Oklahoma City Bombing Commemoration Day
2026-04-19 | OH
Each year, National Oklahoma City Bombing Commemoration Day on April 19th honors the memory of those killed in the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995. The Oklahoma City bombing was a domestic terrorist bomb attack on the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City. It remained the most destructive act of terrorism on American soil until the September 11, 2001, attacks. The blast in Oklahoma City claimed the lives of 168 people, including 19 children under the age of 6, and injured more than 680 people. (https://www.history.com/topics/oklahoma-city-bombing)

#OklahomaCityBombingCommemorationDay

The day serves as a day of remembrance for those who perished and for those who were injured. If you would like to learn more about this awful day in Oklahoma, you can visit the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum website.

The day also honors all those who served and volunteered as part of the emergency response. Throughout the devastating event, emergency response and humanitarian aid flooded in from around the country. Donations of medical supplies, gear, food, water, and equipment supported the rescue and recovery efforts.

HOW TO OBSERVE OKLAHOMA CITY BOMBING COMMEMORATION DAY

Join the nation in 168 seconds of silence for the 168 people killed in the bombings.

Show support for EMS and humanitarian volunteers.

Learn more about the bombing, the memorial, and how Oklahoma City recovered in the aftermath.

Use #OklahomaCityBombingCommemorationDay to post on social media.

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National Hanging Out Day
2026-04-19
Each year on April 19th, Project Laundry List works with hundreds of other organizations to sponsor National Hanging Out Day. This day encourages communities to learn about the benefits, both financially and environmentally, of using a clothesline for drying laundry. According to Project Laundry Lists’ website, clothes dryers account for an astonishing six to ten percent of residential energy consumption. Hanging your clothes out to dry also includes all these other benefits:

You will reduce your carbon footprint.

You will save money.

The fresh air and sunshine recharge our bodies in therapeutic ways.

Clothes dried on a clothesline have a natural freshness.

It encourages us to slow down.

#NationalHangingOutDay

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL HANING OUT DAY

Hang your freshly washed clothes out to dry.

Install a clothesline.

Try sleeping in sun and air-dried sheets—it’s amazingly refreshing!

Share pictures of your clothes drying on the line.

Post tips, tools, and tricks to hanging clothes.

Join the conversation by using #NationalHangingOutDay on social media.

While you’re waiting for the clothes to dry, download and print the Hanging Out Day color page.

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Volunteer Recognition Day
2026-04-20
Volunteer Recognition Day is the annual celebration of those who selflessly benefit the lives of others. By providing a helping hand to those in need, humans and animals alike, we are all naturally working towards making the world a better place.

#VolunteerRecognitionDay
Every single one of us has been benefited from the work of a volunteer and Volunteer Recognition Day acknowledges the beauty of this phenomenon. Every direction we turn, we can do something outside of our daily list of requirements. As you go about your day, honor and thank those who go to the extra mile.
High profile celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Bono have made a name beyond the stage for their work with various foundations. Although most of us are not millionaires, their work goes to show that anyone can get their hands dirty, step out of their comfort zone and lend a hand to those in need.

A lot of times volunteering comes down finding a cause that moves you. For some people, taking care of animals influences them, whereas the human condition calls to others requiring they meet the needs of a few or many in their community or far and wide. With so many opportunities to offer love and support to those who won’t take it for granted, it’s hard not to want to get involved!

HOW TO OBSERVE VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION DAY
Take a moment to thank a volunteer in your life.
Evaluate your current schedule and see where you can fit in time for volunteering. Pick a cause you’re passionate about! Whether it’s donating your money or often even more importantly, your time, there’s always something to be done. Don’t forget, your skills are valuable to organizations, too. Many volunteer organizations provide services to people who would otherwise go without if it weren’t for volunteers. So think of your specific skill set and consider who it might benefit if times are tough.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:

tax services to those who’ve fallen on hard times
wig styling for someone undergoing chemo
dental services for those who cannot afford dental insurance
yard care for elderly or disabled
sew quilts, weighted blankets, post-mastectomy drain bulb covers, and many other projects to support those in need

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National Record Store Day
2026-04-25
On National Record Store Day, owners, employees, and music lovers gather in the place that created a culture of its own.

#NationalRecordStoreDay
From vinyl to digital and back to vinyl again, the brick and mortar store celebrates a love of not just the music, but the art of jacket covers, words, and style. Through a variety of events, record stores across the country and the world hold one day events and promotions.
Even though independent record stores have dwindled in the last decade, around 1,400 still remain in operation in the United States. Most of those are operating in major metropolitan areas like New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and Seattle. However, other smaller metro areas also cater to vinyl and disc, too. Think Duluth, Fargo, Des Moines, and Terre Haute. They all have record stores full of classic albums waiting for you to discover your favorite cover.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL RECORD STORE DAY

Visit your favorite record store online and give them a shoutout or buy a gift card to show your support.
Play your favorite vinyl record find.
Visit www.recordstoreday.com to find a record store event near you.
Use #NationalRecordStoreDay to share on social media.

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National Earth Day
2026-04-22
Each year on April 22nd, National Earth Day campaigns around the globe promote ways to keep the Earth healthy and our planet livable.

