What is Burger Day? If you imagine a fun celebration for those who love burgers, you’re right! Burger Day, or sometimes called National Burger Day or National Hamburger Day, is all about honoring the classic burger. Americans eat a huge number of burgers each year-about 50 billion! On this day, the smell of burgers cooking is everywhere, from home grills to busy restaurants, and people gather to enjoy this favorite food. But it’s not just eating; it’s about recognizing how much burgers mean to our culture and how much we all enjoy them.
What Is Burger Day?
Burger Day is more than just another day on the calendar; it’s a time to enjoy hamburgers in all their forms. The burger is loved worldwide because it’s tasty, quick, and easy to make, which makes it popular with all ages. This special day is a great chance to try different kinds of burgers, discover new toppings, or simply enjoy a classic burger with your usual favorites.
Why Was Burger Day Created?
No one knows exactly who started Burger Day, but it was created because burgers are so popular and meaningful. With almost 60% of all sandwiches sold globally being burgers, it’s clear they deserve a special day. Burger Day gives everyone a single day to share their love for burgers, whether it’s with family, friends, or the wider community. It’s proof that burgers continue to be one of our favorite foods for any meal, from a quick bite to a big event.
When Is Burger Day Celebrated?
National Burger Day in the U.S. is on May 28th every year. This date is when burger fans come together, fire up their grills, or go out to eat burgers with friends. While May 28th is the main day, burger-themed deals and celebrations can pop up at different times during the year. So, circle May 28th, but don’t be surprised if you find other burger parties happening throughout the year!
Upcoming Burger Day Dates and Similar Celebrations
May 28th is the main day for burgers, but burger fans have several other days to get excited about. The love for burgers is so big that there are other special days for burgers and their famous cousins, allowing people to enjoy new tastes, toppings, and burger types all year round.
| Day | Date | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| National Burger Day | May 28th | All burgers |
| National Veggie Burger Day | June 5th | Veggie and plant-based burgers |
| National Double Cheeseburger Day | September 15th | Double cheeseburgers |
| National Cheeseburger Day | September 18th | Cheeseburgers |
| World Vegan Day | November 1st | Vegan food, including burgers |
National Cheeseburger Day
Just a few months after Burger Day, September 18th is all about cheeseburgers. This day adds cheese to the classic burger for a rich, tasty upgrade. Even though the first cheeseburger’s history isn’t completely clear, it’s said a teenager named Lionel Sternberger made the first one in 1926 in California. Whether that’s the true origin or not, cheeseburgers are now a staple, with their own day to enjoy. If you love extra cheese, September 15th is National Double Cheeseburger Day too!
Veggie Burger Day and Vegan Burger Events
If you like plant-based burgers, there’s National Veggie Burger Day on June 5th, started in 2017 by Amy’s Kitchen. This day is to get more people to try burgers made without meat, which are better for you and the environment. Veggie burgers can be just as tasty and are offered at many places in many forms, including vegan options with everything from vegan cheese to plant-based patties. World Vegan Day on November 1st is a bigger celebration of vegan food, including burgers.
Burger Day in Different Countries
Burgers may have become super popular in the U.S., but now people enjoy Burger Day all around the world. Different places add their own special touches, making the burger scene colorful and exciting wherever you go.
How Americans Celebrate Burger Day
In the U.S., people typically celebrate May 28th by eating burgers, whether it’s a barbecue in the backyard, a trip to a burger restaurant, or trying a new burger place. Many people snap photos of their burgers and share them online with #NationalBurgerDay, connecting with other burger fans. Restaurants often have special deals or limited-edition items on this day, making it a real treat for customers.
Burger Day Traditions Worldwide
Other countries also celebrate burgers, even if not always on May 28th. There are burger competitions in Europe, food festivals in Asia serving burgers with local flavors, and burgers with unique twists depending on where you are-from different sauces to special buns and toppings. The love for burgers connects communities globally, while allowing everyone to enjoy their favorite local take on this classic sandwich.
Popular Burger Types on Burger Day
Burger Day is a perfect time to try all kinds of burgers. Whether you stick with old favorites or go for new recipes, there’s plenty to choose from. Here’s a closer look at the most popular kinds:
- Classic Burgers: Usually just a beef patty, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles in a soft bun.
- Cheeseburgers: Adds cheese-like American, cheddar, or Gruyere-on top of the patty.
- Veggie & Plant-Based Burgers: Made without meat; options include black bean burgers or patties from brands like Beyond Meat.
