May 22, 2026, is the 142nd day of the year, with 223 days remaining, and it falls on a Friday — the fourth Friday of May and the Friday before Memorial Day — in the twentieth week of the year.
With 19 national and international days on the calendar, May 22 is the launchpad for Memorial Day weekend. The date carries its own significance: Arthur Conan Doyle was born on May 22, 1859, Harvey Milk on May 22, 1930, and Laszlo Hanyecz spent 10,000 Bitcoin on two pizzas on May 22, 2010. International Coco Mom Day, Biological Diversity, World Goth Day, a Paloma cocktail, road trip preparations, and a reminder to use a sun screen when in the sun.
National Days on May 22
All national & international days celebrated today
19 celebrations on this dayBitcoin Pizza Day
On May 22, 2010, Laszlo Hanyecz made the first documented real-world Bitcoin transaction — paying 10,000 BTC for two pizzas. At the time worth around $41; at Bitcoin’s all-time high those pizzas were worth hundreds of millions of dollars. The day is celebrated as a milestone in cryptocurrency history and a cautionary tale about holding.
Harvey Milk Day
Harvey Milk — born May 22, 1930 in New York — became one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States when he joined the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. His assassination in 1978 made him a martyr for the LGBTQ+ rights movement. California designated May 22 as Harvey Milk Day in 2009.
International Day for Biological Diversity
Established by the UN in 1993 and observed on May 22, the International Day for Biological Diversity highlights the critical importance of biodiversity to human health, food security, and ecosystem stability. In 2026 the day carries particular weight: the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework targets a 30×30 goal — protecting 30% of land and oceans by 2030.
National Road Trip Day
The Friday before Memorial Day — the unofficial start of summer and one of the busiest travel weekends in the US — is the perfect occasion to celebrate the American road trip: a cultural institution built on the open highway, the perfect playlist, gas station snacks, and the particular freedom of going somewhere without knowing exactly where you’ll end up.
Here’s every observance celebrated on May 22, 2026.
National & International Days on May 22
Whether you’re hitting the road for Memorial Day weekend, honouring Harvey Milk, protecting biodiversity, celebrating Black and Brown mothers, buying a guitar, applying sunscreen, sipping a Paloma, playing solitaire, or marvelling at the Bitcoin pizza story, here’s the story behind each of these May 22 celebrations.
Bitcoin Pizza Day
Bitcoin Pizza Day commemorates the first known commercial Bitcoin transaction, which took place on May 22, 2010. Laszlo Hanyecz paid 10,000 BTC for two pizzas delivered to his home in Florida, marking a historic milestone in cryptocurrency history. As the value of Bitcoin skyrocketed in later years, the event became symbolic of the currency’s early potential—and the high cost of a slice. The day now serves as a reminder of how digital currency entered real-world use.
🍕 See the complete list of national days dedicated to pizza.
Don’t Fry Day
Don’t Fry Day* (Friday before Memorial Day) encourages people to practice sun safety to reduce the risk of skin cancer. Created as part of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, the day focuses on preventing UV damage by promoting sunscreen use, protective clothing, and shade-seeking habits. With one American estimated to die from skin cancer every hour, this observance serves as an important reminder to protect your skin year-round.
International Coco Mom Day
International Coco Mom Day was created in 2021 by Coco Bump, LLC to honor the strength and dedication of Black and Brown mothers. Observed close to Mother’s Day, it aims to spotlight both everyday love and systemic health disparities. It was inspired by the founders’ grandmother and is now marked by community gatherings, advocacy, and conversations around maternal healthcare.
International Day for Biological Diversity
International Day for Biological Diversity was established by the UN General Assembly in 1993 to raise awareness about the variety of life on Earth. Initially observed on December 29, the date was moved to May 22 in 2000 to avoid the holiday season and allow more countries to participate meaningfully. It draws attention to the importance of biodiversity for ecosystems, climate stability, and future generations.
National Boss Babe Day
National Boss Babe Day began in 2021 as a tribute by Heather Schwendeman-Kincaid to her mother, Donna Schwendeman, who balanced entrepreneurship and family life with grace and ambition. The day encourages women to support one another, pursue goals fearlessly, and honor those who’ve inspired them along the way. It aligns with other empowerment-focused days such as International Women’s Day on March 8.
National Buy a Musical Instrument Day
National Buy a Musical Instrument Day invites people to explore the joy of music by picking up a new instrument. From woodwinds to strings, there’s no age limit to learning something new. Although originally tied to May 18 to honor composer Meredith Willson, the day is now widely recognized on May 22, and it shares musical spirit with National Piano Month in September and National Violin Day on December 13.
National Cooler Day
National Cooler Day* (Friday before Memorial Day) was founded in 2019 by RTIC Outdoors. It highlights the importance of coolers as essential tools for summer adventures, disaster response, and daily life. Although the first portable cooler wasn’t developed until the 1950s, the invention revolutionized how people store food and drink on the go. The day also draws attention to how coolers help preserve medications and support relief efforts during emergencies.