#NationalEarthDay
Since its inception, the organizers promote events educating the public about a variety of subjects including:

climate change
air pollution
water pollution
erosion
recycling
composting
renewable fuels and power
carbon footprints
efficient cars
rain forests
ecosystems

As citizens of the world, we can take action to protect the Earth, its creatures, and its habitats. Greener living can include more fuel-efficient vehicles or windows. It can also include landscaping for your climate reducing the amount of water required. Numerous green campaigns launch events around the globe each year. Join one near you or organize one that fits your community’s needs.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL EARTH DAY

Support and use recycling programs in your community.
Volunteer to clean up local parks and streets on clean-up days.
Support and frequent green businesses.
Use re-usable products versus disposable.
Repurpose items that have outworn their use.
Shop secondhand and thrift stores for gently used items.
Use energy-efficient appliances or line dry your clothes.
Walk or ride your bike to work if possible.
Carpool or make one trip instead of multiple trips for shopping.
Encourage your favorite products to reduce packaging.
Check out One Square Inch of Silence. Founded on Earth Day in 2005, it encourages you to participate in expanding naturally silent spaces around the globe.
Share your Earth Day experiences and join the conversation using #EarthDay on Social Media.

The ultimate test of man’s conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something
today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard. ~ Gaylord Nelson – Founder of Earth Day
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National Bucket List Day
2026-04-24
April 24 celebrates National Bucket List Day to remind us it’s never too late to set new goals, go on a dream vacation, and inspire people around you to enjoy life to the fullest.

#NATIONALBUCKETLISTDAY
By definition, a bucket list is a list of things a person would like to do, but has never experienced before. Some people refer to them as milestones, while other people refer to them as goals. Whatever you call them, a bucket list is a list of things a person would like to accomplish before they die.
What Is A Bucket List?
A bucket list is the list you create to make the most out of life. It is a list of goals, dreams, and aspirations you would like to accomplish before you pass away. The basic meaning of a bucket list is to keep track of your goals by making yourself accountable to achieve all you want in life. The purpose of a bucket list is to encourage ourselves to accomplish goals within in a specific timeframe.
Our time on earth is short. Very few of us pause to think about how we spend what time we have. Creating a bucket list can help you live your life to the fullest. It also gives you the opportunity to appreciate the life you have and reflect on the good things to come.

Bucket List Ideas
A bucket list can be anything you want it to be. Your bucket list should reflect your interests. In fact, we’re guessing there are no two lists alike. If you are a simple person, create a bucket list that reflects the simple pleasures in life. If you gravitate towards extravagant things or love to travel, your list will more than likely consist of ideas that require more of a financial investment.
Simple Bucket List Ideas

Graduating from high school or college.
Having children.
Buying a home.
Becoming a freelance photographer.
Participating in a painting club.

Extravagant Bucket List Ideas

Go on a cruise.
Visit the Rainforest.
Visit all the continents in the world.
Visit historical landmarks across the country.
Ride a hot air balloon.

Travel Bucket List

Travel to Europe.
See the ancient Mayan ruins.
Visit Egyptian tombs.
Travel Route 66.
Visit all the state parks in North America.

Finding Gratitude
Living a life of gratitude is key to living a well-rounded life, full of happiness and satisfaction. Gratitude allows you to find every day moments and turn them into long-term fulfillment. Completing items on your bucket list will help you realize the opportunity you have been given as you experience life-changing moments you thought might never happen. Enjoy the ride and show gratitude for the adventure you have in this life.
ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES

Be brave and have some fun by learning to paint, drive a race car, skydive, surf, or jump off a cliff.
Sample local food and drink during your travels.
Create a bucket list with a friend that you both can enjoy.
Watch the movie Bucket List, staring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman.
Pay it forward with a bucket list that allows you to donate time to an orphanage, local soup kitchen, or food pantry.
Share your videos and photos on social media from your bucket list adventures using #NationalBucketListDay.

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Stop Food Waste Day
2026-04-29
Food waste worldwide is an alarming issue. That is why on the last Wednesday in April, Stop Food Waste Day raises awareness of the growing concern of food waste.

#StopFoodWasteDay
According to the USDA, Americans waste between 30-40 percent of the food supply. That is near or more than the worldwide estimate of 1/3 of the world’s consumable waste. Additionally, food waste occurs for many reasons all along the food chain.

Lack of workers to harvest
Quality expectations
Weather
Overproduction
Faulty equipment
Poor planning
Overbuying
Over preparing

These are only a few reasons that add up to millions of tons of food waste. Stop Food Waste Day addresses all the factors and brings increased awareness to the world. The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that nearly half of food waste happens before it even reaches the consumer. So, everyone along the food chain has a responsibility to help reduce it. That means, from farm to table and everywhere in between, we have work to do. Some of the solutions include:

Improved weather forecasts, so farmers know what to grow and when.
Improved storage facilities so that distributers and markets can preserve food longer.
Reduced production where possible.
An improved understanding of food quality and a loosening of those standards.
Preparing smaller meals.
Teaching consumers how to use leftovers in soups, casseroles, and stir-fries.
Learning how to preserve meals at home.
Begin composting the incidental waste to improve home production and commercial production.

