National High Five Day

Next celebratedThursday, April 15, 2027

Put your hands together and join in on the fun - it's National High Five Day! Share some love with a high five today!

See how to celebrate

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Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar TeamHave an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATEThird Thursday in April

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFun

SUBCATEGORYSilly

INTRO

Introduction

It's time to get your hands in the air and give a big high five on National High Five Day, which takes place on the third Thursday of April! This special day is a celebration of one of the most popular gestures used around the world. It was first created in 2002 by two college students who wanted to spread more positivity and joy into the world. Since then, it has grown into an international holiday that brings people together through fun activities and friendly competitions. So rally up your friends on this special day and make sure you don't miss out on all the high-fiving fun!

TIMELINE

National High Five Day Timeline

Invention of the High Five

The high five gesture was reportedly first popularized by Dusty Baker and Glenn Burke of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team.

High Five Goes Global

Throughout the 1980s, the high five spreads globally as a positive and friendly gesture, used frequently in sports and social situations.

First National High Five Day

Two college students from the University of Virginia, Conor Lastowka and Greg Harrell-Edge, established the first National High Five Day.

NH5D Becomes a Nonprofit

National High Five Day officially became a nonprofit organization, focusing on charitable efforts through high fives and positivity.

World Record for High Fives

On National High Five Day, a Guinness World Record was set for the most high fives in one minute by an individual.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National High Five Day

Plan a high five relay race

Set up a course and divide your group into teams. Each team must execute a high five before moving on to the next participant. The first team to complete the course wins.

ORGANIZE

Organize a high five competition

Divide your participants into pairs and have them compete in a high five battle. The pair with the loudest, highest, and most creative high fives can win a prize.

CREATE

Create a high five wall

Gather as many people as you can and form a wall. Have everyone link hands for one big group high five. After everyone has given their best high five, take a picture and share it with your friends.

HOST

Host a surprise high five party

Surprise your friends by throwing them an unexpected high five party! Invite guests over for snacks and drinks and have everyone practice their best high fives to get ready for the big event.

PLAY

Play “High Five” Bingo

Print off some bingo cards with fun tasks, such as giving someone a high five while singing the national anthem, or giving someone a high five while wearing a funny costume. The first person to complete all the tasks wins.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National High Five Day

High fives promote teamwork

High fives also help to promote teamwork among groups and organizations. By exchanging high fives, teams can show their solidarity, confidence and pride in their work. Plus, it's an awesome way to give moral support and encouragement when working together on projects - what better way to share positivity than with a high five!

High fives are fun

High fives are the perfect way to show your appreciation or excitement for something. Whether you're celebrating a success or congratulating a friend, a high five is always a fun and easy way to show that you care.

High fives help build relationships

One of the greatest things about high fives is that they help build strong relationships between people. By having a simple physical gesture like a high five, we can express our support, enthusiasm and friendship to one another, no matter how far apart we are.