden received a special audio message from SpongeBob welcoming her to the festivities. She and her family then toured the studio, saw her name displayed on the Paramount marquee, enjoyed lunch in a Bikini Bottom-themed private dining room and received SpongeBob-inspired gifts before celebrating with birthday cupcakes. It was a fitting reminder that, beyond the global campaigns, SpongeBob's greatest impact has always been the joy he brings to fans.
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| Kaiden and family on the Paramount Studios Lot | Photo courtesy of Paramount |
SpongeBob Day gives audiences around the world an annual moment to celebrate the joy, humor and optimism that have made the franchise a lasting part of popular culture. For a character who has spent more than two decades reminding us that imagination, friendship and positivity never go out of style, having an annual day of his own feels long overdue.
Watch the SpongeBob SquarePants Universe, including Kamp Koral: SpongeBob's Under Years and The Patrick Star Show on Nickelodeon and Paramount+! Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com.
Shop SpongeBob: https://www.paramountshop.com/pages/spongebobsquarepants
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CALLING ALL GOOFY GOOBERS! (ROCK!) Are ya ready for a deep dive into the world of SpongeBob SquarePants? The SpongeBob YouTube channel is THE PLACE for all fan-favorite SpongeBob moments! Subscribe now at https://www.youtube.com/SpongeBobOfficial!
CALLING ALL GOOFY GOOBERS! (ROCK!) Are ya ready for a deep dive into the world of SpongeBob SquarePants? The SpongeBob YouTube channel is THE PLACE for all fan-favorite SpongeBob moments! Subscribe now at https://www.youtube.com/SpongeBobOfficial!
SpongeBob Big Guy Pants Okay.
Originally published: June 30, 2026 at 23:07 BST.
H/T: Variety, Billboard, San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog, KYMA, special thanks to @royalsmurf2023 for the news!
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