National Burger Day is celebrated annually on May 28, honoring the iconic hamburger, a beloved staple of American cuisine. This food holiday, also known as National Hamburger Day, marks the start of the summer grilling season and celebrates the juicy, customizable sandwich enjoyed by millions. With origins tied to late 19th-century innovations and popularized at the 1904 St.
Louis World’s Fair burgers have become a global phenomenon. Americans consume over 50 billion burgers yearly, showcasing their cultural significance. In this article, I will share the history, fun facts, celebration ideas, and top deals for National Burger Day 2025, ensuring you make the most of this delicious day.
When is National Burger Day 2025?
National Burger Day 2025 is celebrated on May 28, a Wednesday, in the United States, coinciding with the start of the summer grilling season and National Hamburger Month. Internationally, countries like Australia and Canada also recognize May 28 as International Burger Day.
In the UK, National Burger Day is observed on the Thursday before the August bank holiday, falling on August 28, 2025. This date variation reflects regional traditions, but the U.S. date aligns with National Hamburger Month, making May a prime time for burger enthusiasts to fire up the grill or visit their favorite burger joints.
Related: National Fajita Day
History of National Burger Day
The hamburger’s origins are debated, with multiple claims to its invention. In 1900, Louis Lassen, a Danish immigrant, reportedly served the first hamburger at Louis’ Lunch in New Haven, Connecticut, using ground beef between bread slices. Others credit German immigrants in Hamburg, Germany, where “Hamburg steak” (minced beef patties) was popular in the 19th century. Otto Kuase is said to have inspired the bun-based version. Alternate claims include Charlie Nagreen flattening a meatball at the 1885 Seymour Fair and the Menches brothers at the 1885 Erie County Fair.
The hamburger gained fame at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, dubbed an “innovation” by the New York Tribune. Ancient precursors, like Roman minced meat patties and Mongol tenderized beef, suggest earlier influences. National Burger Day itself was established in 2013 by Mr. Hyde, a UK lifestyle outlet, to celebrate burgers and has since grown into a global event, with the U.S. adopting May 28 to mark the occasion during National Hamburger Month.
How to Celebrate National Burger Day 2025?
Celebrating National Burger Day on May 28, 2025, is all about enjoying burgers in creative and communal ways. Here are some ideas:
- Grill burgers at home with classic beef, chicken, or veggie patties, topped with favorites like cheddar, lettuce, or avocado.
- Visit local burger joints or fast-food chains offering deals, such as Wendy’s or Dairy Queen promotions.
- Host a burger cook-off, where friends bring their signature recipes to share.
- Try gourmet burgers with global flavors, like Wagyu with truffle aioli (Japan) or spicy lamb burgers (India).
- Share your burger creations on social media using #NationalBurgerDay.
- Explore vegan or gluten-free options at restaurants catering to dietary needs.
- Join community events, like Australia’s burger-eating contests or the UK’s gourmet burger pop-ups.
Related Read: National Filet Mignon Day
National Burger Day Activities
Get creative with these National Burger Day activities for May 28, 2025:
- Burger Cookout: Set up a “build-your-own-burger” bar with diverse patties (beef, turkey, plant-based) and toppings like jalapeños, blue cheese, or mango slaw.
- Burger-Eating Contests: Participate in or host a timed burger-eating challenge, inspired by Australia’s quirky traditions.
- Burger Trivia Night: Create a quiz on burger history (e.g., Louis Lassen vs. Hamburg origins) or visit places like the Burger Bonanza in Las Vegas.
- Recipe Swap: Exchange burger recipes online or in-person, focusing on unique flavors like Caribbean shrimp or Korean lettuce wraps.
- Charity Events: Organize a burger-themed fundraiser, donating proceeds or canned goods to local food banks.
- Digital Fun: Join virtual burger cook-offs on platforms like Instagram or create burger-themed crafts (e.g., T-shirts, posters).
