The Hangout: Papa was a Rollin Stone
Father's Day in the U.S. (and here at home) rolls around every third Sunday in June—a time to high-five dads everywhere and say, 'Thanks for everything!' But have you ever wondered how this day came about?
Well, grab your time machine, because we're heading back to ancient Babylon—yes, over 4,000 years ago. There, a son named Elmesu carved a heartfelt message to his dad on a clay tablet, wishing him a long and happy life. Fast-forward to the early 1900s in the U.S., and we meet the real MVP of Father's Day: Sonora Smart Dodd.
Sonora, from Spokane, Washington, had a pretty amazing dad—William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran who raised six kids all on his own after his wife sadly passed away during childbirth. One Sunday in 1909, while sitting through a Mother's Day sermon, Sonora had the very brightest idea: 'Hey, shouldn't fathers get some love too?' And just like that, the spark for Father's Day was lit.
Despite a few chuckles and skeptics, Sonora was determined. She rallied local churches and the YMCA, and on June 19, 1910, Spokane celebrated the very first Father's Day. Sonora had hoped it would land on her dad's birthday, but they went with the third Sunday in June—and the tradition stuck!
Presidents took notice too. Calvin Coolidge gave a thumbs-up in 1924, Lyndon B. Johnson made it official with a proclamation in 1966, and in 1972, President Richard Nixon signed it into law.
While it began as a heartfelt, faith-rooted occasion, today Father's Day comes with cards, braais, socks, maybe some vinyl, and of course '#1 Dad' mugs. Some people wear red roses to honor living dads or white ones in memory of those who've passed. And let's not forget all the other father figures—granddads, uncles, stepdads—who get celebrated too.
Fun fact: Roman Catholics also honor dads on March 19, the feast day of St. Joseph, Jesus's earthly father.
So whether you're calling your dad, remembering him or just soaking in some dad jokes, now you know the touching story behind the day. Happy Father's Day to all the heroes in dad-mode out there!
Here are a few ideas if you wanna take dad out on the town.
*If your dad still rocks his band tees, has opinions about real punk, and maybe even taught you how to ollie, then Punk is Dad is where you need to be this Father's Day! Grab your old man, your skateboards, and your rebellious spirit and head over for a wild celebration of fatherhood, youth, skate culture, and pure punk rock energy. Expect a killer lineup featuring Half Price from Cape Town (don't miss their last Joburg show until 2027!), The Non-Fiction from Durban, plus local legends Lefokolodi, Aura Electric, and The Dookies.
There'll be band merch, an open skate sesh to shred it out, and even a dads-only circle pit competition that's gonna be as chaotic as it is heartwarming. Tickets range from R80–R120 on Quicket and it's an all-ages gig—kids under 12 get in free (as long as they bring a grown-up). It's the perfect place to show your punk dad some loud love and make this Father's Day one for the books!
Catch this action at 011 Skatepark, 420 Homestead Road, Edenvale.
* Hailing from Pretoria, Georgetown is a toe-tapping, heartwarming, multi-instrumental Blue Billy Folk Pop band that's been making waves since 2014. Made up of the wildly talented Michael de Villiers, Renaldo van Dyk, Rynier Prins, and Tiaan Erasmus, these four musical storytellers have taken their unique sound to stages, theatres, and towns far and wide.
Blending the soulful roots of Southern Africa with classic folk and pop vibes, Georgetown creates a one-of-a-kind musical journey. Their secret sauce? An eclectic mix of instruments—think acoustic guitar, upright bass, piano, mandolin, harmonica, clarinet, saxophone, a washboard, and a 1935 suitcase (yes, really).
They're one of my favourite bands to watch live and the perfect band to take dad to watch on Daddy's Day. Listen out for their magic rendition of a classic ELO tune! It's brilliant.
They're live at The Troyeville Hotel in Joburg on Sunday 15 June. The show starts at 2pm but go through at midday for a delish lunch.
More info and tickets at www.thetroyeville.co.za
* Treat dad to making memories that last with a full day of nostalgia, horsepower, and timeless charm at the Annual Vintage Car & Bike Show and Vintage Décor & Gift Market! Happening on 16 June at Irene Village Mall, this all-day celebration is the ultimate outing for dads, families, and vintage lovers alike. Explore a stunning lineup of classic cars and bikes, browse South Africa's biggest vintage and collectables market, and soak up the lively vibes with tasty food, live music, retro fashion, and family-friendly fun. Whether you're snapping photies, hunting for hidden treasures, or just enjoying a fun day out, it's the perfect way to celebrate Dad in unforgettable style.
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