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National Cartoonists Day

May 5

National Cartoonists Day

Celebrate National Cartoonists Day by appreciating the amazing work of these talented artists - pick up your favorite comic and enjoy!

Yearly Date
May 5
Observed in
United States
Category
Pop Culture
Subcategory
Comics & Graphic Novels
Holiday Calendar
Last updated February 7, 2026 by the Holiday Calendar Team
Have an update or spot an error?

Introduction

Celebrate National Cartoonists Day on May 5 and show your appreciation for the talented people that bring us laughter and joy through their art! This day has been around since the late 1940s, when it was first created to honor cartoonists from all over the world. It's a great opportunity to discover new cartoons or revisit old favorites, as well as appreciate all of the hard work that goes into creating these pieces of art.

National Cartoonists Day Timeline

1842
First Modern Comic Strip
The first recognizable modern comic strip is published in the New York newspaper, "The New York Transcript".
1895
"The Yellow Kid"
Richard Outcault's "The Yellow Kid, " which is considered the first popular newspaper comic strip, debuts in "The New York World".
1913
"Krazy Kat" Debut
"Krazy Kat", created by George Herriman and considered one of the greatest comic strips of all time, first appears.
1938
Superman Emerges
Superman, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, makes his debut in Action Comics #1. This marks the dawn of the golden age of comic books.
1950
"Peanuts" Begins
Charles Schulz's "Peanuts", one of the most successful comic strips in history, starts its run.
1985
Calvin And Hobbes
The beloved comic strip "Calvin and Hobbes" by Bill Watterson, first appears, becoming one of the last widely syndicated and popular strips of the 20th century.

How to Celebrate National Cartoonists Day

1

Watch your favorite cartoon

Sit back, relax, and watch your favorite cartoon to commemorate National Cartoonists Day. You can stream it online or pop in a DVD.

2

Draw your own cartoon

Grab some paper and pencils and create your own cartoon. If you're feeling adventurous, try animating it!

3

Read a comic book

Pick up a copy of your favorite comic book and spend the day reading it from cover to cover.

4

Visit a museum

Many cities have museums dedicated to cartoon art. Visit one and learn about the history of cartoons and explore the work of classic cartoonists.

5

Throw a cartoon party

Invite friends over and watch cartoons together while snacking on popcorn or other movie theater snacks. Make it an event by creating themed decorations, drinks, and food.

Why National Cartoonists Day is Important

A

Cartoonists help bring stories to life

Cartoonists have the unique ability to bring stories to life in a way that no other art form can. They are able to draw characters and settings that readers emotionally connect with, creating an unforgettable world of imagery that many people enjoy for years to come.

B

Cartoonists create entertainment

Cartoons are enjoyed by kids and adults alike, providing hours of laughter and enjoyment. From classic comic books to modern animated films, cartoons bring joy into our lives and often become part of our childhood memories.

C

Cartoonists inspire creativity

There's something magical about seeing beloved cartoon characters come alive on the page or screen. Cartoonists play a crucial role in inspiring young minds to explore their own creative talents, encouraging them to think outside the box and find fun ways to express themselves artistically.

Holiday Dates

Year Date Day
2023 Friday
2024 Sunday
2025 Monday
2026 Tuesday
2027 Wednesday