Food waste is everyone’s problem, whether we realize it or not. Join the movement to reduce food waste. Follow these tips for reducing food waste:
At home:

Purchase and prepare only the amount of food you need to feed your family.
Discover new recipes that allow you to makeover leftovers.
Learn how to preserve food.
If you buy in bulk, consider donating excess to local shelters.
Understand the use by and best by dates.

In your community or business:

Speak to your local grocers about changing their damaged fruit and vegetable policies. Those pristine-looking bins full of blemish-free fruits and vegetables shouldn’t be the standard anymore.
Shop farmer’s markets, local food stands, and food co-ops.
Create or participate in a donation program.
Promote neighborhood composting.
Educate your employees about best food practices.
Develop a partnership with area farmers and feed the animals.

HOW TO OBSERVE STOP FOOD WASTE DAY

Share your tips and tricks to avoid food waste.
Try a new recipe that repurposes leftovers.
Give a shout-out to restaurants and businesses that use smart food practices.
Learn more about food waste, the causes, and how to prevent it.
Watch documentaries about food waste such as:

Just Eat It, directed by Grant Baldwin
Wasted! The Story of Food Waste, directed by Nari Kye and Anna Chai
Expired! Food Waste in America, directed by Rebecca Richman Cohen

Read about food waste in books like:

The Waste Not, Want Not Cookbook by Cinda Chavich
In Defense of Food: An Eater’s Manifesto by Michael Pollan

Join the conversation and use #StopFoodWasteDay on social media.

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Independent Bookstore Day
2026-04-25
On the last Saturday in April, Independent Bookstore Day brings together the celebration of classics, entrepreneurship and the joy of browsing through aisles of books.

#IndependentBookstoreDay
Make your way down to your locally owned bookstore where the shop owner knows your interests. Chat with other bibliophiles over collections or discover a new favorite. Introduce nieces and nephews to your childhood favorites and let them wow you with their knowledge of the latest trilogies. Get lost in biographies or historical fiction while debating the value of a mint condition cookbook from the 1860s.

HOW TO OBSERVE INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE DAY
Independent bookstores offer a peaceful place and a community often filled with local authors and voices who share stories. Visit your local independent bookstore and discover more for your imagination. Use #IndependentBookstoreDay to share on social media.
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First Ladies Day
2026-04-25
National First Ladies Day on the last Saturday in April honors all First Ladies of the United States and commemorates the founding of the First Lady upon President George Washington’s inauguration on April 30, 1789. Martha Washington became First Lady of the United States that day. She and all those who followed in her footsteps have played in molding our nation.

#FirstLadiesDay
Since 1789, a first lady has accompanied every president. Starting with Martha Washington, who was born on June 2, 1731, first ladies have helped set a tone in the highest office of the land. Even the country’s only bachelor president, James Buchannan, required someone to act as hostess. Harriet Lane, the president’s niece, stepped into the role of the first lady. She presented a well-ordered White House with tact and grace. Lane isn’t the only relative to serve in the role of the first lady. Several other presidents held office as widowers requiring someone to step into the role as a de facto first lady, too.
While they aren’t elected, many of them campaign alongside their spouse. Others have served as elected or appointed officials in many different capacities. First ladies have been teachers, Girl Scouts, educated, and adventurous.
More First Lady Facts
Another first lady with a unique history is Abigail Adams. The first to live in the White House when John Adams was elected the 2nd President of the United States, Adams was also the mother of another president – John Quincy Adams. First Lady Barbara Bush repeated that circumstance 176 years later when her son George W. Bush was elected.
Only two first ladies were born outside the United States – Melania Trump was the most recent. Do you know who the first was?

Tradition and Firsts
While nearly every first lady since Martha Washington has been dedicated to a charitable cause, Lady Bird Johnson made it a formal platform. Since then, the country has come to expect the next first lady to continue the tradition.
Abigail Fillmore was the first teacher to ascend to the role of the first lady. The most recent was Laura Bush.
While there are many firsts in the world of first ladies, two recent ones include the first African American and the first to earn a doctorate degree – Michele Obama and Dr. Jill Biden.
First Lady Tragedy
Eight first ladies have become widows while living in the White House. The first was Anna Harrison. Notably, she was also the grandmother of Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd President. Of these eight, four were the wives of presidents who were assassinated. Mary Lincoln, Lucretia Garfield, Ida McKinley, and Jacqueline Kennedy fall into this tragic list.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL FIRST LADIES DAY

On National First Ladies Day, learn more about the women who’ve set tradition, supported the president, and become role models for many.
Read memoirs, tour museums, and watch documentaries about the first ladies.
Have you met a first lady or two? Share your experiences or how you think the first lady role will change over time.
Use #FirstLadiesDay to share on social media.
Are you looking for more facts? Read 7 Fascinating First Lady Facts to learn more.

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National Peace Rose Day
2026-04-29
Each year on April 29th, National Peace Rose Day honors a well-known and fruitful garden rose.