Top Burger Recipes to Try on National Burger Day
Try these diverse, easy-to-follow recipes for National Burger Day 2025:
Classic American Cheeseburger (Prep Time: 20 minutes)
- Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20), 4 slices cheddar, 4 brioche buns, lettuce, tomato, onion, ketchup, mustard, mayo, salt, pepper.
- Steps: Form 4 patties, season with salt and pepper. Grill 4-5 minutes per side. Toast buns. Assemble with lettuce, tomato, onion, cheddar, and condiments.
Gourmet Wagyu Burger (Prep Time: 25 minutes)
- Ingredients: 1 lb Wagyu beef, 4 brioche buns, truffle aioli, arugula, caramelized onions, smoked gouda, salt, pepper.
- Steps: Form 4 patties, grill 3-4 minutes per side. Toast buns, spread truffle aioli, add arugula, onions, and gouda.
Vegan Portabella Mushroom Burger (Prep Time: 15 minutes)
- Ingredients: 4 portabella caps, 4 whole-grain buns, avocado, vegan mayo, spinach, balsamic glaze, olive oil, garlic powder.
- Steps: Brush mushrooms with oil and garlic powder, grill 5 minutes per side. Assemble with avocado, spinach, mayo, and balsamic glaze.
Spicy Southwest Burger (Prep Time: 20 minutes)
- Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 4 slices pepper jack, 4 kaiser rolls, jalapeños, chipotle sauce, lettuce, tomato, salt, chili powder.
- Steps: Mix beef with chili powder, form 4 patties, grill 4-5 minutes per side. Top with pepper jack, jalapeños, chipotle sauce, lettuce, and tomato.
Caribbean Shrimp Burger (Prep Time: 30 minutes)
- Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp (chopped), 4 potato buns, mango slaw (mango, cabbage, lime juice), curry mayo, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper.
- Steps: Mix shrimp, egg, breadcrumbs, and form 4 patties. Grill 3-4 minutes per side. Assemble with mango slaw and curry mayo.
Read More: National Julienne Fries Day
Fun Facts About National Burger Day
Here are engaging facts about burgers and National Burger Day:
- Americans consume 50 billion burgers annually, averaging three per person weekly.
- McDonald’s sells 75 burgers per second, with 550 million Big Macs yearly.
- The largest burger, weighing 2,566 lbs, was made in Pilsting, Germany (2017).
- The priciest burger, at Honky Tonk in London, costs $1,768 with gold leaf and caviar.
- Burgers make up 60% of global sandwich sales.
- The Maillard reaction, a chemical process during cooking, creates the burger’s rich flavor by combining amino acids and sugars.
- Ancient Romans ate minced meat patties, and Mongol horsemen tenderized beef under saddles, influencing modern burgers.
- Burger-themed merchandise, like pillows and keychains, surged in the 1980s via fast-food promotions.
National Burger Day Deals and Promotions
Based on 2024 trends, here are the anticipated deals for National Burger Day 2025:
- Wendy’s: Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger for 1 cent with any purchase via the app (May 28).
- Buffalo Wild Wings: 50% off burgers for takeout/delivery with code GOBURGER (May 26-30).
- Dairy Queen: Buy-one-get-one Stackburger for $0.99 (May 26-June 1).
- Kroger: Private Selection Angus Beef Chuck Patties 6-pack for $6.99 (in-store, May 25-31).
- Burger King: Free Whopper Jr. with $1 purchase via app (May 28, expected).
- International Deals: In Australia, Grill’d may offer $5 veggie burgers; in the UK, Gourmet Burger Kitchen often provides 20% off bills.
Tips: Check restaurant apps, local eateries, and social media for pop-up deals. Follow #NationalBurgerDay for real-time offers.
Read Also: National Cuban Sandwich Day
National Burger Day Deals and Promotions
Expect exciting deals for National Burger Day 2025 on May 28, based on 2024 promotions:
- Wendy’s: Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger for 1 cent with any purchase via the app (May 28-29).
