No Pants Day (1st Friday in May)
Ever imagined stepping out in your undies and calling it a celebration? That’s the spirit of No Pants Day, a quirky global tradition where participants ride public transit without pants—just for laughs.
It started as a prank, but it’s now embraced as a joyful break from routine.
Whether you’re joining the fun or just curious about its roots, here’s everything you need to know about one of the most weird holidays in May.
When Is the Holiday?
No Pants Day is celebrated on the first Friday in May each year. Here are the upcoming dates:
- May 2, 2025
- May 1, 2026
- May 7, 2027
- May 5, 2028
- May 4, 2029
- May 3, 2030
- May 2, 2031
- May 7, 2032
Mark your calendar if you’re ready to join the pant-less party!
Who Invented It?
No Pants Day began in 2002 with a performance group called Improv Everywhere in New York City.
Seven members boarded the subway without pants, aiming not to shock, but to spark fun and connection.
The group’s founder, Charlie Todd, emphasized the event’s spirit of playfulness and inclusivity, never mockery. Since then, the idea has grown into a global event.
The History of the Holiday
Originally a college prank in Texas, the idea was later amplified by Improv Everywhere.
The NYC subway stunt quickly went viral, and what started as a goofy joke turned into a yearly tradition embraced by cities around the world.
It’s become more than just humor, it’s a celebration of togetherness, shared joy, and breaking norms.
Top 5 Facts About the Holiday
- It started with just 7 brave souls—armed with winter coats, serious faces, and no pants—on the New York City subway in 2002.
- Now it’s global. What began as a small prank now sees thousands baring their legs across more than 60 cities, from London to Sydney.
- It’s all in good fun. The event is intentionally family-friendly and lighthearted—no political messages, just shared laughter.
- Business on top, party below. The unofficial dress code? Keep your upper half totally normal, but ditch the trousers.
- It sparked a cultural ripple. No Pants Day helped launch the viral “No Pants Subway Ride,” proving that spontaneous silliness has international appeal.
Activities to Celebrate
Catch past events online. If you’re not ready to join in, watching past No Pants Day videos on YouTube is a fun way to see how it all works (and how many people actually do it).
Find a local event. Check Facebook or Meetup for groups planning a ride in your city. Big cities often have organized gatherings.
Create your own celebration. No event nearby? Grab a few friends, pick a train line or transit route, and go for it—just make sure it’s allowed where you are.
Dress down, but keep it respectful. Underwear, long shirts, or fun boxers—whatever you wear, keep it lighthearted and appropriate for public spaces.
Share the fun. Snap a photo or two and post with #NoPantsDay. It’s all about spreading smiles, not going viral (though that might happen too).
Related Holidays
If this quirky holiday speaks to your sense of humor, you’ll probably enjoy these equally offbeat celebrations:
- National No Socks Day (May 8th) is your excuse to ditch the socks and feel the grass, sand, or carpet beneath your bare feet—comfort meets rebellion.
- National Nothing Day (January 16th) invites you to do absolutely nothing. No plans, no productivity—just a blank slate for the sake of it.
- Opposite Day (January 25th) is a fun, mind-bending twist on the ordinary. Say what you don’t mean, wear what you wouldn’t, and embrace the backwards logic for a day.
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