National Cheesesteak Day 2026: Where to get deals and free sandwiches—plus, a unique surprise at the Philadelphia airport

A giant cheesesteak running through multiple terminals at the Philadelphia airport might not solve the world’s problems, but it will make people smile. It’s National Cheesesteak Day, after all, so a little joy is necessary.

In honor of this unique day, here’s some history on this lesser-known holiday. We even threw in some ideas on how to celebrate and make Rocky Balboa proud.

Brief history of the Philly cheesesteak

The cheesesteak is an American invention that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.