May 4 National Days

May 4 is the 124th day of the year (125th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 241 days until the end of the year. This day brings together a variety of celebrations, from honoring firefighters and small business owners to enjoying orange juice, laughter, and even Jedi lore.

Several observances, including Mayday for Mutts, World Laughter Day, and International Dawn Chorus Day, change yearly and fall on the first Sunday in May.

Below is a complete guide to all the 23 national and international days celebrated on May 4.

National and International Days on May 4

45 Day / Forty Five Day: Founded by Christos Christou in 2020, celebrates the iconic 7-inch vinyl record and the culture around it. Originally launched online during the global lockdown, the first event featured DJ sets and live streams. As interest in vinyl has grown in recent years, this day recognizes the enduring legacy of 45s, the stores that sell them, and the music lovers who collect and play them.

Bereaved Mother’s Day* (First Sunday in May): Honors mothers who have lost a child. Created by Carly Marie Dudley in Australia, the day is now embraced around the world as a way to offer comfort, support, and visibility to grieving mothers—particularly during a time of year that can be painful due to traditional Mother’s Day celebrations. The observance acknowledges grief while honoring maternal identity and remembrance.

Bird Day: First observed in 1894, Bird Day is the oldest U.S. holiday dedicated to celebrating birds. Charles Almanzo Babcock, a school superintendent in Pennsylvania, created the day to promote bird conservation as a moral responsibility. Celebrated annually on May 4, it honors the diversity of North America’s bird population and encourages both appreciation and protection of feathered species.

🐦 Related days include: National Bird Day on January 5 and National Go Birding Day, which takes place on the last Saturday in April.

International Dawn Chorus Day* (First Sunday in May): Started in the 1980s by environmentalist Chris Baines in Birmingham, UK, International Dawn Chorus Day encourages people to wake early and enjoy the sounds of birds singing at dawn. Supported by the Wildlife Trust, this global celebration highlights the beauty of birdsong and promotes environmental awareness. Events are held in urban and rural settings across the world.

International Firefighters’ Day: First observed on May 4, 1999, in memory of fallen firefighters and to honor those who risk their lives daily. The date coincides with the feast day of St. Florian, patron saint of firefighters. The day is marked worldwide with tributes, including a shared moment of silence at noon. It recognizes both volunteer and career firefighters for their dedication and sacrifice.

International Permaculture Day* (First Sunday in May): Promotes sustainable and self-sufficient living through environmentally responsible design. Celebrated on the first Sunday in May, the day showcases practices that contribute to resilient communities and healthier ecosystems. Events include workshops, farm tours, and gardening activities to educate the public on permaculture principles.

International Respect for Chickens Day: This observance was created in 2005 by United Poultry Concerns, founded by Karen Davis. It calls attention to the treatment of chickens and other farm birds used in agriculture, research, and entertainment. The day promotes compassion, awareness, and the ethical treatment of these animals, while also advocating for plant-based diets and animal rights.

Mayday for Mutts* (First Sunday in May): Founded by Karen Derrico, author of Unforgettable Mutts, Mayday for Mutts highlights the value of mixed-breed dogs and encourages adoption from shelters. Observed on the first Sunday in May, the day seeks to shift public perception away from pedigree and toward personality, particularly for dogs with special needs or older animals that are often overlooked.

🐾 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!

Motorcycle Mass and Blessing of the Bikes Day* (First Sunday in May): This annual event brings together motorcyclists to receive blessings for a safe riding season. Often held at the start of summer, the tradition combines spiritual reflection with the camaraderie of the biking community. Services are hosted across cities and towns worldwide, emphasizing themes of freedom, safety, and shared experience.

National Candied Orange Peel Day: This day showcases a treat that has flavored European desserts since at least the 15th century. Candied orange peel, often associated with Arab culinary traditions, is made by boiling and sugaring orange rind. It adds flavor and decoration to baked goods and can also be enjoyed as a sweet snack on its own.

