May 13, 2026, is the 133rd day of the year, with 232 days remaining, and it falls on a Wednesday — the second Wednesday of May — in the nineteenth week of the year.
With 14 national and international days on the calendar, May 13 is a Wednesday anchored by a cocktail, an apple pie, and a pot of hummus. World Cocktail Day marks the date in 1806 when the word “cocktail” was first defined in print, Top Gun Day celebrates one of the 1980s’ most enduring films, and International Hummus Day reminds us that some foods deserve their own global celebration. Third shift workers, receptionists, root canals, and leprechauns round out a genuinely eclectic Wednesday.
National Days on May 13
All national & international days celebrated today
14 celebrations on this dayTop Gun Day
Top Gun Day marks the anniversary of the original film’s US release on May 16, 1986 — though the fan observance is widely celebrated on May 13. The film transformed naval aviation recruitment, made Ray-Ban Aviators iconic, and produced one of the most enduring soundtracks of the 1980s. Its 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, became one of the highest-grossing films of all time.
World Cocktail Day
Observed on May 13 to mark the date in 1806 when the first known definition of a “cocktail” was published in a New York newspaper — describing it as a stimulating liquor composed of spirits, sugar, water, and bitters. Over two centuries later, the cocktail has evolved into one of the world’s most creative culinary art forms.
International Hummus Day
Founded in 2012 by Ben Lang after a viral social media campaign, International Hummus Day celebrates one of the world’s oldest and most universally loved foods — a creamy blend of chickpeas, tahini, lemon, and garlic with roots in the Middle East stretching back centuries. Today hummus is a global phenomenon, eaten in everything from sandwiches to smoothies.
National Apple Pie Day
Apple pie has been baked in England since at least the 14th century — a recipe appears in a 1381 cookbook — but it is American tradition that elevated it to national symbol status. “As American as apple pie” entered the vernacular in the 20th century, and the dish remains one of the most consumed desserts in the United States, particularly at Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July.
Here’s every observance celebrated on May 13, 2026.
National & International Days on May 13
Whether you’re mixing a classic cocktail, eating hummus and apple pie, appreciating your office receptionist, donating a day’s wages, looking for a leprechaun, or finally understanding why root canals aren’t actually that bad, here’s the story behind each of these May 13 celebrations.
Cough Drop Day
Cough Drop Day honors the long-standing use of lozenges as a remedy for sore throats and coughs. These small medicated tablets have a history dating back to 1000 BC in ancient Egypt, where honey was mixed with herbs and spices for throat relief. In the 1800s, brands like Smith Brothers (1852) and Luden’s (1879) introduced modern cough drops to the public. While early versions included ingredients like morphine or heroin, concerns over addiction led to safer alternatives. Today, cough drops remain a go-to for soothing symptoms of colds and flu.
Donate A Day’s Wages To Charity Day
Donate A Day’s Wages To Charity Day* (Second Wednesday in May) is part of the One Day’s Wages movement, launched in 2009 to empower people to make a global impact through giving. The idea is simple but powerful—donate one day’s wages to support charitable causes. Since its inception, the movement has grown internationally and has helped spotlight trustworthy organizations, amplify grassroots efforts, and build a community around everyday generosity.
International Hummus Day
International Hummus Day was first celebrated in 2013 to invite people around the world to make, eat, and enjoy hummus together. Hummus—made of mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic—has roots in Levantine cuisine and dates back at least to a 13th-century Syrian cookbook by Ibn al-Adim. Despite regional debates over its origin, hummus has become a globally loved dish often paired with pita bread or veggies.
National Apple Pie Day
National Apple Pie Day: The first recorded apple pie recipe appeared in 1381 in England, but the pie gained symbolic status in the U.S. through slogans like “for Mom and apple pie” during WWII. From Teddy Roosevelt’s travels to 1970s Chevrolet ads, apple pie has remained a nostalgic comfort food.
