May 3 National Days

May 3 is the 123rd day of the year (124th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 242 days until the end of the year. Today’s celebrations bring together astronomy enthusiasts, comic book fans, writers, pet lovers, and advocates for free press, among others.

National Days on May 3rd — May 3rd National Days

Many holidays on this date shift each year based on the weekday and are marked with an asterisk. Others are fixed on May 3 and repeat annually.

Here’s a full overview of the 28 national and international days observed on May 3.

National and International Days on May 3

Astronomy Day* (First Saturday in May): First organized in 1973 by Doug Berger, then-president of the Astronomical Association of Northern California, Astronomy Day was created to bring telescopes to public spaces and spark widespread interest in space. Observatories, science museums, and clubs across the globe host events on this day, inviting people to explore the wonders of the universe firsthand. Astronomy Week, which begins the Monday before, expands these efforts and includes more opportunities for public engagement.

Beer Pong Day* (First Saturday in May): Recognized since 2006, Beer Pong Day celebrates the casual but competitive drinking game that gained national attention with the launch of the World Series of Beer Pong in Las Vegas. Now considered the official sport of Las Vegas, beer pong is played both recreationally and in high-stakes tournaments. The day honors the social and strategic spirit behind the game and brings players together to raise a glass and aim for the cup.

Free Comic Book Day* (First Saturday in May): Created by comic shop owner Joe Field in 2002, Free Comic Book Day encourages new readers to discover comics and brings seasoned fans back to their favorite shops. Timed with major superhero film releases, this annual event has introduced thousands to the art of sequential storytelling. It’s celebrated worldwide, often with community events and costume-friendly fun.

International Sun Day: Declared by U.S. President Jimmy Carter and the U.S. Congress in 1978 to promote solar energy, the first official Sun Day took place on May 3 that year. It was modeled after the success of Earth Day (April 22) and organized by Denis Hayes, who also founded Earth Day. Although not an annual official holiday, environmental advocates still use the day to raise awareness about the benefits and potential of solar power.

Join Hands Day* (First Saturday in May): Created in 2000 by the American Fraternal Alliance and Points of Light Foundation, Join Hands Day focuses on connecting people across generations through community service. By encouraging collaborative volunteering between youth and adults, the day helps break down generational barriers and builds lasting community bonds through projects like park cleanups and intergenerational mentoring.

National Bombshells’ Day* (First Saturday in May): Founded by Victoria’s Secret in 2015, this day is designed to empower women and encourage them to celebrate themselves and their closest friendships. The brand’s use of the term “Bombshell” promotes confidence, strength, and femininity, and the observance has grown as a social media celebration of self-love and support between women.

National Chocolate Custard Day: Celebrated every May 3, this day honors the silky dessert made from eggs, milk, and chocolate. One of the earliest known recipes for chocolate custard appeared in Fannie Farmer’s Boston Cooking-School Cook Book in 1918. Its popularity grew when General Foods introduced “Walter Baker’s Dessert” in 1934, later rebranded as chocolate pudding. The day invites people to enjoy custards in forms ranging from smooth sauces to baked treats like crème brûlée.

🍫 See also the complete list of national days dedicated to chocolate.

National Fitness Day* (First Saturday in May): Launched in 2017 by fitness enthusiast Kim Bielak, National Fitness Day encourages everyone to explore new ways of staying active and healthy. From trying a new fitness class to simply stretching outside, the day emphasizes inclusion and enjoyment rather than competition. It’s part of a broader cultural movement to make wellness accessible and fun for all.

🖨️ I have designed a few trackers you might find useful: 30-Day Exercise Habit Tracker and 30-Day Stretching Habit Tracker.

National Garden Meditation Day: Created around 2000 by garden expert C.L. Fornari, this observance promotes using gardens as places of reflection and peace. Known as the “Garden Lady,” Fornari advocates for the emotional and mental benefits of spending quiet time in nature. May 3 is a reminder to slow down and reconnect with both the outdoors and yourself through mindful presence in garden spaces.

National Homebrew Day* (First Saturday in May): Proposed to Congress by the American Homebrewers Association in 1988, National Homebrew Day celebrates the art and science of brewing beer at home. Each year, the association organizes Big Brew events where participants across the country simultaneously brew using official recipes, promoting camaraderie and the growth of homebrewing culture.

National Lumpy Rug Day: Founded by librarian Robert Louis Birch—who also created National Trivia Day (January 4)—this quirky observance reminds people to inspect and care for their rugs. Over time, fibers can bunch and create lumps, but instead of ignoring or tossing the rug, this day encourages appreciation for its wear or taking time to repair it. It’s both a humorous and practical day for home maintenance.

National Montana Day: Honoring Montana as the 41st state to join the U.S., this day celebrates the sweeping landscapes, Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, and the cultural heritage of “Big Sky Country.” From star-filled skies to geysers and mountain views, Montana’s natural wonders are central to this observance. National Montana Day is part of a broader initiative recognizing each U.S. state on its own designated day.

National Paranormal Day: Created in 2013, this day invites people to share stories and explore mysteries that science can’t yet explain. Ghosts, UFOs, déjà vu, and clairvoyance all fall under the umbrella of the paranormal. The goal is to spark curiosity and conversation about strange occurrences and to reflect on the unknowns that continue to fascinate us.

