Foursquare Day: Celebrating Location-Based Social Networking

Foursquare Day is a unique holiday that celebrates the popular location-based social networking app, Foursquare. It’s a day for users to come together, check in at various locations, and participate in community events.

Quick Facts

  • When is it?: April 16th
  • Tagged as: Social media holiday
  • What’s the hashtag?: #4sqDay
  • When was it founded?: 2010
  • Who founded it?: Nathan Bonilla-Warford

History of Foursquare Day

Foursquare Day originated in Tampa, Florida, when Nathan Bonilla-Warford, an optometrist and number enthusiast, came up with the idea. The date April 16 (4/16) was chosen because four squared equals 16. The concept quickly gained traction, and Foursquare officially announced the celebration on Twitter on March 26, 2009.

Timeline

2009: Foursquare app launches as an exploration platform for local businesses
2010: Nathan Bonilla-Warford proposes the idea of Foursquare Day
2011: New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg officially proclaims April 16 as “Foursquare Day”
2012: The holiday is celebrated in over 100 cities worldwide
2013: Foursquare divides its platform into two segments: social network and discovery & review platform
2019: Foursquare City Guide is rated the best app for travel trips

Foursquare Day Dates

YearMonth and DateDay
2025April 16Wednesday
2026April 16Thursday
2027April 16Friday
2028April 16Sunday
2029April 16Monday
2030April 16Tuesday

Observed Foursquare Day

Foursquare Day is celebrated globally by millions of users. People participate by checking in at various locations using the Foursquare app, attending local events, and connecting with other users in their area.

Many businesses offer special promotions or discounts to Foursquare users on this day, encouraging more check-ins and engagement. Some cities organize scavenger hunts or other location-based activities to make the celebration more interactive and fun.

The day also serves as an opportunity for Foursquare to showcase new features and engage with its user base. It’s a time for the community to come together and celebrate the app that has changed how people explore and share their experiences in different locations.

Fun Facts About Foursquare Day

  • The first Foursquare Day in 2010 saw 550,000 check-ins and 20,000 new user sign-ups
  • Some cities have officially recognized Foursquare Day as a local holiday
  • Foursquare provides swag packs for various events, including stickers, buttons, and shirts
  • The holiday is often referred to as the first “global social media holiday”
  • Foursquare staff members attend meetups in New York, San Francisco, and London to celebrate with users

Quiz

  1. In which year was Foursquare Day first celebrated?
  2. What is the significance of the date April 16 for Foursquare Day?
  3. Who came up with the idea for Foursquare Day?
  4. Which city’s mayor first officially proclaimed April 16 as “Foursquare Day”?
  5. What is the official hashtag for Foursquare Day?

(Answers: 1. 2010, 2. Four squared equals 16, 3. Nathan Bonilla-Warford, 4. New York City, 5. #4sqDay)

FAQs

What is Foursquare?
Foursquare is a local search and discovery app that helps users find and share information about places and businesses in their area.

How can I participate in Foursquare Day?
You can participate by checking in at various locations using the Foursquare app, attending local events, and using the hashtag #4sqDay on social media.

Are there any special rewards for participating in Foursquare Day?
Many businesses offer special promotions or discounts to Foursquare users on this day, but rewards may vary by location and year.

Is Foursquare Day only for active Foursquare users?
While it’s primarily celebrated by Foursquare users, anyone can participate by downloading the app and joining the community on that day.

How has Foursquare Day evolved since its inception?
The holiday has grown from a simple check-in day to include various events, parties, and even official recognition in some cities.

Importance of Foursquare Day

Foursquare Day plays a significant role in bringing together the global community of location-based social media users. It encourages people to explore their local areas, discover new businesses, and connect with others who share similar interests.

For businesses, Foursquare Day presents an opportunity to engage with customers and increase foot traffic through special promotions. It’s a day that highlights the power of location-based marketing and the impact of social media on consumer behavior.

From a technological perspective, Foursquare Day showcases the evolution of location-based services and how they’ve become an integral part of our daily lives. It celebrates innovation in social networking and the way technology has changed how we interact with our surroundings.

Related

  • Social Media Day
  • Geolocation Technology Day
  • Local Business Appreciation Day
  • Digital Marketing Day
  • Community Engagement Day