🥧 Other pie-themed holidays are National Pie Day celebrated every year on January 23 and National Pumpkin Pie Day on December 25.
National Crouton Day
National Crouton Day was founded in 2015 by Rothbury Farms. This food day celebrates the crunchy, seasoned bread pieces often found in salads and soups. The word “crouton” stems from the French croûton, a diminutive of croûte, meaning crust. Traditionally made from cubed, day-old bread tossed with oil and herbs, croutons add texture and flavor to dishes. Rothbury Farms, established in 1923, launched the holiday to recognize their passion for making quality croutons.
National Frog Jumping Day
National Frog Jumping Day was inspired by Mark Twain’s first short story, “The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County“. It pays tribute to frog-jumping contests and literary humor. First observed in 1865, the tradition was popularized by the Calaveras County Fair in California, where frog-jumping competitions are still held. The current record, set by Rosie the Ribeter in 1986, is 21 feet and 5.75 inches.
National Fruit Cocktail Day
National Fruit Cocktail Day highlights the classic mix of diced fruits served in juice or syrup, a familiar staple in school cafeterias and childhood lunches. While prepackaged versions are popular, homemade fruit cocktail made with fresh fruit remains a healthier and more flavorful option. National Fruit Cocktail Day invites people to revisit or reinvent this nostalgic dish, whether as a snack, dessert, or brunch addition.
National Receptionists’ Day
National Receptionists’ Day* (Second Wednesday in May): was founded in 1991 by the Director of the National Receptionists Association to acknowledge the essential role receptionists play in every business. These frontline professionals create positive first impressions, manage communications, and support operations with skill and diplomacy. The day recognizes their often-overlooked contributions and fosters a sense of pride and community among receptionists nationwide.
National Third Shift Workers Day
National Third Shift Workers Day* (Second Wednesday in May) honors the individuals who work overnight to keep essential services running. From healthcare and public safety to manufacturing and maintenance, these workers keep the world functioning while most are asleep. Jeff Corbett founded the day to celebrate night shift employees, and Velcea Kay also created a similarly named National Night Shift Workers Day to highlight the dedication and sacrifices of those who flip their days and nights.
Root Canal Appreciation Day
Root Canal Appreciation Day* (Second Wednesday in May) was created in 2005 by Dr. Chris Kramer, a dentist known for combining oral health education with music. His rap performance “Get Out the Brush” once rallied nearly 6,000 baseball fans to brush their teeth simultaneously. This lighthearted observance is a chance to recognize endodontists and the dental professionals who help save teeth through root canal therapy. It also encourages better dental hygiene and appreciation for modern dental care.
Top Gun Day
Top Gun Day has been celebrated since 2009 to pay homage to the iconic 1986 film Top Gun, even though the movie’s actual release was spread over May 12, 15, and 16. Due to a scheduling error during the early promotion of the holiday, May 13 became the official date—and stuck. While the movie was inspired by the U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School founded in 1969, the day itself is more about celebrating the film’s pop culture legacy than any military milestone. Fans across the globe join in by quoting lines, wearing aviators, and reliving the soundtrack.
World Cocktail Day
World Cocktail Day marks the anniversary of the first written definition of a “cocktail” on May 13, 1806. This global celebration was launched in 2006 by The Museum of the American Cocktail in New Orleans. The original definition, published in The Balance and Columbian Repository, described it as “a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water and bitters.” Now, World Cocktail Day highlights the art of mixology and the cultural significance of cocktails around the world.
🍸 Similar days include National Cocktail Day on March 24. See also our complete list of national days dedicated to alcoholic drinks.
World Facilities Management Day
World Facilities Management Day* (Wednesday of the second full week of May) recognizes the contributions of professionals who manage and maintain buildings, from offices and hospitals to stadiums and schools. First initiated by Global FM in 2009, the date has shifted over the years but has been observed in May since 2017. The day highlights the essential work of facility managers who ensure safety, cleanliness, functionality, and comfort in our built environments.
