May 7 National Days

May 7 is the 127th day of the year (128th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 238 days until the end of the year. Today’s observances span topics from mental health and weather science to tourism, cocktails, and children’s wellness.

Many of the celebrations on May 7 take place annually on this fixed date, while several others, such as National Skilled Trades Day and World Carnivorous Plant Day, shift each year based on weekday placement.

Here’s a full overview of the 20 national and international days celebrated on May 7.

National and International Days on May 7

ACES Day * (First Wednesday in May): All Children Exercising Simultaneously (ACES) Day encourages kids across the country to get active together. It was founded in 1989 by Len Saunders, a physical education teacher in New Jersey, to inspire healthy habits through group movement. What started as a single school event quickly spread nationwide and beyond, now recognized as one of the largest youth fitness initiatives in the world. It aligns with National Physical Fitness and Sports Month and America’s National Physical Education Week.

Beaufort Scale Day: Honors Sir Francis Beaufort, a Royal Navy officer who created the Beaufort wind force scale in 1805. His standardized system allowed sailors and meteorologists to measure wind speed based on observable conditions, replacing vague terms like “light breeze” or “strong gale.” The scale later became an essential tool in weather forecasting and naval operations, and remains widely used today.

Bladder Cancer Awareness Day: This annual day highlights the need for awareness, early detection, and research related to bladder cancer, the 10th most common cancer worldwide. In the U.S., tens of thousands are diagnosed each year. As part of Bladder Cancer Awareness Month, May 7 serves as a time to educate the public about risk factors and symptoms, and to support patients and survivors.

Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day: Founded in 2005 by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), this observance raises awareness about mental health challenges faced by children and youth. Each year includes a campaign focused on education, acceptance, and prevention. Related events often take place as part of Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Week.

Global Travel Advisor Day * (First Wednesday in May): Celebrated since at least 2016, this day honors travel advisors and the partners who support their work. Originally known as National Travel Agent Day, it recognizes the value these professionals bring to the tourism industry—especially highlighted during the global disruptions of 2020. Organizations like the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) and Travel Leaders Group support the observance, which is held during National Tourism Week.

🏝️ Similar days include National Tourism Day also happening on May 7 as well as World Tourism Day on September 27.

Great American Grump Out * (First Wednesday in May): Created in 2002 by author and speaker Janice A. Hathy, this day challenges people to avoid negativity and embrace humor, kindness, and optimism. The idea is simple—just for one day, try to stop complaining. The Grump Out has spread to homes, schools, and workplaces, offering a break from stress and an opportunity to laugh a little more.

Love’s Baby Soft Day: On May 7, fans remember the wildly successful fragrance and product line from Love’s Cosmetics. Launched in 1974, Love’s Baby Soft targeted teenage girls with scents that evoked innocence and sweetness, but with an overtly suggestive marketing twist. With Brooke Shields as a spokesmodel, the campaign became iconic and controversial, leaving a lasting impression on beauty and advertising culture.

National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day * (First Wednesday in May): This observance began in 1993 to encourage individuals to get screened for anxiety disorders. Early diagnosis can lead to better management of conditions like panic disorder, generalized anxiety, or PTSD. Screenings may take place online or through healthcare providers. The day reminds us that mental health challenges are common and treatable.

National Barrier Awareness Day: Officially recognized in 1986 through a joint resolution of Congress and a proclamation by President Ronald Reagan, this day calls attention to the barriers—physical, educational, and social—that people with disabilities face. It promotes understanding, accessibility, and equal opportunity by challenging outdated policies and misconceptions that hinder progress.

National Bike to School Day * (Changes annually in May): First observed on May 9, 2012, this event encourages students across the U.S. to bike to school as part of National Bike Month. Inspired by the success of National Walk to School Day (October), the goal is to promote safe biking habits, healthier lifestyles, and community engagement. The event is supported by the League of American Bicyclists and Safe Routes to School programs, with thousands of schools participating each year.

National Cosmopolitan Day: Raises a glass to the iconic pink cocktail made famous in the 1990s. Though the cosmopolitan dates back to the 1960s, it gained mainstream popularity thanks to bartenders like Dale DeGroff and pop culture moments like Sex and the City. The drink combines vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and Cointreau, and is served in a martini glass with a twist.

🍸 Related celebrations include National Cocktail Day on March 24. For more alcohol-themed days, visit the dedicated article.

National Interpreter Appreciation Day * (First Wednesday in May): Founded in 2013 by Joshua Jones through a Facebook page, this day recognizes the vital work of interpreters who help bridge language gaps in schools, hospitals, courtrooms, and international conferences. It includes both spoken and sign language interpreters and celebrates the skills, cultural understanding, and quick thinking that make their work so impactful.

National Packaging Design Day: Founded by Design Packaging in 2015 to recognize the creativity and innovation behind packaging. The design of a product’s box, bottle, or bag often plays a key role in branding and customer experience. From luxury perfumes to eco-friendly boxes, this day honors the professionals who make packaging both functional and visually appealing.

National Paste-Up Day: This observance looks back at the pre-digital era of publishing, when layout artists—also called paste-up artists—would cut and arrange columns of text and headlines by hand. These mechanical layouts were used to create camera-ready pages for offset printing. National Paste-Up Day celebrates the craftsmanship behind traditional print production and those who paved the way for modern desktop publishing.

National Roast Leg of Lamb Day: This food holiday encourages home cooks to prepare and enjoy a classic roast leg of lamb. Traditionally flavored with rosemary, garlic, and butter, it’s a dish often associated with springtime gatherings and Sunday dinners.

🥩 The day adds to the list of meat-themed observances like National Prime Rib Day on April 27 and National Filet Mignon Day on August 13.

National School Nurse Day * (Wednesday of National Nurses Week): This day honors school nurses for their essential role in keeping students healthy and safe. First recognized nationally in 1974 by President Gerald Ford, the day acknowledges nurses who respond to medical issues, administer medication, and support student well-being throughout the academic year.

National Skilled Trades Day * (First Wednesday in May): Founded by City Machine Technologies, Inc. in Youngstown, Ohio, this day brings attention to careers in the skilled trades and addresses workforce shortages in industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and construction. It celebrates electricians, welders, mechanics, EMTs, and others who play hands-on roles in keeping communities running.

National Tourism Day: This day highlights the role of tourism in local economies and personal enrichment. While the origins of the observance remain unclear, it aligns with National Travel and Tourism Week in the U.S. and encourages both individuals and businesses to promote travel opportunities.

🏝️ Similar events include World Tourism Day on September 27 and National Plan for Vacation Day celebrated on the last Tuesday of January.

Occupational Safety and Health Professional Day * (Wednesday of the first full week in May): Established in 2006 by the American Society of Safety Engineers, this day acknowledges professionals who work to keep employees, facilities, and environments safe. It falls during North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week and highlights the vital work of safety officers, environmental health specialists, and others who reduce risks in industrial and public settings.

World Carnivorous Plant Day * (First Wednesday in May): Founded by Krzysztof Banas and supported by the International Carnivorous Plant Society (ICPS) since 2020, this day brings awareness to the fascinating world of carnivorous plants like Venus flytraps and pitcher plants. Events include educational seminars, expert talks, and plant showcases—celebrating both the science and mystery of these unique organisms.