May 16 Holidays

National Barbecue Day

From hot dogs and hamburgers to pineapple and vegetables, there’s something for everyone at a barbecue. Gather your friends and family and get grilling.

• Australia
• Canada
• South Africa
• +2and 2 more

National Learn To Swim Day

Teach your kids to swim, or sign up for lessons yourself. It’s good for your health, and may save your life or the life of another from drowning someday.

• United States

National Mimosa Day

Sip on sunshine in a glass with a bubbly, citrusy Mimosa! Perfect for brunch or any celebration, this delightful drink brings a pop of fun to any gathering. Cheers to good times and good company!

• United States

National Sea Monkey Day

Sea monkeys, a type of brine shrimp, make a popular children’s pet that you can order, hatch, and raise at home, which helps kids learn responsibility.

• Canada
• United Kingdom
• United States

Drawing Day

Break out your pencils, pens, crayons and create something, and support charities that ensure that children around the world have that same chance.

• Japan
• United Kingdom
• United States

Plant a Lemon Tree Day

Lemon trees are good for the environment, and incredibly useful. Make lemonade, salad dressing, cocktails and more. Just plant a lemon tree and reap the benefits.

• India
• Italy
• Spain
• +1and 1 more

National Love a Tree Day

Did you know that trees provide countless benefits to both nature and people? On National Love a Tree Day, the spotlight lands on those quiet giants that make neighborhoods more livable, landscapes more resilient, and everyday life a little calmer. Trees do a lot of their best work without fanfare. Their...

• Australia
• Canada
• United Kingdom
• +1and 1 more

World Fiddle Day

Schedule a lesson or find a performance to enjoy one of the classic instruments of the working class, the fiddle. Or sit down to watch Fiddler on the Roof!

• Canada
• Ireland
• United States

International Boys’ Day

Embracing the uniqueness of boyhood, cherishing strengths, and celebrating the joy in every spirited moment of life.

• Australia
• Canada
• United Kingdom
• +1and 1 more

US Armed Forces Day

Armed Forces Day might be the best occasion to honor America’s finest men and women. But it’s bigger than just a day for Americans to pay homage to those serving in the Armed Forces. It is also a time of national pride. And it’s a day for appreciating the bravery...

• United States

World Whisky Day

Mix up a whisky sour, or pour your favorite whisky over some ice and enjoy. Gather some friends together to try out different brands and cocktails.

• Canada
• Ireland
• Japan
• +2and 2 more

National Piercing Day

With a variety of styles and colors, adding a touch of sparkle to your look has never been easier—express yourself with the perfect accessory.

• Australia
• Canada
• United Kingdom
• +1and 1 more

Horse Rescue Day

Supporting equine welfare, contributing to the care and rehabilitation of horses in need, fostering a brighter future for them.

• Australia
• Canada
• United Kingdom
• +1and 1 more

National Biographers Day

Biographers keep histories of important figures, often digging deep into their pasts to keep that part of history alive. Read about some popular biographers.

• Canada
• United Kingdom
• United States

National Coquilles Saint Jacques Day

National Coquilles Saint Jacques Day celebrates one of the most elegant and beloved dishes in French cuisine, a baked scallop classic that feels equal parts comfort food and special-occasion splendor. This day honors not only the dish itself but also the careful, time-tested habits that make French cooking so satisfying: good...

• United States

International Day of Living Together in Peace

Every year, the world celebrates the International Day of Living Together in Peace. This special day is about embracing our differences and coming together in unity and harmony. It's a day where we focus on listening, recognizing, and appreciating others. The aim is to build a sustainable world filled with peace...

• Australia
• Canada
• France
• +2and 2 more

National River Cleanup Day

National River Cleanup Day is all about rolling up sleeves and giving rivers a fresh start. It invites people to trade scrolling for strolling, head to the water’s edge, and do something wonderfully practical: remove the stuff that never belonged there in the first place. Gloves go on, bags open...

• United States

National Waiters Day

Did you know that the waitstaff plays a crucial role in our dining experiences? Waiters Day celebrates these hardworking professionals. It illuminates the dedication and skill required to deliver top-notch service in busy restaurants. It's a chance to appreciate the effort it takes to manage orders, remember details, and ensure each...

