12 National Days to Celebrate on May 16, 2026

Armed Forces Day

May 16, 2026 celebrates Armed Forces Day, plus 11 more. Armed Forces Day on the third Saturday in May pays tribute to the military personnel serving in the United States Armed Forces. The celebration takes place each year during Armed Forces Week.

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National Barbecue Day

Each year on May 16 we celebrate National Barbecue Day. Whether you grill at home or grab some takeout, you will find Americans across the country enjoying an assortment of mouthwatering barbeque (BBQ) flavors and sauces.

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National Mimosa Day

National Mimosa Day on May 16 gets its name from the Mimosa, a yellow flowering plant. This simple mixture of orange juice and champagne or sparkling wine resembles those flowers in color, however, the flavor adds a kick to most any brunch!

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National Classic Movie Day

Today is May 16 and we are celebrating National Classic Movie Day by reminiscing about the movies we have seen on the big screen. Grab some popcorn, a drink, and find a cozy chair to relax in as we celebrate National Classic Movie Day.

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NATIONAL DO SOMETHING GOOD FOR YOU NEIGHBOR DAY mA

National Do Something Good For Your Neighbor Day

You can never fail when following the Golden Rule "love your neighbor as yourself." National Do Something Good For Your Neighbor Day on May 16 encourages each of us to take a moment during our interaction with others and ask ourselves, how would I like to be treated right now?

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National Love A Tree Day

National Love a Tree Day on May 16 celebrates the joys of life provided by trees. Whether you love reading in the shade or taking a bite out of a fresh fruit pie, National Love a Tree Day encourage everyone to get outside and enjoy a tree. Of course, planting trees for future generations to love is beneficial too.

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National Coquilles Saint Jacques Day

On May 16th we celebrate National Coquilles Saint Jacques Day. This delicious food holiday is your reminder to try this tasty dish on a day you may not think about any other time of the year!

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National Sea Monkey Day

On May 16 each year, many of us celebrate fond childhood memories for National Sea Monkey Day. As we look back to our aquariums filled with these magical little creatures that hatched and grew before our eyes.

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National Piercing Day

National Piercing Day on May 16 Day promotes piercing. Whether you have your ears pierced or your nose and lip, this day celebrates the unique choices people are entitled to make for them and only them!

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Honor Our Lgbt Elders Day

Honor Our LGBT Elders Day on May 16 recognizes the thousands of people in the LGBT community who have paved the way for access and social acceptance. Today, take the opportunity to explore, learn and support equality for all LGBT people.

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National Learn To Swim Day

National Learn to Swim Day on the third Saturday in May is dedicated to educating parents and children about water safety. Before Memorial Day Weekend and the start of summer, it presents the perfect opportunity for families to learn the importance and benefits of learning to swim.

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National Biographer’s Day

On May 16 honors National Biographer's Day as a day to commemorate the anniversary of the first meeting of Samuel Johnson, an English writer, and his biographer James Boswell in London, England on May 16, 1763. Dr. Johnson was a famous biographer, playwright, poet, moralist, essayist, literary critic, editor, and lexicographer.

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Historical Events on May 16

Events that occurred on May 16 throughout history

1884

Alaska becomes a US territory.

The US. purchased Alaska from Russia on March 30, 1867, for $7.2 million. The purchase was formalized on October 18, 1867. The state was an incorporated territory on August 24, 1912, before finally achieving statehood on January 3, 1959.

May 16, 1884

1884

Frederick Douglass is appointed recorder of deeds for the District of Columbia.

President James A. Garfield appointed Frederick Douglass as the Recorder of Deeds for the District of Columbia. Douglass held the position for five years (1881 to 1886) and used his position to push for equal treatment of African Americans in D.C. and to staff his office with Black employees.

May 16, 1884

1900

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is published in the U.S.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (L. Frank Baum) is published in the U.S. The book sold all 10,000 copies that were printed before the official release date. The book is considered America's first great fairy tale, written to create a "modernized" story for children.

May 16, 1900

1972

The New York Stock Exchange is formed.

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) was founded on May 17, 1792, when 24 stockbrokers signed the "Buttonwood Agreement" under a buttonwood tree at 68 Wall Street in New York City. This agreement established a structured, centralized market for securities trading with set commissions to promote public confidence. The brokers pledged to "not buy or sell from this day for any person whatsoever, any kind of Public Stock, at a less rate than one quarter percent Commission"

May 16, 1972