#NationalPeaceRoseDay
The light yellow to large cream-colored flowers of the Peace rose have slightly flushed crimson pink petal edges. It is a hybrid tea rose that is hardy, vigorous, and highly resistant to disease.
French horticulturist Francis Meilland developed the Peace rose between 1935 and 1939. When Meilland foresaw the German invasion of France to protect the new rose, he sent cutting to his friends in Italy, Turkey, Germany, and the United States. It is believed these cuttings were sent to the United States on the last plane available before the German invasion.
Each country that received a cutting gave the rose a different name. It was called “Madame A. Meilland” in honor of the breeder’s mother in France. Italy named the rose Gioia, meaning Joy. In Germany, the name of the rose was Gloria Dei, for glory to God. The United States named the rose “Peace,” and the national flower of the United States is the rose.
As the Second World War came to a close in Europe, the trade name “Peace” was publicly announced on April 29, 1945, by the Conrad Pyle Co. in the United States.
Later in 1945, Peace roses were given to each delegate at the inaugural meeting of the United Nations, in San Francisco, with a note that read: “We hope the Peace rose will influence men’s thoughts for everlasting world peace.”

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL PEACE ROSE DAY

Discover the beauty of the Peace Rose.
Plant a Peace Rose shrub.
Share clippings with others.
Share the story of the Peace Rose.
Use #NationalPeaceRoseDay to post on social media.

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National Pool Opening Day
2026-04-25
Each year on the last Saturday in April, National Pool Opening Day encourages pool owners across the country to prepare their swimming pools for a summer of fun, fitness, and enjoyment.

#PoolOpeningDay
Swimming pools offer many benefits including physical exercise, social interaction and psychological benefits. Exercising in a swimming pool allows us to do many things that are difficult on land. The water makes us buoyant, so we don’t put as much strain on our joints. It also creates resistance, so every move becomes more of a workout. Another benefit is the cooling effect of water. It helps prevent overheating while exercising. Socializing at the swimming pool can be relaxing and fun. It can help relieve stress while enjoying friends and family.

HOW TO OBSERVE POOL OPENING DAY
Test and balance your water to ensure it is healthy and safe. Check your pool equipment for proper operation. Get out your favorite pool accessories so you can fully enjoy your pool. Post photos of you and your family enjoying your pool on social media using #PoolOpeningDay.
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Sense of Smell Day
2026-04-25
Held on the last Saturday in April, National Sense of Smell Day celebrates one of the five senses. Our sense of smell is more than a way to know when dinner is ready. It also plays a role as an early warning system, triggers memories, and interacts with our other senses.

#SenseOfSmellDay
Did you know, scent cells renew every 30-60 days and are the only sense nerve cells that can regenerate. Those scent cells allow us to recognize smells from childhood, triggering memories of Play-doh, grandma’s cookies or pipe smoke. It’s also the only sense directly connected to the brain where all those memories are stored.
Take a woman when house shopping. She’s more likely to smell unwelcome odors such as smoke, pet urine, or mold before a man. Women naturally have a better sense of smell.
While the loss of smell occurs naturally with age, it can also be a sign of illness, especially a neurological disorder such as Parkinson’s disease or an early stage of Alzheimer’s disease.
A human’s odor is like a fingerprint. Even when we wear deodorant or fragrances, our scent combines with those for a unique combination. Babies recognize the smell of their mothers. Spouses know the scent of their partners, too.

HOW TO OBSERVE SENSE OF SMELL DAY
Museums, children’s museums, and science centers across the country participate in celebrating this holiday by offering hands-on activities and informational displays about the sense of smell.
For fun, do a smell test at home. Collect items such as the ones listed below. Place a small amount of each item in individual containers. Cover them with a cloth and then take turns blindfolding family members to see if they can pass the smell test.

lemon peel
vanilla extract
coffee grounds
toothpaste
chocolate
oil
sawdust
flower petals
someone’s soap

Use #SenseOfSmellDay to post on social media.
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National Foster Day
2026-05-05
We are raising our voices on the first Tuesday in May to celebrate National Foster Day and encourage everyone to wear blue in support for foster youth in the U.S.

#FOSTERCAREBLUE
As we kick off Foster Care Month, we are providing the platform to help repair a system that is plagued with shortages nationwide. National Foster Care Day shines a badly needed light on the foster care system. There is a nationwide shortage of foster parents. In addition, stipends provided to foster care parents do no cover the essentials of a growing child.
Every 2 minutes, a new child is placed within the foster care system. Currently, there are over 400,000 children in the system at any given time. Many youth enter the foster care system with little to no belongings. Sadly, many of these kids have also suffered the effects of abuse, poverty, neglect, or even the death of their loved ones. The need for support services, essential items, and foster parents is high. Foster children have an uphill battle with startling statistics to overcome and need the support of our communities across the country.
Foster Care Statistics

Around 250,00 children enter foster care each year.
Only 50% of youth in foster care graduate high school.
Foster children suffer PTSD at more than twice the rate of U.S. war veterans.
One out of five foster children experience homelessness within 1 year of aging out of care.
One-third of young women in foster care are pregnant or parenting by the age of 17 or 18.
More than 70% of inmates incarcerated were in the foster care system at one point.
Stipends do not cover the essentials of a growing child.

When you volunteer to become a court appointed special advocate or foster care parent you receive specialized training. You are not just providing a home for the child, you are a representative providing a safe haven for abused and neglected children.
Nationwide, there is a shortage of licensed foster homes. In the U.S. alone, more than 100,000 children waiting for a family to call home. Organizations like Ticket to Dream and Project Blue will help guide you on your journey to become a foster parent. Together, you will make a difference to help foster children heal and grow to their full potential.
RAISE AWARENESS

Volunteer for your local foster care nonprofit to raise funding.
Open your hope to a foster child by becoming a foster parent.
Share this page to increase awareness and interest in the foster care system.
Wear blue to show support for foster care youth.
Share your stories about foster care using #FosterCareBlue on social media.

