National Mushroom Hunting Day
Celebrate National Mushroom Hunting Day by foraging wild fungi, learning safe identification, enjoying nature, and cooking delicious mushroom-inspired dishes.
May 17 Holidays
- National days
- 19
- Day of the year
- Days since
- 171
Your guide to celebrating May 17
Skip to all 19 daysStart your day by baking a delicious treat, maybe even walnut cookies or cherry cobbler, to celebrate World Baking Day and National Cherry Cobbler Day. While waiting for your goodies to bake, practice balancing skills on a unicycle for Ride a Unicycle Day – it’s harder than it looks! As you enjoy your baked delights, raise a glass of pinot grigio to celebrate National Pinot Grigio Day.
Take some time to connect with loved ones by celebrating Stepmother’s Day with a heartfelt phone call on World Telecommunications Day. Show appreciation for emergency responders on Emergency Medical Services Day by learning basic first aid techniques.
Spend the afternoon exploring nature on National Idaho Day – go mushroom hunting or simply enjoy a rural life Sunday outdoors. Take a moment to advocate for inclusivity and support on International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia.
End your day by giving back to the community on International Child Helpline Day – donate to a local charity or volunteer your time. Light a candle in remembrance on the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial.
These activities may seem unrelated, but they all share the common theme of celebrating, connecting, and giving back. Enjoy your day of eclectic celebrations!
National days and holidays on May 17
Rural Life Sunday
Celebrate Rural Life Sunday by honoring farmers, rural communities, and land stewardship with farm-to-table feasts, nature walks, fairs, and local farm visits.
National Idaho Day
Celebrate National Idaho Day by exploring the state’s wild landscapes, rich history, pioneering innovations, and vibrant culture shaped by land and people.
World Neurofibromatosis Awareness Day
World Neurofibromatosis Awareness Day raises understanding of NF, supports those affected by tumors and learning challenges, and works to reduce stigma worldwide.
- Australia
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- and 1 more
National Walnut Day
Celebrate National Walnut Day by exploring walnut history, nutrition, and fun ways to enjoy this antioxidant-rich, heart-healthy, and versatile nut.
National Pack Rat Day
National Pack Rat Day encourages mindful decluttering, upcycling, and donating to create calmer, more organized spaces while supporting sustainability and well-being.
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
Explore the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, its origins, and ways to stand in solidarity with LGBTQ+ people worldwide.
National Cherry Cobbler Day
Celebrate National Cherry Cobbler Day by baking this classic dessert, exploring cherry traditions, and honoring a sweet treat with roots in early American history.
Emergency Medical Services Day
Emergency Medical Services Day honors EMS heroes, highlights their lifesaving work, and encourages communities to learn safety skills and show appreciation.
World Telecommunications Day
Discover World Telecommunications Day, honoring ICT innovations, digital inclusion, and global connectivity while inspiring action to bridge the digital divide.
International AIDS Candlelight Memorial
Honor lives lost to AIDS and support people living with HIV. Learn how this global candlelight memorial sparks remembrance, unity, awareness, and action.
World Hypertension Day
Discover the purpose of World Hypertension Day, learn key facts about high blood pressure, and find simple steps to check, manage, and reduce hypertension.
National Graduation Tassel Day
Celebrate National Graduation Tassel Day by honoring the tassel as a symbol of hard work, achievement, and new beginnings, from past milestones to future goals.
World Baking Day
Celebrate World Baking Day by trying new recipes, teaching kids, or visiting a local bakery, and share sweet or savory homemade treats with loved ones.
National Pinot Grigio Day
Celebrate National Pinot Grigio Day by exploring this crisp, versatile white wine, its rich history, food pairings, creative cocktails, and fun ways to enjoy it.
Stepmother’s Day
Celebrate Stepmother’s Day by honoring the love, support, and guidance of stepmoms with heartfelt gestures, quality time, and meaningful appreciation.
Ride a Unicycle Day
Discover Ride a Unicycle Day, celebrating balance, fitness, and fun on one wheel with tips, history, and ways to join the global unicycling community.
- Australia
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- and 1 more
International Child Helpline Day
When kids feel unsafe, unheard, or alone, child helplines offer a lifeline. These services connect children with real people who care and listen. Calls come from every corner of the world—some whispering fears, others crying for help. Helpline counselors respond with calm voices and trained hearts. Whether it’s bullying, abuse, mental...
National Pinkfix Day
Money can feel like a private language, full of jargon and unspoken rules. National Pinkfix Day insists that women deserve fluency, confidence, and a seat at every financial table, whether the topic is budgeting for groceries or building a long-term investing plan. It spotlights practical steps that help women feel...
Other holidays on May 17
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...
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.
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...
International Heritage Breeds Week
Support the survival of classic livestock breeds like Oberhasli goats, Wiltshire Wild Horn sheep, and Gloucester Old Spot pigs during Heritage Breeds Week.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
National EMS Week
National EMS Week spotlights the dedication and expertise of emergency medical professionals. It honors those who answer the call when people are in their most vulnerable moments. The week also serves as a chance for communities to recognize and thank these professionals for the essential role they play in public...
National Salvation Army Week
Supporting those in need, providing hope, and creating positive change—efforts that embody the essence of humanitarian assistance.
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...
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...
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...
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...
Month-long holidays in May
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.
Famous birthdays on May 17
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