The National Days in May consist of Mother’s Day, Armed Forces Day, Military Spouse Appreciation Day, Cinco de Mayo, Star Wars Day, Africa Day, National Nurses Day, World Asthma Day, and the solemn observance of Memorial Day
May stands out as a powerful month of honor, gratitude, and deep civic reflection, largely defined by its commitment to military remembrance and public well-being.
Under the banner of National Military Appreciation Month, the calendar pays tribute to service members through milestones like Armed Forces Day, Military Spouse Appreciation Day, and the solemn observance of Memorial Day, which unites the nation in remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Alongside these military tributes, May places a major emphasis on emotional and physical health through Mental Health Awareness Month, providing vital space to break social stigmas, encourage open dialogue, and promote holistic care alongside health recognitions like National Nurses Day and World Asthma Day.
Interwoven with these reflective observances is a vibrant tapestry of cultural heritage, spring celebration, and community connection.
The month proudly highlights Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, celebrating the profound historical and social contributions of AANHPI communities, while festive dates like Cinco de Mayo and Africa Day spotlight global unity and cultural traditions.
Mother’s Day and International Day of Families anchor the month’s focus on personal relationships, while playful pop-culture favorites like Star Wars Day (“May the Fourth be with you”) and culinary kickoff events like National Barbecue Month and National Hamburger Day capture the welcoming energy of early summer.
May carries one federal holiday and the widest span of authorities of any month — a 1992 act of Congress, a 1963 presidential meeting, and a 1949 charity campaign all sit side by side.
Table of Contents
National days in May 2027
| Date | National & International Days Observed |
| May 1 | International Workers’ Day (May Day), National Law Day, School Principals’ Day, National Mother Goose Day, Silver Star Service Banner Day, Global Love Day |
| May 2 | National Life Insurance Day, World Tuna Day, National Truffle Day, National Play Your Ukulele Day, International Harry Potter Day |
| May 3 | World Press Freedom Day, National Two Different Colored Shoes Day, National Paranormal Day, National Garden Meditation Day, National Chocolate Custard Day |
| May 4 | Star Wars Day (“May the Fourth Be With You”), International Firefighters’ Day, National Orange Juice Day, National Candied Orange Peel Day, Bird Day |
| May 5 | Cinco de Mayo, National Astronaut Day, National Hoagie Day, Cartoonists Day, World Hand Hygiene Day, International Day of the Midwife |
| May 6 | National Nurses Day, National Beverage Day, National Crepe Suzette Day, International No Diet Day |
| May 7 | National Teacher Appreciation Day (first Tuesday), World Asthma Day (first Tuesday), National Roast Leg of Lamb Day, National Tourism Day |
| May 8 | World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, National Coconut Cream Pie Day, National Have a Coke Day, National Student Nurse Day, Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives During the Second World War |
| May 9 | Europe Day, National Lost Sock Memorial Day, National Moscato Day, National Butterscotch Brownie Day, National Sleepover Day |
| May 10 | National Small Business Day, World Lupus Day, National Clean Up Your Room Day, National Shrimp Day, Military Spouse Appreciation Day (Friday before Mother’s Day) |
| May 11 | National Eat What You Want Day, World Fair Trade Day (second Saturday), National Foam Rolling Day, National Twilight Zone Day |
| May 12 | Mother’s Day (second Sunday), International Nurses Day, National Limerick Day, National Nutty Fudge Day, National Odometer Day |
| May 13 | National Apple Pie Day, World Falun Dafa Day, National Fruit Cocktail Day, International Hummus Day, Frog Jumping Day |
| May 14 | National Buttermilk Biscuit Day, National Decatur Day, National Underground America Day, Dance Like a Chicken Day |
| May 15 | International Day of Families, Peace Officers Memorial Day, National Chocolate Chip Day, National Nylon Stocking Day, Bring Someone Smiling Day |
| May 16 | National Love a Tree Day, National Barbecue Day, National Mimosa Day, National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day, International Day of Light |
| May 17 | World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, National Pizza Party Day (third Friday), National Walnut Day, National Pack Rat Day, National Endangered Species Day (third Friday), International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia |