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National Teacher Appreciation Day
2026-05-05
National Teacher Appreciation Day is on the Tuesday during first full week in May as a reminder to show appreciation for teachers everywhere. We are using this National Day to say thank you to all teachers for their time and dedication to educate our children.

#TEACHERAPPRECIATIONDAY
National Teacher Appreciation Day is also known as National Teacher Day. The National Education Association describes National Teacher Day “as a day for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives.”
Teachers play a critical role in educating and shaping our children into the future leaders of our country. These kind, patient, hard-working, dedicated, and understanding professionals help mold our children and guide them in positive directions. We entrust our children with teachers during the school year and they play a pivotal role in their lives daily.
No matter where we are in life, a teacher influenced us. They continue to impact our lives every day, too! When we meet new employees with a wealth of skills and abilities, know a teacher helped shaped them. Every new business owner, doctor, engineer, or nurse can name a teacher who inspired them. Every one of us has at least one teacher in mind who encouraged and motivated us during our education. Take the time today to say “Thank You” to the exceptional teachers you know. Take a moment and reflect on the teachers in your life.

SHOW A TEACHER GRATITUDE

Refill classroom supplies. Many teachers stock their classrooms with the supplies they need to effectively teach. However, many teacher buy supplies out of their own pockets. Replenishing crayons, pencils, or construction paper is a small token of appreciation for a teacher.
Write a letter showing your support for your child’s favorite teacher. Kind words are a small way to encourage a teacher by reminding them the impact they are making in the lives of students.
Volunteering at your school is a way to give teachers a much needed break. Every day, schools rely on parent support for many programs to succeed. For instance, volunteering to be a cross-walker before and after school or a playground monitor relieves a teacher from those duties.
Use #TeacherAppreciationDay or #NationalTeachersDay to post on social media.

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National Paranormal Day
2026-05-03
Each year on May 3rd National Paranormal Day people who believe in paranormal activities are encouraged to get together and share their experiences with each other.

#NationalParanormalDay
Paranormal is a term used to describe occurrences that can’t be explained by ordinary scientific measures. They are outside the norm. Many words leap to mind when speaking of the paranormal. Ghosts, hauntings, spirit, or poltergeist name a few. However, an extraterrestrial and clairvoyance also fall into the category, too. Have you ever felt a sense of Deja vu? Some believe the feeling is related to the paranormal. Are strange orbs in the night an apparition or simply a moth catching the light?
Nearly every city in the country has a house or location that holds a mystical presence. Whether the history associated with the location or personal experiences, certain places radiate the paranormal. Others need a time of day or year for their mystery to unfold. Even still, it might depend on who spins the tale. A good storyteller can make just about anyone’s spine tingle.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL PARANORMAL DAY
Explore the paranormal – if you dare. What’s your favorite ghost story? Discover paranormal hotbeds in your area. Even those who don’t believe in the paranormal can participate in the day. There are a wide variety of movies, documentaries, science-fiction books, and television shows specializing in this genre.
Share your experiences using #NationalParanormalDay to post on social media.
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National Specially-abled Pets Day
2026-05-03
Annually on May 3rd, National Specially-abled Pets Day shines a spotlight on the needs of pets with disabilities.
#SpeciallyAbledPetsDay
This day is set aside to educate the public about caring for disabled pets. The day features disabled animals looking for a home. It also encourages animal lovers to consider choosing a disabled pet when they are looking at adopting a new pet family member. Before you adopt a pet with special needs, consider the time, energy, and financial needs, too.

Do you need special training? Depending on your pet’s needs you may need to learn some new skills. If your pet requires injections or certain types of therapy, you will be the one to provide the services.
If your pet is deaf or blind, you will need to be aware of their needs and safety concerns.
Is your home adapted to their needs? Amputees and blind animals will need accommodations.
Specially-abled pets require more veterinary care. The costs can add up, so consider your finances before you adopt, not after.

While pets with disabilities require additional care and accommodations, they still bring much love and joy to a home.
HOW TO OBSERVE SPECIALLY-ABLED PETS DAY
Consider adopting a specially-abled pet. Learn about fostering specially-abled pets, too. While bringing home a pet is always exciting, it can also be stressful. Visit with someone who is the pet parent of a specially-abled pet to learn more. They will provide insight and helpful tips. You will also gain a partner and hopefully a play buddy for your new companion. If you already love one, share your experiences and post pictures of your beautiful furbabies using #SpeciallyAbledPetsDay on social media.
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World Press Freedom Day
2026-05-03
Every year, May 3 is when the world celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom. It’s a day to evaluate press freedom around the world, to defend the media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the exercise of their profession. At the core of the date is a reminder that it can be suicide to become a journalist. Publications and the people who work with them are harassed, attacked, murdered. Publications are censored, fined and closed down.

