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National days, ongoing national weeks and months, and global observances for May 21, 2026. Plus historical events and birthdays.
These observances run for a full week; this calendar day falls inside the week.
These observances last the full month; this date is part of that month-long celebration.
Showing the first 12 on this date; there are more month-long observances. See the full months list for May.
International and other global observances on this date (may include days, weeks, or months).
Events that occurred on May 21 throughout history
The first bicycles, called swift walkers, are introduced in the U.S. . The bicycles were pedal-less, requiring riders to move quickly by pushing their feet against the ground.
The first 1st steamship, The Cormorant, arrives in Honolulu, Hawaii. The steamship allowed for regular, faster service for cargo, mail, and travelers, fostering the development of "Boat Days" in Honolulu, where crowds gathered for arrivals.
The Confederate Capital is moved from Montgomery, Alabama, to Richmond, Virginia.
The U.S. National Lawn Tennis Association is established in NYC, New York, to regulate the growing game of lawn tennis in the U.S. and organize formal championships. Today, the organization is know as the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) and governing body for tennis and runs the U.S. Open.
Clara Barton establishes the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C. to provide disaster relief and emergency aid in peacetime, not just war.
Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde premieres in Chicago and becomes the first horror movie in the U.S.
Leo Pinckney is the first American drafted during WWI shortly after the U.S. declared war and enacted the Selective Service Act of 1917.
The U.S. House of Representatives passes amendment allowing women to vote. While the 19th Amendment legally barred states from denying the vote based on sex, millions of women of color, particularly in the South, continued to face discriminatory voting restrictions for decades until the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Oskaloosa, Iowa, becomes the first city in the U.S. to fingerprint its citizens. The bill was aimed at identifying kidnapped children and stopping criminals during the Great Depression.
Jean Marie Butler becomes the first woman to graduate from U.S. Coast Guard. She was also the first woman to graduate from any U.S. armed forces service academy.
Johnny Carson hosts his last episode of the Tonight Show after 30 seasons. Over 50 million people tuned it to watch the episode. No guests were on the final show, instead focusing on highlights from 4,531 episodes.
The tallest roller coaster in the world, Kingda Ka, opens opens at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey. The roller coaster was officially closed on November 10, 2024.
The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus perform their final show at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. The circus started in 1919 when the Barnum & Bailey's Greatest Show on Earth.
Washington state becomes the first state to legalize human composting. The process involves placing a body in a vessel with materials like wood chips, alfalfa, and straw to break down into nutrient-rich soil. The soil produced can be returned to families for use in planting trees, flowers, or for conservation efforts, providing a way to return nutrients back to the land.
People born on May 21
Psychologist whose studies of gifted children were the foundation of analysis of highly intelligent adolescence.
Co-founder of the Music Man Company and known for his association with Fender Musical Instrument Corporation.
Actor and retired professional wrestler The A-Team and Clubber Lang in film Rocky III.
Roller coaster designer who was responsible for the revival of wooden roller coasters in the 1960s
Professional golfer and a co-founder of the LPGA Tour.
Also known as Biggie Smalls, The Notorious B.I.G. an American rapper and songwriter. He's widely considered one of the greatest rappers of all time with his vivid storytelling, sharp lyrics, and effortless flow.
Founder of the U.S. aviation industry and inventor of the hydroplane.
The first telegraphist in Arizona territory.
Original drummer for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.
