National Hamburger Day
Bite into America's favorite sandwich on National Hamburger Day! From classic cheeseburgers to gourmet creations, hamburgers are the ultimate comfort food that brings people together. Discover new burger recipes, visit your favorite burger joint, or fire up the grill for a backyard barbecue. Celebrate this iconic American dish that has conquered taste buds worldwide.
About National Hamburger Day
Bite into America's favorite sandwich on National Hamburger Day! From classic cheeseburgers to gourmet creations, hamburgers are the ultimate comfort food that brings people together. Discover new burger recipes, visit your favorite burger joint, or fire up the grill for a backyard barbecue. Celebrate this iconic American dish that has conquered taste buds worldwide.
History & origins
National Hamburger Day is an informal food observance that falls on May 28 and is commonly tied to the start of summer grilling season. Its exact origin is unclear, but it is widely presented as a burger-focused counterpart to National Hamburger Month and is associated with American burger culture. The hamburger itself has a disputed backstory; historians and food writers often point to late-19th- and early-20th-century U.S. origins, with Hamburg, Germany as the namesake.
Why it matters
National Hamburger Day matters because the hamburger is one of the most recognizable American foods, shaping diner culture, fast food, backyard barbecues, and restaurant menus. It also has real economic weight for the beef, grilling, and food-service industries, while giving home cooks a simple excuse to try new toppings, recipes, and cooking styles.
How to celebrate
Grill hamburgers in your backyard or visit your favorite burger restaurant. Try making gourmet burgers with unique toppings and sauces. Host a burger cook-off with friends and family. Learn about the history of the hamburger and its evolution. Share photos of your burger creations on social media with #NationalHamburgerDay.
Facts
- Americans eat approximately 50 billion hamburgers per year
- The first hamburger was created in 1900 in New Haven, Connecticut
- The world's most expensive hamburger costs $295 and includes edible gold
- McDonald's sells 75 hamburgers every second worldwide
- The largest hamburger ever made weighed 2,014 pounds
Upcoming dates
- Thursday, May 28, 2026
- Friday, May 28, 2027
- Sunday, May 28, 2028
- Monday, May 28, 2029
- Tuesday, May 28, 2030
Frequently asked questions
When is National Hamburger Day 2026?
National Hamburger Day 2026 is on Thursday, May 28, 2026. It is observed every year on May 28.
What is National Hamburger Day?
National Hamburger Day is an informal food observance that celebrates hamburgers and burger culture. People usually mark it by grilling burgers, eating at burger restaurants, or trying new toppings and recipes.
Who started National Hamburger Day?
The origin of National Hamburger Day is unclear, and there is no single widely verified founder. It appears to be an informal observance rather than a formally established holiday.
How do you celebrate National Hamburger Day?
The easiest way is to cook or order a hamburger you really enjoy. Many people celebrate with backyard grilling, a burger cook-off, or by trying a gourmet version with creative sauces and toppings.
Is National Hamburger Day the same as National Hamburger Month?
No, they are different observances. National Hamburger Day is celebrated on May 28, while National Hamburger Month is observed during May.
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