- Buffalo Wild Wings: 50% off burgers for takeout or delivery with code GOBURGER (May 28).
- Dairy Queen: Buy-one-get-one Stackburger for $0.99 (May 26-June 1, app-based).
- Kroger: 6-pack Private Selection Angus Beef Chuck Patties for $6.99.
- International Deals: In Australia, Grill’d offers free fries with any burger purchase; in the UK, Gourmet Burger Kitchen often discounts gourmet options like their truffle burger.
- Local Chains: Five Guys and Shake Shack may offer regional deals, such as free toppings or discounted shakes.
To find deals, check restaurant apps, social media, or websites like RetailMeNot. Local diners and food trucks may also post promotions on platforms like Instagram or X with #NationalBurgerDay.
National Burger Day Dates 2026-2030
National Burger Day in the U.S. is consistently celebrated on May 28 each year. Here are the future dates:
- 2026: May 28 (Thursday)
- 2027: May 28 (Friday)
- 2028: May 28 (Sunday)
- 2029: May 28 (Monday)
- 2030: May 28 (Tuesday)
In the UK, National Burger Day falls on the Thursday before the August bank holiday, varying annually (e.g., August 27, 2026). Some countries, like Australia, align with the U.S. date for International Burger Day. Planning ahead helps you organize cookouts or restaurant visits.
Also Read: National Bao Day
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between National Burger Day and National Cheeseburger Day?
National Burger Day (May 28) celebrates all burgers, including beef, chicken, veggie, or gourmet varieties. National Cheeseburger Day (September 18) specifically honors burgers with cheese, like a classic cheeseburger or double cheeseburger (September 15 for National Double Cheeseburger Day).
Why is it called a hamburger if it’s not made of ham?
The term “hamburger” comes from Hamburg, Germany, where “Hamburg steak” (ground beef) was popular. German immigrants brought this concept to the U.S., and the name stuck when the patty was placed in a bun, despite no ham being involved.
Are there vegetarian or vegan burger options for National Burger Day?
Yes, many restaurants offer plant-based burgers, like Impossible or Beyond Meat patties, or veggie options like portabella mushroom or black bean burgers. Chains like Burger King (Impossible Whopper) and local spots often feature these on May 28 menus.
How did burgers become so popular globally?
Burgers gained global fame through American fast-food chains like McDonald’s and Burger King, which expanded worldwide post-World War II. Their affordability, portability, and customizable nature, combined with cultural exports via media, made burgers a global staple.
What are some unique burger toppings to try?
Experiment with toppings like truffle aioli, mango slaw, fried eggs, kimchi, or peanut butter. Global influences include Japan’s Wagyu with gold leaf or Australia’s beetroot and pineapple for a unique twist.
How can I find National Burger Day deals near me?
Check restaurant apps (e.g., Wendy’s, Dairy Queen), social media platforms like Instagram or X with #NationalBurgerDay, or deal aggregators like RetailMeNot. Local diners may advertise specials via flyers or online.
What is the science behind a burger’s flavor?
The Maillard reaction, a chemical process during cooking, creates complex flavors in the patty’s crust. Umami-rich ingredients like cheese, ketchup, or mushrooms enhance taste, triggering pleasure centers in the brain.
Conclusion
National Burger Day on May 28, 2025, celebrates the hamburger’s rich history and cultural impact, from its debated origins in Hamburg, Germany, or Louis Lassen’s 1900 creation to its global dominance. Enjoy this day by grilling classic or plant-based burgers, hosting cook-offs, or snagging deals at chains like Wendy’s or Dairy Queen.
Try unique recipes like Wagyu or vegan mushroom burgers and share your creations with #NationalBurgerDay. With 50 billion burgers consumed annually in the U.S., this versatile dish unites food lovers worldwide. Plan for future celebrations (May 28, 2026-2030) and savor the flavors that make National Burger Day a delicious tradition.