National Raspberry Popover Day / National Raspberry Tart Day: This food holiday spotlights a light and airy baked good similar to Yorkshire pudding. Popovers rise dramatically in the oven and are often served with fruit fillings like raspberries for a sweet version. The name comes from the batter “popping over” the edge of the pan. Though the specific origin of this day is unclear, it’s an opportunity to enjoy a lesser-known dish that dates back to 19th-century American cookbooks.

National SAN Architect Day: Founded in 2015 by KCI, Inc., this day recognizes the professionals who design and manage Storage Area Networks (SANs)—the backbone of modern data storage. These unsung heroes protect digital infrastructure, secure sensitive information, and ensure businesses run smoothly. The observance brings overdue attention to their vital role in cybersecurity and data management.

National Scrapbook Day* (First Saturday in May): Started in 1994 by Creative Memories, this day celebrates the craft of preserving memories through photos, art, and journaling. Scrapbooking allows people to creatively document family stories and personal milestones. It’s both a community and a personal activity, often marked by workshops, gatherings, and online challenges.

National Specially-abled Pets Day / Disabled Pets Day: Created in 2006 by animal advocate and author Colleen Paige, this day raises awareness about pets with disabilities. Originally called Disabled Pets Day, it was renamed to focus on their capabilities rather than limitations. The goal is to promote adoption and celebrate the resilience and love these animals bring, as well as to honor the caregivers and rescue organizations who support them.

🐾 For more dogs, cats, and pets national days, visit the dedicated pages or use the search feature on our website to find exactly what you’re looking for!

National Start Seeing Monarchs Day* (First Saturday in May): Observed since 2015, this awareness day urges people to protect the Monarch butterfly and its migration path. Monarchs rely on milkweed plants, and habitat loss threatens their survival. The day encourages planting native milkweed, supporting pollinator habitats, and learning more about butterfly conservation.

🦋 Related observances include National Learn About Butterflies Day (March 14) and Pollinator Week in June.

National Textiles Day: Established in 2016 by Valley Forge Fabrics, this day recognizes the importance of textiles in everyday life—from fashion and furnishings to shelter and design. The company, known for sustainable practices, created the day to celebrate the craft, creativity, and technology behind textile production.

National Two Different Colored Shoes Day: Dr. Arlene Kaiser founded this lighthearted day to encourage people to express individuality and embrace diversity. What started as her personal statement became a global movement. Wearing mismatched shoes symbolizes the courage to stand out, embrace differences, and spark conversation.

🌈 National Two Different Colored Shoes Day is similar in spirit to days like National Mismatched Socks Day celebrated on November 21.

Print Day in May* (First Saturday in May): This global celebration of printmaking was started in 2007 by artist Robynn Smith in the Monterey Bay area of California. It invites artists from over 80 countries to create prints and share them online, forming a community chain across time zones. Participants print in studios, homes, and public spaces, promoting the art form and encouraging global connection through creativity.

Wild Koala Day: Established in 2016 by a network of koala conservation groups in Australia, this day raises awareness about koala habitat loss and encourages environmental action. The date is strategically chosen to coincide with key political events and to draw attention to biodiversity protection. Supporters include celebrities, universities, and everyday citizens committed to preserving this iconic species.

Wildfire Community Preparedness Day* (First Saturday in May): Developed by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in the early 2000s, this day addresses the rising threat of wildfires. It encourages communities in the U.S. and Canada to reduce fire risk through landscaping, education, and neighborhood action. Grants from FireSmart Canada and other organizations support local preparedness efforts.

🔥 Related observances include National Fire Prevention Week in October.

Wordsmith Day: Though the origins of this day remain unclear, Wordsmith Day celebrates writers and the power of well-crafted language. It honors those who use words to inform, persuade, entertain, or move readers. The day encourages appreciation for literary expression in all forms—from journalism and novels to poetry and blogging.

✍️ Wordsmith Day shares a kindred spirit with National Author’s Day on November 1 and World Poetry Day on March 21.

World Labyrinth Day* (First Saturday in May): Founded in 2009 by The Labyrinth Society, this international event invites people to walk labyrinths as a form of moving meditation. Participants around the world “Walk as One at 1” local time, creating a wave of peaceful energy. The day promotes labyrinths as spiritual and therapeutic tools and has expanded to include educational initiatives through partners like Veriditas and the Australian Labyrinth Network.

World Naked Gardening Day* (First Saturday in May): First celebrated in 2005 and founded by Mark Storey and Jacob Gabriel, this cheeky holiday encourages people to connect with nature—literally. Backed by the Naturist Society and the American Association for Nude Recreation, the day celebrates body positivity, freedom, and gardening. Participants often share photos (strategically censored with foliage or tools) and stories to support the playful spirit of the event.

World Press Freedom Day: Officially proclaimed by the United Nations in 1993 following a UNESCO recommendation, this day draws global attention to the state of press freedom. It honors journalists who risk or lose their lives in pursuit of truth and highlights the importance of independent media. The World Press Freedom Committee, formed in 1976, has long worked to defend journalistic rights and has helped amplify the message behind this critical observance.

Write a Review Day: Founded in 2022 by Tripadvisor, this day highlights the importance of thoughtful consumer reviews in supporting businesses and guiding others. The tourism industry alone lost over $900 billion during the pandemic, leading to hundreds of thousands of closures. Positive reviews can help revive small businesses and inspire better travel and shopping decisions. The day encourages sharing honest, helpful feedback as a way to uplift local economies and communities.