#WorldPressFreedomDay
It is an opportunity to:

celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom;
assess the state of press freedom throughout the world;
defend the media from attacks on their independence;
and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

In the United States, over the last 15 years, the number of reporters, editors, photographers, and other U.S. newsroom employees fell by 45 percent. It’s expected that more newsrooms will follow suit as news business models continue to be in flux. There are now some 1,500 “ghost papers,” where skeleton staffs are offering little to no local news coverage. And, in some places, access to news has dried up entirely: More than 1,400 communities across the country lost a newspaper over this period.

HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY
Visit the Press Freedom Day online. Use your local newspaper to express yourself. Write a letter to the editor on something that you feel strongly about.
Read George Orwell’s 1984, Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 all of which picture a society without a free press.
Follow on social media with #PressFreedomDay, or #WorldPressFreedomDay
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National Weather Observers Day
2026-05-04
National Weather Observers Day on May 4th provides a day for the people who enjoy watching and observing the weather.

#WeatherObserversDay
Weather observers often assist the National Weather Service as Storm Spotters. These hobbyists are valuable resources for communities. This day is also an opportunity to get out and learn about a variety of weather phenomena, the history of weather tracking, and find about meteorological instruments.
When is Skywarn Recognition Day?
Around the world, weather stations and weather spotters contribute to hundreds of thousands of observations a day. From land, sea, and sky, these observations provide valuable information that helps predict weather and warn of impending storms. They also contribute to historical data that is studied and may help to better understand weather phenomena.

HOW TO OBSERVE WEATHER OBSERVERS DAY
While you’re exploring the weather, sign up for a weather spotters course. Learn how to identify different types of clouds, shifting weather, and prepare for types of weather in your climate. Use #WeatherObserversDay to post on social media.
You can also learn how to make your own barometer. It is easy to do with only a few items you likely have at home. We also created this weather chart you can download and print. Will you begin tracking the weather near you?
Visit the National Day Calendar® Classroom for more ways to help your students to #CelebrateEveryDay!
NATIONAL WEATHER OBSERVERS DAY HISTORY
In 1989, Alan Brue, who was a psychology major at State University of New York, founded National Weather Observers Day on May 4th. The New York college senior created the day for weather enthusiasts and professionals to celebrate their love of weather.
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National Star Wars Day
2026-05-04
May the Fourth be with you each year on National Star Wars Day. Or is it, “May the force be with you?” It all depends on whether you like using puns or not.

#NationalStarWarsDay
Thousands of Star Wars enthusiasts celebrate this day each year with parties and celebrations around the nation. If you a fan, then National Star Wars Day allows you to dress like your favorite character, say your favorite lines from the series and catch a movie or read a book.
Star Wars fans didn’t first introduce the often quoted phrase on May 4th. It was 1979, and Britain elected the first female Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher. On May 4th, the day she took office, the Conservative Party placed an advertisement in The London Evening News, which read, “May the Fourth Be with You, Maggie. Congratulations.”

Star Wars creator, George Lucas, was asked during a 2005 interview on a German news TV channel to say the famous sentence “May the Force Be with You.” Upon doing so, the interpreter interpreted the sentence into German as Am4 Mai sind wir bei Ihnen (On May 4 we are with you). TV Total captured this and aired it on May 18, 2005.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL STAR WARS DAY

Wear your Wookie costume.
Bring your lightsaber to school or the office.
Greet people with “May The Fourth Be With You”.
Watch some Star Wars films.
Play Star Wars trivia.
Make some outer space snacks.
Use #NationalStarWarsDay to post on social media.

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National Day of Prayer
2026-05-07
The National Day of Prayer is observed annually on the first Thursday in May. This day observance, designated by the United States Congress, asks people “to turn to God in prayer and meditation.”

#NationalDayOfPrayer
For many, prayer is an integral part of daily life. Prayer offers a rich connection to our spiritual lives, nurturing our relationships and faith. It also provides comfort in times of crisis or need.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
People of many different faiths join in prayer on this day. While some will attend the church, synagogue, mosque, temple or monasteries of their choice to pray, others will attend interdenominational prayer events. Some will join prayer groups or meditate. Use #NationalDayOfPrayer to post on social media.
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School Lunch Hero Day
2026-05-01
The first Friday in May is School Lunch Hero Day, dedicated to those men and women who make the cafeterias and the schools a better place to be! What was your favorite school lunch? Do you remember the smiling face who served it to you?
#SchoolLunchHeroDay
For many children, the cafeteria is the first place they enter on a school day. From the first time through the cafeteria line, the lunch hero has more than nutrition on their minds. The well-being of every child is important to them. Keeping them safe, happy, and providing them with good and delicious food is also a priority.
Often they see entire families grow up, and sometimes, they are family. The celebration provides students and communities an opportunity to create ways to recognize their school heroes.
HOW TO OBSERVE SCHOOL LUNCH HERO DAY
Organize a lunch for your lunch hero! Make a card or bring a flower. Decorate a banner telling your heroes all the ways they are super! Tell your hero, thank you.
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National Space Day
2026-05-01
National Space Day dedicates the first Friday in May to the extraordinary achievements, benefits, and opportunities in the exploration and use of space. The goal of the observance is to promote math, science, technology, and engineering education in young people, The hope is to inspire them to pursue a career in science, especially a career in space-related jobs.
#NationalSpaceDay
Careers in space involve a wide range of specialties. Going to space requires many working parts, and that’s not just the parts that go into space. All kinds of engineers build the equipment, computers and make the computations.
Accountants and public relations manage the books and the press. Meteorologists, chemists, physicists, and biologists analyze data and doctors monitor the health of the astronauts. As preparations are underway, photographers and writers record the events.
While we’ve only been exploring space for less than 60 years, we continue to learn so much. Imagine all the roles in space you can fill. While we’ve named a few here, how many more careers can you name? Do you know which one is yours?
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL SPACE DAY
Teachers, students, space-related organizations, groups, and agencies hold celebrations, demonstrations, and educational programs each year. The day has grown rapidly in recent years and is celebrated worldwide as International Space Day. Join an event near you. Other ways to celebrate include:

