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Great American Grump Out

Let's shoo away the grumps! Celebrate the Great American Grump Out by putting a lid on those frowns and turning them into laughter and smiles.

Wednesday

May 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEFirst Wednesday in May

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYHealth

SUBCATEGORYSelf-Care

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to put on your happiest face for the Great American Grump Out on May 1! This day, founded in 2002 by Janice A. Hathy, author and speaker, is dedicated to focusing on the brighter side of life. Hathy, who has made it her mission to improve mental, physical, and emotional health through her company Smile Mania, initiated this extraordinary occasion to promote laughter and positive behaviors. Expel the grumps, dismiss the frowns and let's embrace a day full of smiles and light-heartedness. Join in and let's transform this annual day into a joyous celebration, because after all, a good laugh is the best stress buster!

TIMELINE

Great American Grump Out Timeline

Creation of the Holiday

Janice A. Hathy founded the Great American Grump Out in an effort to promote humor, laughter, and positive behaviors.

First Year Celebrations

The Great American Grump Out was celebrated for the first time, encouraging individuals to focus on the brighter side of life.

Increased Recognition

The day started to gain more recognition, with schools, businesses, and individuals participating in the holiday to reduce stress and promote positivity.

Social Media Impact

Social media played a significant role in spreading awareness about the day, leading to wider observance and participation worldwide.

Continued Celebrations

The Great American Grump Out continued its influence, inspiring individuals globally to focus on positive behaviors, laughter, and humor.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Great American Grump Out

Host a joke-telling contest

Laughter is a powerful antidote to grumpiness. Rally your friends or co-workers for a joke-telling contest and see who can get the loudest laughs!

ENGAGE

Engage in fun physical activities

Physical exercise is proven to boost the mood by releasing endorphins. Try doing a fun workout like a dance class, yoga, or even just a walk outdoors.

START

Start a positivity jar

Write down something positive each day and put it in a jar. It could be something good that happened to you, a funny joke, or even a compliment someone gave you.

PUT

Put on a comedy show

Schedule an evening of humor with a homemade comedy show. Encourage your friends or family to perform their best jokes, stand-up routines, or funniest real-life stories.

COOK

Cook or eat your favorite food

Food can be a great mood booster. Cook your favorite meal or order takeaway from your favorite restaurant to drive away the grumps.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Great American Grump Out

It nurtures a culture of gratitude

By encouraging people to keep a positivity jar, the day nurtures a culture of gratitude. Writing down positive events, funny moments, or compliments received helps people focus on the good aspects of their life, thereby enhancing their overall happiness quotient!

It promotes positivity and laughter

The Great American Grump Out is a day when people are encouraged to focus on the brighter side of life, put aside their grumpiness and instead engage in activities that promote laughter and positive behaviors. Laughter is known to be the best stress buster - so this day provides the perfect opportunity to indulge in activities that induce joy and laughter.

It encourages physical activity

The Great American Grump Out also promotes taking part in physical activities. Exercises such as dancing, yoga or even simple walks outdoor are known to boost mood by releasing endorphins, thereby helping to shoo away any grumps!

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