- Regional Burgers: Local styles, such as fried onion burgers in Oklahoma or burgers with green chiles in the Southwest U.S.
Main Events on Burger Day
Burger Day sparks many kinds of events, from fun festivals to friendly challenges, and even charity happenings. Here are some of the most common ways communities celebrate:
- Burger Festivals: Big gatherings featuring lots of burger booths and live music. El Reno Burger Day in Oklahoma is a favorite and focuses on fried onion burgers.
- Burger Eating Contests: Who can eat the most or finish the biggest burger? These contests are fun to watch and enter.
- Charity Events: Some Burger Day parties raise money for local groups or causes, mixing good food with good deeds.
Burger Day Deals, Discounts, and Where to Find Them
For many, one of the best parts is scoring great deals on burgers. Lots of restaurants-both local and chain-come out with Burger Day or Cheeseburger Day specials, making it a perfect time for a cheap (or even free) meal. You might see:
- Discounted burgers
- Buy-one-get-one-free offers
- Special new menu items for the day
To find the best offers, check burger places’ websites or social media pages, or search for “Burger Day deals” for your area online a few days ahead of May 28th or September 18th. Signing up for emails or loyalty apps can also get you early information and extra rewards.
Ways to Celebrate Burger Day
You can enjoy Burger Day in many different ways, whether making your own burgers at home or trying something new at a restaurant.
Host a Backyard Burger Party
Having a burger cookout is always a hit. Invite friends or family, grill your favorite kind of patty (meat or plant-based), and set out toppings and buns for everyone to make their own burger. Encourage guests to bring a topping or side, so everyone can enjoy something different.
Burger Ideas for Every Diet
There’s a burger for everyone, no matter your diet. Try classic beef burgers, black bean burgers, mushroom patties, or store-bought vegan burgers. For a lighter version, use a lettuce wrap instead of a bun. Add creative toppings like caramelized onions, different cheeses, or special sauces. Pair with fries, salads, or grilled veggies to make it a full meal.
Share Burger Day Online
Many people now show off their Burger Day meals on social media. Take a photo of your tasty burger and post it with #NationalBurgerDay. This helps connect you with other fans, see new recipes and burger places, and share your love for burgers nationwide.
Ways to Get Involved or Volunteer
Burger Day is also about helping out. Many events need volunteers and appreciate participation from the community. You can:
- Volunteer at local Burger Day festivals (help with setup, serving, clean-up, etc.)
- Join activities through local organizations or restaurants
- Contact places like El Reno Burger Day organizers to sign up
Donating your time not only supports the event but also helps local causes and gives you a chance to meet new people in your area.
Host or Register a Burger Day Event
If you want to organize your own celebration-like a cookout in the neighborhood, a burger-themed fundraiser, or a special restaurant night-you may need to get in touch with local community groups or city offices for any permits. Many official events, like El Reno Burger Day, list ways to register as a sponsor, vendor, or volunteer on their website, but smaller, private gatherings often just need some local promotion and planning.
Burger Day’s Effect on the Community
Burger Day has a big impact on local life. Beyond enjoying food, these celebrations help raise money for charities and bring people together, making towns and neighborhoods stronger.
Charity and Fundraising
Many Burger Day events use burger sales to help charities-like the El Reno event in Oklahoma, which raises money for local projects. Restaurants may also donate part of their sales to a good cause, and food drives or donation stations are often set up during burger festivals.
Bringing Communities Together
Burger Day is a great reason for people to gather, talk, and enjoy time together. Whether it’s a big public festival or a small cookout, these events help create pride in your town and encourage everyone to take part, no matter their background.
Burger Day FAQ
People often have questions about Burger Day. Here are some of the most common:
- Where did Burger Day come from?
National Burger Day (May 28th) started because burgers are so loved in America. No one single person is known to have set this date, but it was made for everyone to enjoy this top sandwich. There are lots of stories about who made the first hamburger, including Louis Lassen of “Louis’ Lunch” in Connecticut around 1900, or the city of Hamburg, Germany. The burger became popular across America after the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. - How do I start a Burger Day event?
If you want to set up a Burger Day party or festival, small cookouts often need no special permission outside inviting friends or neighbors. Larger public events may need local permits. Check with your city or county officials for details, especially if you’ll be selling food or raising money for charity. Many local groups or event websites will have sign-up forms or further information on running or joining official celebrations.
