National Hamburger Day (May 28)

The beloved hamburger has its own special celebration each year on May 28.

This food-themed occasion—often called International Burger Day or World Burger Day—gives everyone a reason to indulge in a delicious, customizable classic.

Whether you love a juicy beef patty or a plant-based alternative, National Hamburger Day is about savoring the burger in all its forms.

A highlight on the list of weird holidays in May, it’s a chance to appreciate how this humble sandwich became a global icon.

When is the Holiday?

National Hamburger Day (also referred to as World Burger Day or International Burger Day) is celebrated annually on May 28.

Who Invented It?

There’s no definitive record of who created the holiday. Most likely, it was established by food marketers, restaurant chains, or burger fans.

It’s not tied to a specific founding story but has grown in popularity through promotion and public love for burgers.

The History of the Holiday

While the holiday itself is modern, the hamburger’s roots trace back to the 19th century.

Variants of minced meat patties existed earlier, but the hamburger sandwich as we know it likely originated in the United States.

Claims include Louis’ Lunch in Connecticut and a county fair in Wisconsin.

Regardless of who first served it, the burger quickly spread across the U.S. and around the globe.

Top 5 Facts About the Holiday

National Hamburger Day often kicks off summer grilling season in the U.S.

Louis’ Lunch still serves burgers the same way it did in 1900—no condiments, on toast.

McDonald’s sells over 75 burgers per second worldwide.

The world’s most expensive burger was sold for $5,000 in Las Vegas.

There’s a Burger Museum in Miami, Florida.

Activities to Celebrate

Burger Taste Test: Sample fast food burgers and rate your favorites.

Grill Your Own Burger: Try a new recipe, experiment with toppings, or make it plant-based.

Host a Burger Bar: Let guests build their own burgers with a buffet of buns, cheeses, sauces, and sides.

Visit a Local Burger Joint: Support independent spots offering unique takes on the burger.

Try an International Twist: Cook a burger inspired by another cuisine—Greek lamb burgers, Japanese rice burgers, or Indian masala veggie burgers.

Recipe Ideas

Whether you’re grilling in the backyard or cooking indoors, these standout burger recipes bring something unique to the table:

Chorizo Poblano Cheeseburgers. For a smoky, spicy twist, mix ground beef with Mexican chorizo, top with roasted poblano peppers and melted cheddar, and layer it all on a toasted brioche bun. A slather of chipotle mayo pulls it together with extra heat.

Bacon Jam Burgers. This one’s all about that rich, sticky bacon jam. Pile it high on a beef patty with crispy fried onions and sharp cheddar. It’s the kind of sweet-salty combo that takes a classic to the next level.

Wagyu Burgers. Sometimes simplicity wins. Use high-quality Wagyu beef, season lightly, and grill to medium rare. Serve on a soft potato roll with garlic aioli, arugula, and tomato. Let the beef shine.

Greek Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki. A lighter option that’s full of flavor—ground turkey with oregano, red onion, and feta. Grill and top with crisp cucumber, spinach, and creamy tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired plate.

Vegan Jackfruit Burgers with Maple Lime Mayo. Perfect for plant-based eaters. Jackfruit is seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic, and onion, pan-seared, and served with lettuce, tomato, and a spicy-sweet maple lime mayo. Great texture and BBQ flavor.

Crispy Chicken Burgers. Breaded and pan-fried ground chicken patties make a juicy, crunchy base. Serve with pickles, slaw, and your favorite sauce on a toasted bun. A crowd-pleaser for kids and grownups alike.

Truffle Brie Mushroom Burgers. An elevated option for foodies: beef patties topped with brie, sautéed mushrooms, and a drizzle of truffle oil. Serve on ciabatta with a handful of arugula for a rich, earthy bite.

Avocado Burgers. This one’s fresh and filling—classic beef patty topped with mashed avocado, crispy bacon, and Monterey Jack. Finish with lime mayo on a lightly toasted bun.

Southwest Black Bean Burgers. Hearty and vegetarian, these are made with mashed black beans, corn, red pepper, and southwest spices. Serve with chipotle sauce and crunchy lettuce for a satisfying meatless option.

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Links to Resources

Here are a few fun and useful items to pair with your celebration:

Reusable Burger Baskets & Liners – For serving burgers diner-style without the mess.

Cast Iron Grill Press – Great for smash burgers and getting that perfect crust.

Burger Patty Press – Helps you make uniform patties every time.

Stuffed Burger Maker – Easily create gourmet stuffed burgers at home.

Related Holidays

• International Bacon Day (Saturday before Labor Day) – A day to honor one of the best burger toppings. Celebrate by adding crispy bacon to your burger or experimenting with bacon-infused recipes.
• National French Fry Day (July 13) – Fries are the iconic sidekick to any burger and deserve a day of their own. Whether curly, crinkle-cut, or shoestring, they’re a perfect companion.
• National Barbecue Day (July 4) – Embrace all things grilled, including burgers, ribs, and more in a cookout-style feast. Ideal for celebrating summer and smoky flavors.
• International Picnic Day (June 18) – A perfect day to enjoy burgers outdoors with friends, family, and fresh air. Pack your favorite burger fixings for an al fresco meal.
• National Junk Food Day (July 21) – Indulge guilt-free in your favorite comfort foods, including burgers, fries, milkshakes, and more. A day for pure enjoyment, no judgment.

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