Build a model rocket and launch it.
Watch your favorite launch. Is it the Hubble Space Telescope, Apollo 11, or SpaceX Falcon 9?
Look for the International Space Station as it orbits the Earth.

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National Cartoonists Day
2026-05-05
Observed on May 5th each year, National Cartoonists day honors all those creative ink-stained artists, past and present, and the fascinating pieces they have created. Throughout the years, their talents bring humor, entertainment into our lives while provoking thought and debate, too.
#NationalCartoonistsDay
American comic strip writer and artist, Richard Outcault (January 14, 1863 – September 25, 1928) is considered the inventor of the modern comic strip. At 15 years of age, he studied for three years at the McMicken University’s School of Design in Cincinnati. Outcault created the comic strips The Yellow Kid and Buster Brown.
Outcault was a 2008 Judges’ Choice inductee into the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame.
On Sunday, May 5, 1895, the readers of the New York World discovered an exciting new addition in their morning paper. On the pages, they found Outcault’s full-color drawings featuring a big-eared, barefoot little boy with a mischievous grin. The first color installment of the cartoon called Hogan’s Alley would later become known as The Yellow Kid and was the first commercially successful cartoon icon.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL CARTOONIST DAY
Are you a cartoonist? Share your work with the world. Give a shout-out to your favorite cartoonist. Enjoy your favorite cartoon and use #NationalCartoonistsDay to post on social media.
Educators and families, visit the National Day Calendar Classroom for projects designed to #CelebrateEveryDay!
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National Astronaut Day
2026-05-05
National Astronaut Day on May 5th each year celebrates Astronauts as true heroes. The day’s mission is to inspire ALL to “reach for the stars” by sharing “out of this world” Astronaut stories and experiences.
#NationalAstronautDay
On May 5th, 1961, Astronaut Alan Bartlett Shepard Jr. became the first American in space aboard the Freedom 7 Space capsule. The brief suborbital flight lasted 15 minutes and reached a height of 116 miles into the atmosphere. It was a milestone achievement and a trailblazing example of heroic bravery. This adventurous spirit is the essence of what National Astronaut Day is all about.
By sharing the incredible stories, experiences, and perspectives of actual Astronauts, the mission of National Astronaut Day inspires us ALL to follow our dreams. The day includes both future Astronauts and those who seek to keep their feet on the ground!
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL ASTRONAUT DAY
Put on your space suit and practice your moonwalk. Are you ready for zero gravity? If not, just experience a little of the excitement of space. Learn about the history of space flight. Read about astronaut training or the biographies of astronauts. Some biographies to read include:

Sally Ride: America’s First Woman in Space by Lynn Sherr
Two Sides of the Mood: Our Story of the Cold War Space Race by Alexei Leonov and David Scott
Chasing Space: An Astronaut’s Story of Grit, Grace and Second Chances by Leland D. Melvin
Find where the Wind Goes: Moments from My Life by Mae C. Jemison

Also, watch a documentary or learn more about the International Space Station. While you are being inspired, be sure to invite someone to share the experience with you!
Visit the Official Website: www.NationalAstronautDay.com
Share your favorite Astronaut stories. Use #WeBelieveInAstronauts & #NationalAstronautDay to post on social media.

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Cinco De Mayo's Day
2026-05-05
Cinco De Mayo’s deeply rooted history in the Franco-Mexican War influenced Mexican-Mexican American communities in the early years of the American Civil War. In the early 1860s, as the Civil War erupted, these communities took up the banner of the Cinco De Mayo celebration as a way to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy. Today, in the United States, Americans celebrate Mexican-American heritage and pride annually on May 5th.
#CincodeMayo
Cinco de Mayo is Spanish for “fifth of May.”
On June 7, 2005, the United States Congress issued a Concurrent Resolution. The resolution invited the President of the United States to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe Cinco de Mayo with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
According to José Alamillo, professor of ethnic studies at Washington State University in Pullman, a 2006 study found more than 150 official events celebrating the day.
Celebrations surrounding the observance in the United States take on a significance beyond that in Mexico. They include displaying of banners and events highlighting Mexican culture, music, and regional dancing. School districts also hold special events to educate students about its historical significance. In the U.S., commercial interests the day by celebrating Mexican products and services with an emphasis on beverages, food, and music.
HOW TO OBSERVE CINCO DE MAYO
Celebrate Mexican heritage, culture, and history. Explore foods and traditions, music, and cinema. Immerse yourself in the language and discover new connections. Uncover long lost history and share your treasures. Share your Mexican heritage and use #CincodeMayo to post on social media.
Try these recipes to spice up your celebration:
Mexican Bean and Chicken Dip
Mexican Beef & Bean Dip
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National Nurses Day
2026-05-06
National Nurses Day is observed annually on May 6th. On this day, we raise awareness of all nurse contributions and commitments and acknowledge the vital role nurses play in society. This day is also the first day of National Nurses Week and is sometimes known as National RN Recognition Day.

