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McDonald’s Day

An informal observance on April 15 commemorating the anniversary of the first franchised McDonald's restaurant opening and celebrating the iconic fast-food brand.

Thursday

April 2027

Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEApril 15

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYBusiness

SUBCATEGORYBrand Anniversaries

ORIGIN

Community Origin

FOUNDING ENTITY

Not documented

FIRST OBSERVED

Not documented

HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

The observance informally commemorates Ray Kroc's opening of the first franchised McDonald's restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois, on April 15, 1955. McDonald's does not officially promote it.

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INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Celebrate McDonald’s Day on April 15 and get ready to enjoy some of your favorite fast food! McDonald's has been around for over 70 years, becoming one of the most recognizable brands in the world. The restaurant chain has seen tremendous success over the years, with millions of customers enjoying their delicious burgers, fries, shakes and more. On this special day, we honor the legacy of McDonald's and all that it has done to bring joy to so many people around the world. So come out and join us in celebrating McDonald’s Day!

TIMELINE

McDonald’s Day Timeline

McDonald's First Store

Richard and Maurice McDonald open the first McDonald's restaurant in San Bernardino, California.

Ray Kroc Joins

Ray Kroc, a milkshake machine salesperson, discovered McDonald's and opened his first franchise in Des Plaines, Illinois.

Kroc's Ownership

Ray Kroc buys out the McDonald brothers for $2.7 million, becoming the sole owner of McDonald's.

McDonald's Goes Public

McDonald's Corporation becomes public, trading for the first time on the New York Stock Exchange.

Big Mac Introduction

McDonald's introduces the Big Mac, which becomes a global sensation and the chain's signature item.

Happy Meal Surprise

McDonald's introduces the Happy Meal, a combination meal for children that included a toy, boosting the restaurant's worldwide appeal.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate McDonald’s Day

Go to McDonald's

What better way to celebrate McDonald's Day than by going to a McDonald's restaurant? Whether you get a Big Mac or a McFlurry, it's sure to be a tasty treat.

THROW

Throw a McDonald's party

Invite your friends over for a party and serve up some classic McDonald's favorites like hamburgers, fries and shakes. You can even make your own decorations to give the party an extra special McFlair.

PLAY

Play McDonald's games

You don't have to go to McDonald's to enjoy the fun of their games. Grab some friends and play classic games like Monopoly, Memory and Uno with McDonald's themed cards, figures and boards.

MAKE

Make McDonald’s recipes at home

If you can't make it to McDonald’s, try making some of their dishes at home. With the help of online recipes and some basic ingredients, you can make Big Macs, McNuggets and more in your own kitchen.

CREATE

Create a photo collage

Gather up all of your favorite photos from past trips to McDonald’s and create a digital or physical collage. You can share this collage with friends and family to show off your creative side.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love McDonald’s Day

Value for money

You don't have to break the bank to enjoy a meal at McDonald's. Their combos offer great value for money and often come with drinks and fries included! It's an easy way to fill up without going overboard on spending.

Wide variety of menu items

With its wide array of burgers, sandwiches, salads, sides and desserts, McDonald's has something for everyone. From classic favorites like the Big Mac to new twists on classics like the McRib sandwich, there's always something delicious and exciting to try!

Convenience

McDonald's locations are everywhere, so no matter where you go you can grab a quick snack or meal. Plus, their drive-thru restaurants make it even easier to get your favorite meal in a pinch!

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