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May workplace holidays give HR and People teams timely ways to recognize employees, support inclusion and create shared learning moments. This 2027 calendar highlights month-long observances, cultural and religious holidays, wellbeing events and lighter celebrations, with practical ideas for planning respectful workplace activities.
Enhance employee engagement with these May workplace holidays and celebrations.
Staying on top of the holidays and observances that matter to your team can be challenging. We’ve curated this list of May 2027 workplace holidays to highlight commonly celebrated dates alongside engaging, DEI-focused awareness opportunities. Thoughtful celebrations can strengthen connection and contribute to a high-performance culture.
This blog post was updated on June 30, 2026, and now features dates for May 2027.
Month-long celebrations in May
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May recognizes the history and contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. May was selected in part to commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States on May 7, 1843, and the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869, which relied heavily on Chinese immigrant labor.
Mental Health Awareness Month
May is also Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to challenge stigma, provide support, educate employees and encourage access to appropriate resources. May 5 is National Silence the Shame Day, an opportunity to address mental health stigma and disparities. Explore ways to support employee mental health.
Military Appreciation Month
Military Appreciation Month is an opportunity to recognize service members, veterans and military families. Armed Forces Day is May 15. Memorial Day is May 31 and honors people who died while serving in the U.S. military. Keep remembrance at the center of Memorial Day workplace communications.
Older Americans Month
Older Americans Month recognizes the contributions of older adults and encourages communities to learn from their experiences. (Learn how an age-diverse workforce can be a competitive advantage.)
National Speech-Language-Hearing Month
Each May, National Speech-Language-Hearing Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness about communication disorders and how workplaces can create more accessible and inclusive environments.
Additional May holidays
May 1
International Workers’ Day
Also known as May Day, International Workers’ Day has roots in the labor movement. Today, it is an opportunity to highlight workers’ rights, safer workplaces and fair working conditions.
National Fitness Day
The first Saturday in May is an opportunity to try accessible ways of moving and supporting workplace wellbeing. Here are some inclusive wellness challenges you can incorporate in your organization.
May 2
Orthodox Easter
Many Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter, also called Pascha, on May 2 in 2027. The observance celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is often marked by worship and feasts following Great Lent. Practices and calendar traditions can vary among Orthodox communities.
World Laughter Day
Comedian Victor Borge said, “Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.” World Laughter Day is celebrated on the first Sunday in May. For workplaces, it can be a light opportunity to create connection through inclusive, optional activities.
May 4
Yom HaShoah: Holocaust Remembrance Day*
Yom HaShoah is a day to remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust and to honor Jewish resistance and survival. Workplace observances should be educational, respectful and centered on remembrance rather than celebration.
May the Fourth Be With You Day
Also known as Star Wars Day, this observance was inspired by the phrase “May the Force be with you,” playfully adapted as “May the fourth be with you.” It can be a fun, optional moment for fans to share favorite characters or stories.
May 5
Cinco de Mayo
Often confused with Mexican Independence Day, which is in September, Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla. In the United States, it has also become an occasion to recognize Mexican culture and heritage. Avoid stereotypes and focus workplace activities on history, culture and community.
National Silence the Shame Day
See Mental Health Awareness Month above for details.
May 6
World Passkey Day
World Passkey Day, formerly known as World Password Day, is observed on the first Thursday in May. Use the occasion to remind employees about approved password managers, unique credentials, multifactor authentication, passkeys and your organization’s current security policies.
May 8
Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive
The National Association of Letter Carriers holds the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on the second Saturday in May. Workplaces can participate by sharing local instructions, collecting eligible nonperishable foods or organizing another community food drive.
May 9
Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is celebrated in the United States on the second Sunday in May. If you acknowledge the day at work, use inclusive language that recognizes mothers, caregivers and different family experiences. Remember that the day can be difficult for some employees.
May 14-18
Hajj*
Hajj is an annual pilgrimage to Makkah and one of the five pillars of Islam. In 2027, the principal days of Hajj are expected to fall around May 14 to May 18, although dates can vary with lunar sighting. The pilgrimage is a profound period of worship, reflection, sacrifice and unity for Muslims.
Workplaces can support employees by offering scheduling flexibility, avoiding major required events when possible and asking individuals what support would be most useful. Educational sessions should be optional and should not ask Muslim employees to represent an entire faith.
May 15
International Day of Families
Families come in many forms. The International Day of Families is an opportunity to consider how workplace practices support employees across different caregiving roles and family structures. See how Relativity created a customized learning program that included conversations about family dynamics.
Day of Arafah*
The Day of Arafah is expected on May 15 in 2027, subject to lunar sighting. It is the central day of Hajj and is marked by prayer and reflection. Many Muslims who are not on pilgrimage also choose to fast.
Consider offering flexibility for prayer, reflection or fasting. A simple message of support is appropriate, but employees should not be expected to explain or publicly discuss their observance.
May 16
Eid al-Adha*
Eid al-Adha is expected to begin around May 16 in 2027, although the date may vary by lunar sighting and community. The Festival of Sacrifice commemorates the faith and obedience of the Prophet Ibrahim and is often observed through prayer, time with family, charitable giving and shared meals.
A common greeting is “Eid Mubarak,” which means “Blessed Eid.” Workplaces can also support observance through flexible scheduling and by avoiding assumptions about how every Muslim employee celebrates.
May 17
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
Observed annually on May 17, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia draws attention to discrimination and violence affecting LGBTQIA+ people and encourages action that supports dignity, safety and equal rights. Learn more about LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
May 17-23
Learning at Work Week
Learning at Work Week celebrates ongoing learning and development in the workplace. Organizations can participate through live expert-led classes, peer knowledge sharing, guest speakers and practical activities that help employees apply new skills and connect with colleagues.
May 21
National Bike to Work Day
National Bike to Work Day is observed on the third Friday in May. Workplaces can support participation with secure bike storage, route information, flexible arrival times or optional group rides. Make sure activities also include remote employees and people who cannot cycle. Here are more inclusive wellness challenges to consider.
May 31
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a U.S. federal holiday honoring military personnel who died while serving. See Military Appreciation Month above for guidance.
*Religious observances may begin at sundown the day before. Islamic dates are estimates and can vary by lunar sighting and community.
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