Holidays & key dates in May 2027
Mother's Day
Sunday · Observance
Memorial Day
Monday · US federal holiday
See the full 2027 calendar with holidays for every date, observed day and long weekend.
Memorial Day and the start of summer
Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May. In 2027 it falls on Monday, May 31, which gives many people a three-day weekend from Saturday, May 29. Federal offices, banks and post offices are closed that day. Many communities hold ceremonies, and many families travel or host cookouts, so plan transport and reservations early.
Because the holiday is on the last day of the month, it also marks the close of May. Use the final week to finish month-end tasks before the holiday, so the long weekend is truly restful.
Mother's Day on Sunday, May 9
Mother's Day is observed on the second Sunday of May, which is May 9, 2027. It is not a federal holiday, but it is one of the most important family dates of the year. Plan gifts, cards or a brunch at least two weeks ahead, because restaurants and florists fill up quickly on that weekend.
Schools often hold classroom celebrations on the Friday before, so check the school newsletter if you have children. Write the date on the calendar with a reminder a week earlier, and add the pickup time or the restaurant booking to the same box.
Graduations, exams and school deadlines
May is a busy month for schools and colleges. Final exams, graduation ceremonies and end-of-year projects all tend to cluster in the middle and late weeks of the month. Students can use the monthly page to plan study sessions, while parents can track ceremony dates, yearbook deadlines and summer camp registrations.
Teachers use May to prepare report cards and to plan next year's classes. A printed calendar with large day boxes is a good place to note each deadline, grading date and parent meeting.
Planning the summer with a May calendar
May is the right time to book summer camps, vacation rentals and summer swim lessons, because many programs fill early. Mark the registration deadlines on the calendar and list the start and end dates of each program. If you work in a seasonal business, May is also the month to schedule staff rotations for the summer.
Keep a light hand on the calendar this month. Long weekends and warm weather can change plans quickly, so leave a few open boxes for spontaneous trips and family time.