Event

National High-Five Day

Apr 21, 2026
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Fun
Tags
Fun
Month April
Where World
Date change rule Every April 21
1
National High-Five Day

National High-Five Day

National High-Five Day is a fun celebration held each year across the United States. Observed on the third Thursday of April, this day encourages people to greet friends and coworkers with a cheerful handclap. A quick high five lifts spirits and builds fast connections. It is a simple way to bring joy to everyday life.

High Five Day

Key facts

Date
Third Thursday of April — 16 April 2026
Founded
2002 at the University of Virginia
Creators
Conor Lastowka, Greg Harrell-Edge, and C.J. Cirigliano
Origin Gesture
1977 Los Angeles Dodgers baseball game
Status
Informal national observance and charity fundraiser

What is National High-Five Day?

National High-Five Day is a joyful holiday about sharing good vibes. People give high fives to friends, neighbors, and coworkers to show support and celebrate small wins.

The day turns a simple gesture into a way to build community. It shows how easy it is to make someone smile without spending money. A quick palm slap brings instant happiness.

Schools, sports teams, and offices use the day to build team spirit. Many groups also raise money for local causes during high-five events.

Giving a high five is an easy way to break the ice. It brings warmth to daily routines and turns quiet moments into friendly exchanges.

Anyone can join in the fun. Whether you are at work, at school, or walking in your town, a high five lets others know you appreciate them.

The Real Origin of the High Five and Its Holiday

Some myths claim that high-fiving dates back hundreds of years. However, the gesture began in American sports in the late 1970s. The first famous high five happened on October 2, 1977, at a baseball game in Los Angeles.

During that game, Los Angeles Dodgers player Dusty Baker hit a big home run. As he walked past home plate, teammate Glenn Burke raised his hand high. Baker slapped Burke’s hand, creating the first recorded sports high five.

Around the same time, college basketball players also used the gesture. The 1978 to 1979 Louisville Cardinals team made high-fiving popular during games. Players like Derek Smith and Wiley Brown helped spread it across college sports.

Years later, in 2002, college students created National High-Five Day. Founders Conor Lastowka, Greg Harrell-Edge, and C.J. Cirigliano set up a table at the University of Virginia. They gave out high fives and lemonade to people passing by.

What began as a fun college event soon spread across the country. People loved the idea and started holding their own high-five events each spring.

Over time, the founders formed charity projects linked to the day. Today, many people use the holiday to raise money for cancer research and help local communities.

Key Milestones in High-Five History

  1. 1977Dusty Baker and Glenn Burke of the Los Angeles Dodgers share the first recorded sports high five.
  2. 1978The Louisville Cardinals basketball team adopts high-fiving as an iconic team celebration.
  3. 2002University of Virginia students establish National High-Five Day on their college campus.
  4. 2010Founders expand the holiday into the National High Five Project to raise funds for cancer research.

When is National High-Five Day Observed?

National High-Five Day takes place on the third Thursday of April every year. Because it follows a weekday rule instead of a fixed date, the calendar day changes each year.

Some online pages list the event on April 21. While the third Thursday of April sometimes falls on April 21, the holiday always follows its weekday schedule.

Holding the holiday on a Thursday makes it easy for schools and offices to join. It gives teams a fun boost right before the weekend.

Planning ahead helps groups get ready for the day. Marking the date early gives workplace teams time to organize high-five lines and charity drives.

You can check your calendar each spring to find the right Thursday. Getting ready early helps ensure everyone can participate and share in the fun.

Why Giving a High Five Matters

A high five is more than just a gesture. Friendly physical contact helps lower stress and builds trust between people. It releases positive feelings that make us feel good.

Teams that use gestures like high fives work better together. In sports and offices, a quick handclap signals teamwork and shared goals.

The gesture is simple and welcoming. It requires no special words or background. People of all ages can connect in an instant through a high five.

Taking part in National High-Five Day helps create a warm environment. Spreading praise makes work and school feel more welcoming for everyone.

Small acts of kindness can lift someone’s whole day. A high five is a quick reminder that we are all on the same team.

Fun Ways People Share High Fives

People have come up with creative ways to high five over the years. From quiet air fives to loud team claps, there are options for every setting.

If you work from home, you can give an air five toward your camera. You can also send high-five emojis in group chats to cheer on your team.

For group events, high-five lines are very popular. Standing in two rows lets people walk through while receiving a series of high fives.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, the goal is to spread joy. Sharing a high five takes only a second, but the positive feeling lasts.

National High-Five Day Dates

This year National High-Five Day is celebrated on Tuesday, Apr 21, 2026

Year Date Day
2026 Apr 21 Tuesday
2027 Apr 21 Wednesday
2028 Apr 21 Friday
2029 Apr 21 Saturday
2030 Apr 21 Sunday
2031 Apr 21 Monday

How to mark the day

Celebrating National High-Five Day is simple, free, and open to everyone. Here are six easy ways to join the fun and lift spirits around you.

Give a Classic High Five

Raise your palm at eye level, look at your friend, and snap hands together firmly to share a quick boost of joy.

Try an Air Five Online

If you work remotely, raise your hand to your webcam during video calls or send high-five emojis in group chats.

Support a Good Cause

Donate to cancer research or local community funds through charity events linked to National High Five Project activities.

Master the Elbow Trick

Keep your eyes locked on your partner’s elbow as your hands meet. This easy trick helps you hit a perfect high five.

Set Up a Welcome Line

Organize a friendly high-five line at your school or office entrance to greet people with cheers as they arrive.

Share a Double High Five

Raise both hands high and slap palms with a friend at the same time to celebrate big wins together.

Common questions

Is National High-Five Day a public holiday?

No, National High-Five Day is an informal observance. Schools, banks, government offices, and businesses remain open as normal, though many groups hold fun events.

When was National High-Five Day created?

The holiday was founded in 2002 by University of Virginia students Conor Lastowka, Greg Harrell-Edge, and C.J. Cirigliano, who gave out high fives and lemonade on campus.

Who invented the high-five gesture?

The high five began in American sports in the late 1970s. The first famous high five occurred on October 2, 1977, between Los Angeles Dodgers players Dusty Baker and Glenn Burke.

Why should you look at the elbow when high-fiving?

Looking at your partner’s elbow helps your arm move in a straight line. This simple trick makes sure your palms meet cleanly without missing.

How can remote workers celebrate National High-Five Day?

Remote workers can celebrate by giving air fives during video calls, sharing high-five emojis in team chats, or organizing virtual high-five breaks with colleagues.

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