National Hamburger Day is observed every year on May 28 in the United States. It is an unofficial food holiday celebrating the hamburger, one of America’s most iconic dishes. Its late-May timing is fitting: the day helps close out National Burger Month and, landing right around the unofficial start of summer, it doubles as a kickoff to grilling season.
When is National Hamburger Day?
National Hamburger Day falls on the fixed date of May 28, so it is easy to remember even though the weekday changes each year. It is distinct from National Cheeseburger Day, which is marked on September 18, and from International Burger Day observances elsewhere. Because May 28 sits close to Memorial Day weekend in many years, it often coincides with the first big cookouts of the season.
History and origin of National Hamburger Day
The observance itself has no clear founder. No individual or organization can be reliably documented as establishing May 28 as National Hamburger Day, so it is best understood as one of the many informal American food holidays that grew up around a beloved dish. Any specific origin claim should be treated with caution.
The hamburger’s own history, by contrast, is famous precisely because it is so disputed. The word hamburger is recorded in the 1880s and is short for Hamburg steak, a dish linked to German immigrants who often departed through the port of Hamburg. The modern burger, a seasoned beef patty served in a bun, took shape in the United States, but several people and towns claim to have invented it. Common claimants include Louis Lassen of Louis’ Lunch in New Haven, Connecticut, around 1900, as well as figures tied to Texas, Wisconsin, and the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. No single origin has ever been definitively settled, and the debate has become part of the burger’s folklore, with several towns proudly claiming to be its birthplace.
What is not in doubt is how the hamburger conquered American eating in the 20th century. The rise of diners, drive-ins, and fast-food chains transformed it from a novelty into a national staple, and standardization by major chains made it one of the most recognizable foods on earth. That ubiquity is a large part of why an informal day in its honor felt so natural, even without any founder to formally launch it.
Why National Hamburger Day matters
The hamburger is a genuine cultural icon, as at home at a backyard barbecue as on a gourmet restaurant menu. National Hamburger Day celebrates that versatility and the communal joy of a good cookout. It also spotlights the diners, food trucks, and family grills that keep the tradition alive, and it gives home cooks a reason to fire up the grill as warm weather arrives.
Its late-May placement gives the day added significance as a seasonal marker. Landing near the unofficial start of summer, it signals the opening of grilling season and the months of cookouts, picnics, and gatherings that follow. For restaurants, it is a valuable promotional moment, often accompanied by deals and limited-time creations, while for families it is simply a fun, low-stakes excuse to gather around the grill and enjoy a shared meal.
How to celebrate National Hamburger Day
- Grill your own burgers at home and experiment with seasonings and toppings.
- Dine at a favorite burger joint or seek out a highly rated local spot.
- Host a barbecue or build-your-own-burger party with friends and family.
- Try a regional or gourmet style you have never had before.
- Watch for restaurant promotions and limited-time deals.
- Make a plant-based burger so everyone can join in.
- Share your creation online with #NationalHamburgerDay.
Related days and observances
National Hamburger Day belongs to a large family of food celebrations. Related days include National Cheeseburger Day, National Burger Month, National Fast Food Day, National French Fry Day, and National Hot Dog Day, all of which pair naturally with summer grilling season.
By the numbers
Americans eat billions of burgers each year, and the hamburger consistently ranks among the country’s most popular foods. Its enduring appeal spans every price point, from value menus to chef-driven creations, which is part of why a dedicated day, positioned at the gateway to summer, has become such a natural fit on the calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Hamburger Day?
In the United States it is observed every year on the fixed date of May 28.
Who started National Hamburger Day?
The founder is unknown; no individual or organization is documented as creating the observance.
Why do we celebrate National Hamburger Day?
To honor the hamburger, an American icon, and to kick off summer grilling season at the close of National Burger Month.
How do you celebrate National Hamburger Day?
Grill burgers at home, dine at a favorite spot, try a new style, or take advantage of restaurant deals.
Is National Hamburger Day a public holiday?
No. It is an unofficial food holiday, not a federal or public holiday.
What is the hashtag for National Hamburger Day?
The common tags are #NationalHamburgerDay and #HamburgerDay.