| May 18 | International Museum Day, Armed Forces Day (third Saturday), National Cheese Soufflé Day, National Visit Your Relatives Day, World AIDS Vaccine Day |
| May 19 | World Baking Day, National Devil’s Food Cake Day, National May Ray Day, World IBD Day |
| May 20 | World Bee Day, National Rescue Dog Day, National Quiche Lorraine Day, National Pick Strawberries Day, World Metrology Day |
| May 21 | International Tea Day, World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, National Waitstaff Day, National Strawberries and Cream Day, Talk Like Yoda Day |
| May 22 | International Day for Biological Diversity, National Maritime Day, National Vanilla Pudding Day, National Buy a Musical Instrument Day, World Goth Day |
| May 23 | World Turtle Day, National Lucky Penny Day, National Taffy Day |
| May 24 | National Scavenger Hunt Day, National Brother’s Day, National Escargot Day, Aviation Maintenance Technician Day |
| May 25 | National Wine Day, Africa Day, Geek Pride Day, International Missing Children’s Day, National Tap Dance Day, Towel Day |
| May 26 | World Lindy Hop Day, National Cherry Dessert Day, National Blueberry Cheesecake Day, National Paper Airplane Day |
| May 27 | Memorial Day (last Monday), National Sunscreen Day, National Cellophane Tape Day, National Grape Popsicle Day |
| May 28 | National Hamburger Day, World Hunger Day, National Brisket Day, Menstrual Hygiene Day, Amnesty International Day |
| May 29 | International Day of UN Peacekeepers, National Paperclip Day, National Coq Au Vin Day, National Biscuit Day (UK), Learn About Composting Day |
| May 30 | World MS Day, National Creativity Day, National Mint Julep Day, National Water a Flower Day, National Hole in My Bucket Day |
| May 31 | World No Tobacco Day, National Macaroon Day, National Smile Day, National Save Your Hearing Day, National Autonomous Vehicle Day |
Memorial Day is the only federal holiday in May. In 2027 it falls on May 31, the latest date it can ever occupy.
Note the three military observances in one month and their different meanings: Armed Forces Day honours those currently serving, Memorial Day honours those who died in service, and National Military Appreciation Month covers the whole span.
Below is the complete day-by-day guide to the key national and international days celebrated across May.
May 1: International Workers’ Day / National May Day
Known globally as May Day or Labor Day, this date honors the historic struggles and victories of workers and organized labor movements.
Culturally, it is also celebrated with ancient spring festivals like dancing around the Maypole and exchanging May baskets.
May 2: National Life Insurance Day / World Tuna Day
Commemorates the date in 1759 when life insurance was first purchased in the United States by the Presbyterian Synods.
Globally, the United Nations observes World Tuna Day to underline sustainable fisheries management and ocean conservation.
May 3: World Press Freedom Day / National Two Different Colored Shoes Day
Proclaimed by the UN General Assembly to remind governments of their duty to respect press freedom and to honor journalists who have lost their lives in the pursuit of truth.
On a lighter note, wearing mismatched shoes celebrates individuality and personal expression.
May 4: Star Wars Day / International Firefighters’ Day
Celebrated globally by science fiction fans using the pun “May the Fourth be with you.”
Concurrently, communities wear red and blue ribbons to honor the dedication and sacrifices of career and volunteer firefighters worldwide.
May 5: Cinco de Mayo / National Astronaut Day
Commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, celebrated widely in the U.S. through Mexican-American food, music, and heritage.
It also marks the date in 1961 when Alan Shepard became the first American in space.
May 6: National Nurses Day / National Beverage Day
Kicks off National Nurses Week (concluding on Florence Nightingale’s birthday, May 12), recognizing the dedication and vital healthcare contributions of nursing professionals.
May 7: National Teacher Appreciation Day (First Tuesday) / World Asthma Day
Celebrates educators and mentors for their commitment to guiding students.
Globally, World Asthma Day raises awareness about asthma management, triggers, and equitable access to inhalers and respiratory treatment.
May 8: World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day / National Coconut Cream Pie Day
Honors the humanitarian work of the International Red Cross movement on the birthday of founder Henry Dunant.
For dessert lovers, it honors the rich tropical flavor of coconut cream pie topped with toasted meringue or whipped cream.
May 9: Europe Day / National Lost Sock Memorial Day
Marks the anniversary of the 1950 Schuman Declaration that laid the foundations for the modern European Union, celebrating continental unity and peace.