#NationalNursesDay
National Nurses Week begins May 6th and ends on May 12th, which is the birthday of Florence Nightingale (May 12, 1820 – August 13, 1910). Florence Nightingale was a celebrated English, social reformer, statistician, and the founder of modern nursing. She became well-known while taking care of the wounded soldiers during the Crimean War. Nightingale was dubbed “The Lady with the Lamp” because of her habit of making rounds at night.

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL NURSES DAY
Recognize nurses everywhere. Celebrate their dedication and commitment to their patients and their profession. Tell someone about the excellent care you’ve received from a nurse.

When you visit the doctor or have surgery, follow the instructions they give you, especially follow up care. Ask questions, so they know when you need more information. They can’t read your minds.

Give nurses you know a shout out and thank them for their hard work, especially during these challenging times.
Use #NationalNursesDay to share on social media.
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Kentucky Derby Day
2026-05-02
The Kentucky Derby is a tradition that takes place on the first Saturday in May.
#KentuckyDerby
Its long and storied history brings out a taste for mint juleps, colorful sun hats and a thrill for the race. The jockeys and horses will prepare for the day at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The first in the Triple Crown series, The Kentucky Derby will be followed The Preakness Stakes and The Belmont Stakes. While both The Preakness and The Belmont are the older races, The Derby has run continuously since its inception in 1875.
The beautiful horses and the bustling crowds under the spring sunshine make for an exciting day of racing. Add to the months of training and any money at stake, and the nervous butterflies of the event

HOW TO OBSERVE KENTUCKY DERBY

The Kentucky Derby is broadcast live, so anyone can enjoy the thrill of the race. Tune in, or go to the race. Pick your horse and cheer for place, show or win! Use #KentuckyDerby to share on social media.

KENTUCKY DERBY HISTORY
The Kentucky Derby’s first race took place on May 17, 1875. It was inspired by the Epsom Derby in England attended by the grandson of Meriwether Lewis Clark. In 1872, William Clark traveled to Europe and developed a taste for horseracing after his experiences at the Epsom Derby. Upon returning to the U.S., he pursued creating a Thoroughbred racetrack in Kentucky. In 1875, the Kentucky Derby was born in Louisville and has remained ever since.
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International Nurses Day
2026-05-12
International Nurses Day (IND) is observed around the world May 12 (the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth in 1820). The day is set aside to honor and note the many contributions nurses make to society. Nurses care for our loved ones at some of the most challenging times of their lives. They may run short of time, but not compassion.

#InternationalNursesDay
In Australia, Canada, the United States, and other countries, International Nurses Day often is part of a week-long celebration, usually referred to as National Nurses Week.

CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL NURSES DAY
Do you personally know a nurse? Send a letter of appreciation.

Invite a nurse to make a presentation about the profession at retirement homes, school, businesses.

Use #InternationalNursesDay or #VoiceToLead to share on social media.
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Mother's Day
2026-05-10
Mother’s Day is a time-honored tradition of recognizing the women in our lives who raised us, dried our tears, and well, mothered us. Everyone has one or has someone who is like a mother to them. On the second Sunday of May, we honor those women who are our mothers. Whether we shower her with gifts, take her to a fancy dinner or make her a homemade card, what moms want most is to be surrounded by the love of her family. Knowing the people they love are safe, sound, and healthy is a mom’s number one priority.

#MothersDay
HOW TO OBSERVE MOTHER’S DAY
Pay tribute to your mother this holiday. Surround her with the love she deserves and shower her with the affection and attention you know she wants. For those of us whose moms are no longer with us, spend some time remembering the woman you miss. Visit with those who remember her and honor her memory. If you’re a mom, revel in the attention. You deserve it!
Remember to put mom first on Mother’s Day and use #MothersDay to share on social media.

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National Underground America Day
2026-05-14
On March 14th, National Underground America Day recognizes the approximately 6,000 people who live in some form of underground architecture across North America. The observance also celebrates the lifestyle, architecture, and benefits of underground living.

#UndergroundAmericaDay
Subterranean living boasts energy conservation as one of its top advantages. Completely covered homes or earth-sheltered homes are covered on all sides with soil while earth-bermed homes leave one side exposed. Both allow for more stable temperatures within the home and less exposure to the elements.
However, living in an underground home also poses some disadvantages. If you like lots of light and throwing open the windows on a summer day, this type of house might not be for you. While the underground lifestyle may not be for everyone, the observance encourages exploring earth homes to discover the options available.

HOW TO OBSERVE UNDERGROUND AMERICA DAY
While learning more about Underground America Day, tour an underground home or explore the various plans available. If you’ve ever considered an underground dwelling, weigh the pros and cons. Do you live in an underground home? Share your experience and what you enjoy most. Use #UndergroundAmericaDay to post on social media.
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