National Day of Reason: Created in 2003 by the American Humanist Association and the Washington Area Secular Humanists, this day was established in response to the National Day of Prayer. Celebrated on May 4, it promotes reason, secular values, and the constitutional principle of separation of church and state, offering a space for non-religious individuals to reflect and gather.

National Infertility Survival Day* (Sunday before Mother’s Day): Founded in 2004 by Beverly Barna, this day acknowledges the emotional challenges of infertility and provides a space for support and recognition. Held the Sunday before Mother’s Day, the observance validates the experiences of individuals and couples navigating infertility and encourages open dialogue and community solidarity.

National Kids Fitness Day: This day emphasizes the importance of physical activity for children’s well-being. With roots tracing back to 19th-century physical education reforms, National Kids Fitness Day encourages schools, parents, and communities to promote fitness through fun and inclusive activities. It supports both physical health and cognitive development in growing children.

National Lemonade Day* (First Sunday in May): Founded by Michael Holthouse in 2007, National Lemonade Day teaches youth entrepreneurial skills through running lemonade stands. The initiative, now supported by LemonadeDay.org and Google, gives kids hands-on experience in business planning, money management, and customer service. It’s a refreshing mix of learning and fun.

National Orange Juice Day: Orange juice is America’s favorite breakfast drink, and this day highlights both its popularity and nutritional benefits. Packed with vitamin C, potassium, and folate, orange juice plays a healthy role in many people’s morning routines. May 4 is a great day to enjoy a glass—fresh-squeezed, bottled, or frozen.

National Renewal Day: Encourages people to refresh their lives, whether by making personal changes or trying something new. Set in spring, a season of growth and rejuvenation, the day is a reminder to embrace positive change, rekindle old goals, or even mend relationships. It’s a flexible observance focused on personal reinvention.

💗 There are dozens of national days dedicated to celebrating family, relationships and friends.

National Self-Employed Day: Founded in 2022 by Jeffrey Shaw, National Self-Employed Day celebrates entrepreneurs and small business owners who work independently. The day recognizes the challenges and accomplishments of the self-employed, encouraging appreciation for their determination and impact on local economies. Shaw is also the creator of The Self-Employed Business Institute.

National Star Wars Day: Celebrated annually on May 4, this day is based on the pun “May the Fourth be with you,” a play on the iconic phrase “May the Force be with you.” First organized in Toronto in 2011 by Sean Ward and Alice Quinn, the day has since grown into a worldwide celebration of Star Wars fandom through events, costumes, film marathons, and more.

National Weather Observers Day: Created in 1989 by psychology student Alan Brue, this day honors amateur and professional weather watchers. Celebrated annually on May 4, it recognizes their role in storm spotting and weather reporting. It also encourages public interest in meteorology and the tools and history of weather observation.

🌤️ Related days: National Weatherperson’s Day on February 5, World Meteorological Day on March 23 and National Big Wind Day on April 12.

Petite and Proud Day: Launched in 2016 by two women named Sarah and Emily, this day celebrates individuals 5’4″ and under. It encourages confidence, body positivity, and appreciation for diverse body types. Petite and Proud Day reminds people that height does not determine strength, success, or beauty.

📏 Similar observance: Short Girl Appreciation Day is celebrated on the shortest day of the year, December 21.

Relationship Renewal Day / Renewal Day: This observance encourages people to rekindle personal connections. Whether it’s a romantic relationship, friendship, or family bond, May 4 is an opportunity to reconnect, resolve old conflicts, and foster understanding and communication with those we care about.

World Give Day: Created in 2010 by GiveForward.com, World Give Day encourages charitable giving and everyday acts of kindness. Observed annually on May 4, the day promotes generosity through donations, volunteering, and simple gestures of care. It reminds people that giving can be both powerful and accessible.

World Laughter Day* (First Sunday in May): Founded in 1998 by Dr. Madan Kataria of the Laughter Yoga Movement, World Laughter Day promotes the health and social benefits of laughter. First celebrated in Mumbai, the day now includes large-scale laughter events across cities worldwide. It’s a joyful reminder that laughter is a powerful tool for wellness and connection.