A quirky household tradition also honors all the stray socks lost to the laundry cycle.
May 10: National Small Business Day / World Lupus Day
Celebrates local entrepreneurs, family-owned shops, and startups driving local economic development.
Globally, World Lupus Day raises funds and awareness for the complex autoimmune disease.
May 11: National Eat What You Want Day / World Fair Trade Day
A guilt-free day encouraging people to set dietary rules aside and indulge in their absolute favorite meals and desserts.
Concurrently, conscious consumers celebrate fair wages and ethical supply chains for global farmers and artisans.
May 12: Mother’s Day (Second Sunday) / International Nurses Day
Proclaimed an official U.S. holiday by Woodrow Wilson in 1914, Mother’s Day honors maternal figures, caregiving, and family love.
It also marks Florence Nightingale’s birthday, capping National Nurses Week.
May 13: National Apple Pie Day / World Falun Dafa Day
Celebrates the dessert synonymous with American culinary tradition, crafted with spiced apples, cinnamon, and flaky butter crust.
May 14: National Decatur Day / National Buttermilk Biscuit Day
Honors naval hero Stephen Decatur’s service during the Barbary Wars. Southern culinary traditions also spotlight the golden, buttery, flaky buttermilk biscuit.
May 15: International Day of Families / Peace Officers Memorial Day
Established by the United Nations to focus on the social, economic, and demographic factors impacting families globally.
In the U.S., flags fly at half-staff to honor police officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
May 16: National Love a Tree Day / National Barbecue Day
Encourages environmental appreciation, urban canopy preservation, and arboriculture during peak spring growth.
It also welcomes warm-weather grilling with slow-cooked brisket, ribs, and regional barbecue sauces.
May 17: World Telecommunication and Information Society Day / National Pizza Party Day
Marks the 1865 founding of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), promoting internet accessibility and digital connectivity.
It also offers coworkers, families, and classrooms an excuse to gather over pizza.
May 18: International Museum Day / Armed Forces Day (Third Saturday)
Organized by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) to highlight cultural institutions as spaces for education and discovery.
In the U.S., Armed Forces Day honors men and women currently serving across all military branches.
May 19: World Baking Day / National Devil’s Food Cake Day
A global celebration encouraging home bakers to prepare fresh breads, pastries, and treats for friends and neighbors, with chocolate lovers spotlighting rich, cocoa-heavy devil’s food cake.
May 20: World Bee Day / National Rescue Dog Day
Designated by the UN on the birthday of modern beekeeping pioneer Anton Janša to spotlight pollinator conservation and ecosystem health.
Concurrently, animal welfare groups advocate for shelter dog adoption.
May 21: International Tea Day / World Day for Cultural Diversity
Celebrates the deep agricultural and cultural traditions of tea cultivation around the world.
The UN also highlights intercultural dialogue, indigenous heritage, and inclusive communities.
May 22: International Day for Biological Diversity / National Maritime Day
Focuses global conservation efforts on reversing habitat loss and protecting plant and animal species.
In the U.S., National Maritime Day commemorates the first transoceanic steamship crossing in 1819, honoring the merchant marine fleet.
May 23: World Turtle Day / National Lucky Penny Day
Created by the American Tortoise Rescue to protect turtles, tortoises, and their disappearing nesting environments worldwide.
A whimsical tradition also encourages picking up pennies found face-up for good luck.
May 24: National Scavenger Hunt Day / National Brother’s Day
Celebrates interactive puzzle hunts and community games, inspired by the birth of legendary party host Elsa Maxwell.
It also honors the bonds, memories, and camaraderie between brothers.
May 25: National Wine Day / Africa Day
Celebrates viticulture and wine appreciation across varieties from crisp Pinot Grigio to bold Cabernet Sauvignon.
Globally, Africa Day marks the 1963 founding of the Organisation of African Unity (now the African Union).
May 26: World Lindy Hop Day / National Cherry Dessert Day
Honors the swing dance style that originated in Harlem, New York, during the late 1920s, celebrated on the birthday of legendary dancer Frankie Manning.
May 27: Memorial Day (Last Monday) / National Sunscreen Day
A solemn U.S. federal holiday commemorating military personnel who died in service to their country.