• Australia
• Canada
• United Kingdom
• +1and 1 more

International Day of Light

Harnessing light's prowess, unlocking technological marvels that redefine possibilities and propel innovation into an enlightened future.

• China
• France
• India
• +2and 2 more

Wear Purple for Peace Day

Wear Purple for Peace Day invites people to do something wonderfully simple with a surprisingly big ripple effect: put on purple and use it as a cue to choose peace. It is playful on the surface, just a color-themed day, but the point runs deeper. Purple becomes a shared signal...

• United States

National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day

National Do Something Good for Your Neighbor Day is all about building stronger bonds through simple acts of kindness. This special day encourages people to step out of their routines and connect with those who live nearby. Whether it's lending a helping hand, sharing a homemade treat, or simply saying hello...

• Canada
• United States

National Classic Movie Day

Longing for days past when movies were captured on strips of film, lit with hot studio lamps, and projected with the soft clatter of a reel? National Classic Movie Day is made for anyone who loves the craft, charm, and sheer movie magic of earlier cinema. This day invites film fans...

• United States

Honor Our LGBT Elders Day

Honor Our LGBT Elders Day celebrates the lives and contributions of older LGBTQ+ individuals. These pioneers faced significant challenges, yet they stood firm, paving the way for the rights and acceptance many experience today. Their stories of courage and authenticity inspire us and remind us of the progress achieved through...

• Canada
• United States

Culture Freedom Day

Culture Freedom Day celebrates the idea that art and knowledge should be open to everyone. It encourages creators to share their work freely, allowing others to use, learn from, and build upon it. This approach challenges traditional restrictions, promoting a more inclusive and collaborative cultural landscape. The day brings together...

Nickel Day

Crack open your change jar, and you’ll likely find the star of Nickel Day tucked among the coins. This modest five-cent piece may seem ordinary, but it has a unique place in daily life. Whether dropped into a parking meter or resting in your palm at a store counter, the...

International Invention Day

Transforming imaginative ideas into tangible reality can change lives, spark innovation, and drive human progress forward.

Tarlov Cyst Disease Awareness Day

Tarlov Cyst Disease Awareness Day is here to promote, advocate, educate, and validate those living with Tarlov cyst disease. How to Observe Tarlov Cyst Disease Awareness Day Looking for ideas to get involved with this important day? Check out some of these ideas to get started: Become an Advocate According to the...

Preakness Stakes

The Preakness Stakes, staged at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore each year, sits at the heart of American thoroughbred racing tradition. It is the middle jewel of the Triple Crown, which means it carries all the pressure of a “what happens next?” chapter: contenders arrive with big reputations, some chasing...

• United States

Cannes Film Festival

The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most glamorous and important events in the film industry. Held annually in the beautiful city of Cannes on the French Riviera, this festival draws the biggest names in cinema, from directors to actors. The red carpet is a dazzling display of style...

• France

National Stationery Week

Sharpen your pencils and break out your fine pens, and take this excuse to use some fancy stationery. Write a loved one, find a pen pal, or even make your to-do list.

American Craft Beer Week

Exploring diverse flavors and styles, American craft beer showcases innovation and craftsmanship, delighting enthusiasts worldwide.

• United States

Foster Care Fortnight

Foster Care Fortnight, an annual event in the UK, typically happens in the first two weeks of May. This initiative is driven by The Fostering Network, a leading charity that promotes foster care awareness and recruitment. The event raises awareness about the growing need for foster carers and their vital...

• United Kingdom

National Salt Awareness Week

National Salt Awareness Week is a timely reminder to understand better and manage our salt intake. Of course, we all recognize salt as a staple on the dinner table. It’s an essential seasoning for our daily meals. However, fewer people realize how it also plays a crucial role in our...

• United Kingdom

Bike to Work Week

Bike to Work Week is a special time celebrated each year across the United States. This event encourages people to ride their bikes to work or anywhere else they need to go as part of a larger movement to promote cycling and its benefits. How to Celebrate Bike to Work Week Embracing...

