Stay informed about today’s and tomorrow’s national days with our daily updated list, so you never miss an opportunity to celebrate something special!

Today is May 9, 2025

There are 13 national and international days on May 9th. Explore them all below, each with a brief explanation.

Europe Day: Honors peace and unity in Europe and commemorates the 1950 Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundation for the European Coal and Steel Community. This initiative eventually evolved into the European Union, now comprising 27 countries. Europe Day has been officially observed by EU institutions since 1985 and is a public holiday in some member states.

Fintastic Friday* (Second Friday in May): Created by ocean education group WhaleTimes in 2011, Fintastic Friday shines a positive light on sharks, skates, and rays—marine animals often misunderstood or feared. Founded by Ruth Musgrave, the day invites children and adults alike to explore ocean life and advocate for marine conservation through education and creativity.

Hurray for Buttons Day: This lighthearted celebration highlights buttons—not only as fasteners on clothes but also as collectibles and decorative items. The earliest buttons date back to 5000 B.C. in the Indus Valley, although they weren’t used as fasteners until the 13th century.

⊛ A related celebration, National Button Day, falls on November 16 and focuses more on button collecting as a hobby.

National Alphabet Magnet Day: This day was established in 2022 by The Type Set Co. to promote playful learning, literacy, and design using alphabet magnets. It’s a nod to childhood memories, clever phrases on fridges, and the joy of rearranging letters into messages.

National Butterscotch Brownie Day: This delicious holiday honors blondies—brownies made without cocoa that predate their chocolate cousins. Butterscotch brownies gained popularity in the 19th century and are made with brown sugar, butter, vanilla, and sometimes nuts or chips.

🍫 A related day, National Brownie Day, is observed on December 8 and focuses on the chocolate variety.

National Home Front Heroes Day: First proposed in 2019 by World War II veteran John “Lucky” Luckadoo, this day honors the civilians who support military personnel by managing households, businesses, and communities while their loved ones serve. In 2022, a formal effort to designate May 9 as National Home Front Heroes Day gained traction in Congress, with bipartisan backing.

🪖 It complements National Military Spouse Appreciation Day, also observed on this day.

National Knock Out Rose Day* (Friday before Mother’s Day): Recognizes the Knock Out® Rose. Created by rose breeder Will Radler and introduced by Star® Roses and Plants in the 1990s, this low-maintenance, repeat-blooming rose revolutionized home gardening with its hardiness and vibrant blooms.

National Lost Sock Memorial Day: Honor the many socks that mysteriously vanish, leaving their partners behind. National Lost Sock Memorial Day is a humorous tribute to this common laundry mystery, inviting people to let go of unmatched socks and perhaps repurpose them creatively. 

National Military Spouse Appreciation Day* (Friday before Mother’s Day): Declared by President Ronald Reagan in 1984 and later standardized by Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger, this day honors the dedication and sacrifices of military spouses.

National Moscato Day: Founded in 2012 by the Gallo Family Vineyards, National Moscato Day celebrates one of the world’s oldest and most fragrant wine grape varieties. The Muscat grape family includes over 200 types and can produce wines that are sweet, dry, sparkling, or still. This day invites wine enthusiasts to explore its floral aromas and flavors.

🍷 For more wine-related holidays, see also our complete list of wine days.

National Public Gardens Day* (Friday before Mother’s Day): Founded in 2009 by the American Public Gardens Association and sponsored by Rain Bird, this day encourages people to visit and appreciate public gardens, arboreta, and botanical centers. With a focus on plant conservation, green spaces, and environmental education, the celebration also honors the role of gardens in enhancing community well-being. Paul James, host of HGTV’s Gardening by the Yard, served as its first national spokesperson.

National Provider Appreciation Day / National Child Care Provider Day* (Friday before Mother’s Day): This annual celebration recognizes the dedication and tireless efforts of child care providers, teachers, and educators of young children. Started in 1996 by a group of volunteers in New Jersey, the day now receives support from government and community organizations across the U.S. Proclamations are signed each year by state governors to express gratitude for these essential caregivers.

National Sleepover Day: Created by bareMinerals and Cosmopolitan magazine, National Sleepover Day celebrates the memories, bonding, and conversations that happen during a classic sleepover. The day was designed to promote a makeup line with the tagline “Makeup So Pure You Can Sleep In It™,” and it encourages self-expression and meaningful connection using the hashtag #Sleepinthebare.

Tear the Tags Off the Mattress Day: This tongue-in-cheek holiday pokes fun at the long-held myth that removing mattress tags is illegal. While the warning is meant for manufacturers to ensure transparency in materials, consumers often feel rebellious removing them. The day playfully invites people to embrace that moment of harmless rule-breaking—and maybe rip the tags off their pillows, too.