National Death Busters Day
National Death Busters Day* (Friday before Memorial Day) was launched by the American Trauma Society to address the increase in traffic-related fatalities over Memorial Day weekend. The day promotes driver safety by encouraging people to avoid distractions, obey speed limits, and stay sober behind the wheel. Law enforcement agencies and safety groups participate with educational campaigns and community events, all aimed at saving lives through smarter choices on the road.
National Craft Distillery Day
National Craft Distillery Day celebrates small-batch spirits and the artisans behind them. Founded by Nicholas Strauser and family of N Scott Distillery in 2019, the day commemorates their first spirit release on May 22, 2017, in Las Vegas. It honors the innovation and tradition behind modern distilling, connecting today’s craft movement to centuries-old practices dating back to ancient Greece.
National Maritime Day
National Maritime Day was created by Congress in 1933 to mark the anniversary of the first successful transoceanic voyage from the United States. On May 22, 1819, the steamship Savannah departed Georgia for England. Today, the observance honors the Merchant Marine and all who support maritime commerce and national defense. Events are often hosted by the Department of Transportation in Washington, D.C.
National Road Trip Day
National Road Trip Day* (Friday before Memorial Day) was created in 2019 by Pilot Flying J, the largest travel center operator in North America. The day marks the unofficial start of summer travel as millions of Americans hit the road over Memorial Day weekend. Surveys show road trips remain one of the most popular ways to travel, and this day encourages families, friends, and solo adventurers to embrace the open road. It also highlights the convenience and spirit of spontaneity that make road trips a favorite American tradition.
National Solitaire Day
National Solitaire Day was founded by Microsoft on May 22, 2018 to celebrate one of the most iconic computer games of all time. Originally included with Windows 3.0 in 1990, Solitaire quickly became a favorite pastime. The modern Microsoft Solitaire Collection has been downloaded by millions and includes five versions of the classic game. Inducted into the Video Game Hall of Fame in 2019, Solitaire’s digital legacy continues to thrive decades after its debut.
National Title Track Day
National Title Track Day* (Fourth Friday in May) celebrates songs that share a name with the album or film they belong to—known as title tracks. This fun observance encourages people to revisit iconic examples like “Let It Be” by The Beatles or “Back in Black” by AC/DC. Celebrated on the fourth Friday in May, the day shines a spotlight on the creative synergy between music and branding. Some even extend the celebration to film theme songs and tracks named after the artist or group.
National Vanilla Pudding Day
National Vanilla Pudding Day gives everyone a reason to enjoy this simple and satisfying dessert. The creamy version we know today has roots in eggless custard powder invented by Alfred Bird in 1837. In the U.S., boxed pudding mixes like My-T-Fine became available in 1918, with instant versions emerging by the 1940s. While vanilla is one of many flavors available, its mild and nostalgic taste keeps it a classic choice.
National Wig Out Day
National Wig Out Day* (Friday before Memorial Day) was created in 2009 by sisters Kate and Alice Clark in Bellingham, Washington. This lighthearted holiday encourages people to wear fun, quirky wigs to work and around town. What began as a local celebration grew into a national phenomenon, complete with downtown parties and photo ops. It’s a day to be bold, silly, and expressive. A similar event, International Wig Day, takes place each year on March 10.
Sherlock Holmes Day
Sherlock Holmes Day honors the birth of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle on May 22, 1859. Doyle, a physician turned author, introduced Holmes in 1887 and went on to publish dozens of detective stories starring the character. Inspired by real-life figures like Dr. Joseph Bell and possibly Leicester’s own “Tanky” Smith, Holmes became a symbol of logic, deduction, and Victorian mystery. The day has been celebrated since at least 2013 and offers fans a chance to revisit the world’s most famous fictional sleuth.
World Goth Day
World Goth Day celebrates the global Goth subculture, known for its distinct music, fashion, and aesthetics. The observance started in 2009 when British DJs Cruel Britannia and Martin Oldgoth designated May 22 to bring positive attention to Goth culture. From its post-punk roots in 1980s England, the movement has expanded worldwide. This day encourages Goths to proudly express themselves and correct common misconceptions.
World Paloma Day
World Paloma Day was founded by Cenote Tequila in 2019 to honor Mexico’s national cocktail. The paloma, made with tequila and grapefruit soda, is known for its crisp, slightly bitter taste and refreshing citrus notes. Some versions include fresh juice or added salt. Though the drink’s origin is uncertain, its popularity continues to rise both in Mexico and globally.
🍸 Related celebrations include National Cocktail Day on March 24. For more alcohol-themed days, visit the dedicated article.
World Preeclampsia Day
World Preeclampsia Day was launched in 2017 by the Preeclampsia Foundation alongside international health organizations. This awareness day focuses on the risks and signs of preeclampsia—a potentially life-threatening condition affecting pregnant individuals. Observed on May 22, the day encourages early detection, informed care, and better support for expectant families. It serves as a reminder that maternal health should be a global priority.