• Canada
• United Kingdom
• United States

Learning at Work Week

Learning at Work Week is a special time dedicated to boosting learning culture within the workplace. Celebrated annually, this initiative encourages all types of organizations to engage in activities that foster learning among their teams. The goal is to make learning an integral part of working life, benefiting individual growth and...

• United Kingdom

Be Nice to Nettles Week

Be Nice to Nettles Week is a vibrant annual event that shines a spotlight on the humble nettle plant. Celebrated in mid-May, this period encourages us to appreciate the ecological and health benefits of nettles. How to Celebrate Be Nice to Nettles Week Here are five quirky and playful ways to dive...

• United Kingdom

Christian Aid Week

Christian Aid Week is an important time that provides urgent humanitarian relief to the less fortunate and urges long-term programs to help. It calls out the plight of the suffering, giving immediate aid. But it does more; it stands up for the rights of - and demands justice for -...

• Ireland
• United Kingdom

Sun Awareness Week

Did you know that the damaging effects of the sun can be prevented with proper awareness? Sun Awareness Week aims to highlight the importance of sun safety. It's celebrated every year in early May, reminding us of the dangers of UV exposure and ways to protect ourselves. With summer just...

Tracky Dack Day

Tracky Dack Day is a funny name for a serious cause. This annual event, run by TLC for Kids, encourages people to wear their favorite track pants (aka 'tracky dacks'!) to support children in hospitals! The name brings a smile, but the mission is profound. It raises awareness and funds...

• Australia
• New Zealand

National Salvation Army Week

Supporting those in need, providing hope, and creating positive change—efforts that embody the essence of humanitarian assistance.

• United States

M.E. Awareness Week

M.E. Awareness Week, celebrated annually, highlights the struggles of people living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.). The week encourages empathy for those affected and serves as a time for people to learn more about this condition. The campaign is organized by various charities, patient groups, and healthcare professionals working together to increase...

National Public Gardens Week

National Public Gardens Week shines a spotlight on the incredible beauty and significance of public gardens. Held each year in early May, it's a week-long celebration designed to highlight the vital role these gardens play in our communities. From fragrant flower displays to serene landscapes, they offer more than just...

• Canada
• United States

National Hospital Week

Whether performing a small elective procedure or treating a life-threatening illness, hospitals are critical places that make a huge difference in the health of individuals, families and communities across the nation. National Hospital Week is here to celebrate and show appreciation for all of the different people who are integral...

• United States

National Doughnut Week

National Doughnut Week is a fun and delightful time that invites everyone to indulge in one of the most beloved treats: doughnuts. During this week, people are encouraged to enjoy these tasty confections while also contributing to a good cause. Many bakeries across the country participate by offering special doughnuts, and...

• United Kingdom

National Mental Health Awareness Week

National Mental Health Awareness Week emphasizes the importance of mental health and aims to break the silence around these issues. During this week, people come together to acknowledge the impact mental health has on all aspects of life. Conversations encourage individuals to share experiences, seek help, and recognize signs of...

• United Kingdom

National Stuttering Awareness Week

National Stuttering Awareness Week focuses on understanding stuttering and supporting those who live with it. Stuttering is a speech condition that affects the flow of speaking, and it touches millions of people worldwide. This week encourages open conversations and helps break the silence around a challenge many face every day. It...

• United States

I Love My State Parks Week

The United States defines up to 10,000 different areas as state parks. State parks protect more than 14 million acres of landscape, ranging from coastal beaches to forests, sandy deserts to swampland. In addition, state parks provide local residents with opportunities for recreation, access to clean and safe green spaces...

• United States

Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Promoting sun safety encourages early detection, fostering community awareness about the risks and prevention of skin ailments.

National Photography Month

A picture’s worth a thousand words, so get out there and start taking snapshots of the beauty all around you, whether right at home or off in an exotic locale.

National Barbecue Month

Gather your friends and neighbors together and grill up some tasty, smoky, ever-popular BBQ to welcome the warm weather. Try making your own BBQ sauce!

No Meat May

Exploring a plant-based journey for a month, discovering vibrant flavors and embracing a mindful, eco-friendly lifestyle.

• Australia