Tomorrow is May 10, 2025

There are 27 national and international days on May 10th. Explore them all below, each with a brief explanation.

Brunch for Lunch Day * (Day before Mother’s Day): This lighthearted celebration invites people to share a late-morning meal with friends or family. The day highlights foods like waffles, omelets, and Bloody Marys while reminding us that meaningful conversations often happen over shared meals.

Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Awareness Day * (Second Saturday in May): Founded in 1989, this awareness day brings attention to Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS), a rare genetic disorder that affects physical and cognitive development. The condition can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including distinctive facial features, developmental delays, and medical complications. The day promotes research, advocacy, and better diagnosis to support individuals and families affected by CdLS.

International Day of Argania / Argania Day: Officially declared by the United Nations in 2021, this day honors the argan tree, a native species in southwestern Morocco. The tree supports biodiversity, agriculture, and rural economies while producing the world-famous argan oil used in cooking and cosmetics. Recognized by UNESCO in 2014 for its cultural significance, the observance aims to protect this vital ecosystem and promote sustainable development.

Mother Ocean Day: Introduced in 2013 by the South Florida Kayak Fishing Club, this day encourages reflection on the beauty and importance of the ocean. With Florida’s coastline as inspiration, the observance focuses on ocean preservation and reminds us of the marine environments that support life on Earth. It pairs well with World Oceans Day, celebrated on June 8.

National Archery Day * (Second Saturday in May): Founded by the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) in 2015, this day celebrates one of the world’s oldest sports. Archery dates back thousands of years and has featured in the Olympics since 1900. The day coincides with NASP’s national tournament in Louisville, Kentucky—an event that brings together thousands of young archers annually.

National Babysitter’s Day * (Saturday before Mother’s Day): Created by SafetyWhys.com in 2003, this day recognizes the dedication and care provided by babysitters across the country. It serves as a time to thank them for their hard work in providing safe and nurturing environments for children, particularly on weekends and holidays when families often need extra help.

National Birth Mother’s Day * (Saturday before Mother’s Day): Founded in 1990 by Mary Jean Wolch-Marsh, this day honors biological mothers who have placed their children for adoption. It serves as a day of support and recognition, offering space to acknowledge the emotions and choices of birth mothers. It is observed the day before Mother’s Day to ensure these women are not overlooked.

National Clean Up Your Room Day: A favorite among spring cleaning fans, this May 10 observance encourages tidying up living spaces. While it’s often directed at children, adults also use the day to declutter closets, organize belongings, and freshen up their homes. The timing just before Mother’s Day makes it especially fitting as a gesture of appreciation and responsibility.

National Dog Mom’s Day * (Second Saturday in May): Founded in 2018 by Dig – The Dog Person’s Dating App, this day celebrates the special bond between women and their canine companions. It recognizes the love, care, and loyalty dog moms provide every day, from adopting rescue pups to nurturing lifelong connections.

🐶 This day complements National Pet Day on April 11 and National Dog Day on August 26.

National Lipid Day: Started in 2010 by Kunjan Singh and Sanjay Suri on behalf of Zydus Cadila, this health awareness day promotes understanding of dyslipidemia—abnormal levels of lipids in the blood. As a leading cause of cardiovascular disease worldwide, dyslipidemia is influenced by diet, genetics, and lifestyle. The day encourages screening and lifestyle changes to manage risk.

National Miniature Golf Day * (Second Saturday in May): Separate from the global Miniature Golf Day on September 21, this U.S.-focused celebration honors the enjoyment minigolf brings. Early forms date back to 1912 in England, but it was Garnet Carter’s 1927 “Tom Thumb Golf” that brought standardized minigolf to the U.S. The day spotlights obstacles, themed courses, and friendly competition, making it popular for families and casual players.

⛳️ Related observances include National Golf Lover’s Day on October 4 and National Golf Month in August.

National Ship Via Rail Day: Established in 2021 by Progressive Rail Incorporated, this day highlights the efficiency and environmental benefits of shipping by rail. It commemorates the completion of the U.S. transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, which revolutionized freight transport. The day serves as a reminder of rail’s vital role in connecting communities and boosting commerce.

National Shrimp Day: Celebrating the most consumed seafood in the U.S., this day recognizes shrimp’s popularity in dishes from shrimp scampi to gumbo. While the word “prawn” is used interchangeably in some regions, shrimp is the term most commonly used in American cuisine. National Shrimp Day promotes sustainable seafood practices and appreciation for this versatile ingredient.

🦐 Similar seafood-themed days include National Crab Meat Day on March 9 and National Lobster Day on June 15.