Tied to the unofficial start of summer, dermatologists also emphasize sun safety and skin cancer prevention.
May 28: National Hamburger Day / World Hunger Day
Celebrates the quintessential American comfort food served with classic toppings, cheddar, and toasted sesame buns.
Globally, The Hunger Project mobilizes awareness and sustainable action to combat food insecurity.
May 29: International Day of UN Peacekeepers / National Paperclip Day
Honors the civilian and military personnel who serve in United Nations peacekeeping operations worldwide.
It also acknowledges the simple yet ingenious stationery invention that revolutionized desk organization.
May 30: World MS Day / National Creativity Day
Unites the global Multiple Sclerosis community to share stories, support patients, and advocate for medical research.
It also inspires writers, designers, and innovators to pursue creative projects.
May 31: World No Tobacco Day / National Macaroon Day
Led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to highlight the severe health risks associated with tobacco consumption and advocate for smoke-free public policies.
Month-Long May Observances
| Observance | Founding Organization / Originator | Year Established | Purpose & Context |
| Mental Health Awareness Month | Mental Health America (MHA) | 1949 | Educates the public, breaks stigma, and advocates for accessible mental health and wellness resources. |
| Asian American, Native Hawaiian, & Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month | US Congress / Signed by President George H.W. Bush | 1990 (expanded 1992) | Honors the history, civil rights advocacy, and cultural contributions of AANHPI communities across the United States. |
| National Military Appreciation Month | US Congress / Sen. John McCain | 1999 | A federally designated month encouraging Americans to recognize and thank active-duty service members and veterans. |
| National Clean Air Month | American Lung Association | 1972 | Raises awareness of air quality issues, respiratory health, and the need to curb harmful carbon and particulate pollution. |
| National Barbecue Month | Meat and grilling associations | ~1980s | Celebrates outdoor grilling culture, family cookouts, and regional smoking techniques as summer begins. |
| National Foster Care Month | Children’s Bureau / US Department of HHS | 1988 | Highlights the needs of children in foster care and encourages foster parenting and community family mentorship. |
Notable Floating Observances in May
- National Teacher Appreciation Day: Tuesday of the first full week in May (Teacher Appreciation Week)
- World Asthma Day: First Tuesday in May
- Military Spouse Appreciation Day: Friday before Mother’s Day
- Mother’s Day: Second Sunday in May
- National Pizza Party Day: Third Friday in May
- National Endangered Species Day: Third Friday in May
- Armed Forces Day: Third Saturday in May
- Memorial Day: Last Monday in May
Why AAPI Heritage Month is in May
The month was chosen for two specific anniversaries, both in May:
- May 7, 1843 — the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States
- May 10, 1869 — the completion of the transcontinental railroad, built largely by Chinese immigrant labour
The observance grew in stages: a week designated in 1978, a single month proclaimed by George H. W. Bush in 1990, and permanent annual designation by legislation he signed on October 23, 1992.
Older Americans Month started with a meeting, not a proclamation
In April 1963, roughly 17 million Americans had reached 65, about a third of them living in poverty, and few programmes existed to serve them.
A meeting between President Kennedy and members of the National Council of Senior Citizens led to May being designated “Senior Citizens Month” (Administration for Community Living).
Carter renamed it Older Americans Month in 1980. Every president since Kennedy has issued a proclamation for it.
Mental Health Awareness Month is not a federal designation
It was established in 1949 by Mental Health America, a charity, and began as a week rather than a month.
It is among the most widely observed campaigns in the country and has no statutory basis, which places it in the same category as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Frequently asked questions
Why is AAPI Heritage Month in May?
Two dated anniversaries. May 7, 1843 marks the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States, and May 10, 1869 marks the completion of the transcontinental railroad, built largely by Chinese immigrant labour. Legislation signed on October 23, 1992 made the month permanent.
Is Mental Health Awareness Month official?
Not in the federal sense. It was established in 1949 by Mental Health America, a charity, and began as a week. It has no statutory designation, though it is very widely observed.
What federal holidays are in May?
One: Memorial Day, on Monday, May 31, 2027. That is the latest date it can fall, since the holiday is fixed to the last Monday in May. Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day and Armed Forces Day are not federal holidays.