National Small Business Day: This observance honors local entrepreneurs and the vital role small businesses play in the economy. Officially recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration, it falls near National Small Business Week. The day highlights innovation, resilience, and community impact, encouraging support for local businesses through shopping and awareness.

National Train Day * (Second Saturday in May): Created by Amtrak in 2008 to commemorate the 1869 completion of the first transcontinental railroad, this day celebrates the legacy and impact of train travel in the U.S. Though Amtrak ended its official sponsorship in 2015, rail enthusiasts continue to mark the day with events at museums and stations.

National Washington Day: Honors the state of Washington, which became the 42nd U.S. state on November 11, 1889. The state’s colorful history includes the famed Pig War of 1859, a boundary dispute sparked by a wayward English boar. The day reflects on Washington’s path to statehood and its unique geographic and cultural contributions.

National Windmill Day 🇬🇧* (Second Saturday in May): This observance is part of the UK’s National Mills Weekend, coordinated by the Wind and Watermills section of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. Each year, hundreds of preserved windmills and watermills open their doors to the public, offering guided tours and historical demonstrations. Radio clubs also participate by operating amateur stations from mill sites. The day celebrates these historic structures not just as engineering marvels, but also as symbols of agricultural and industrial heritage.

One Day Without Shoes Day: Founded by TOMS Shoes in 2007, this observance raises awareness about the impact of not having proper footwear. Inspired by founder Blake Mycoskie’s trip to Argentina, the event supports the company’s “One for One” model, where each purchase funds a pair of shoes for a child in need. It aligns with broader efforts to promote education, health, and social equity.

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Day * (Second Saturday in May): This large-scale food drive, launched nationally in 1991 by the National Association of Letter Carriers, is the country’s biggest single-day food collection event. Carriers collect non-perishable food donations along their routes in over 10,000 cities and towns, helping restock food banks as post-holiday supplies dwindle.

Stay Up All Night Day * (Second Saturday in May): Created to acknowledge night shift workers and celebrate nocturnal lifestyles, this day blends appreciation with fun. It reflects how nighttime activity—from historical fire watches to modern 24/7 work culture—has shaped society. Observants might stay up with friends, watch movies, or explore quiet nighttime routines.

Trust Your Intuition Day: First mentioned in 2024 and associated with author and spiritual teacher Sonia Choquette, this day encourages people to trust their instincts and inner voice. It promotes self-awareness, confidence, and reflection, emphasizing that past experiences and subconscious wisdom often guide us toward the right decisions.

World Belly Dance Day * (Second Saturday in May): Launched in 2008 by the World Belly Dance Alliance, this day celebrates the art, expression, and cultural roots of belly dancing. Through performances, workshops, and community gatherings, dancers around the world showcase the sophistication of this misunderstood art form while preserving its traditions.

World Buckfast Day * (Second Saturday in May): Started in 2015 by the UK-based fan group “Wreck the Hoose Juice,” this day celebrates Buckfast Tonic Wine, originally made by Benedictine monks in Devon, England. Despite its controversial reputation in some regions, Buckfast has developed a devoted following in Ireland and Scotland. The day reflects its cultural footprint and unique place in beverage history.

World Collage Day * (Second Saturday in May): Founded in 2018 by Kolaj Magazine, this global event honors collage as an art form that thrives on layering, remixing, and storytelling. Artists and venues host events to celebrate creativity of bringing different elements together into unified works.

World Fair Trade Day * (Second Saturday in May): Organized by the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) since 2002, this day spotlights ethical production and trade practices. Celebrated through global events, it aims to reduce poverty, empower producers, and promote sustainable development. It aligns with related observances like Fair Trade Month in October.

World Lupus Day: Since 2004, lupus advocacy groups have marked May 10 to raise awareness about this chronic autoimmune disease. Lupus can affect the skin, joints, and organs and disproportionately impacts women. The day calls for earlier diagnosis, better treatment, and improved healthcare support for those affected.

World Migratory Bird Day * (Second Saturday in May in North America): Originating in 1993 and organized today by Environment for the Americas, this observance promotes bird conservation and awareness of migratory routes. Events across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America unite bird lovers to protect habitats and advocate for safer migration. A second observance takes place each October in the Southern Hemisphere.

National Days in May

May 1 | May 2 | May 3 | May 4 | May 5 | May 6 | May 7 | May 8 | May 9 | May 10 | May 11 | May 12 | May 13 | May 14| May 15

I’m thrilled to announce that the 2025 editions of my bestselling printable National Days Calendars are available in my Etsy shop. Don’t miss out on getting a head start on your content planning for a fantastic year ahead!