National Lemonade Day – May. 2, 2027

National Lemonade Day
Categories:
Tags:
Liquor
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
First Sunday of May
Holiday emoji:
🍋

National Lemonade Day arrives every first Sunday in May, inspiring youth across the nation to learn about entrepreneurship by setting up and running their own lemonade stands. Join your community to support young business owners, sip on a refreshing beverage, and contribute to a good cause. Discover local events, mentor a young entrepreneur, or simply enjoy a glass of homemade lemonade!

Want to sponsor National Lemonade Day? Learn how

Expected National Lemonade Day Deals

While we await official 2027 promotions, National Lemonade Day typically sees local businesses and national brands supporting youth entrepreneurship. Look for special offers on lemons, sugar, and cups at grocery stores like Kroger and Walmart, making it easier for young entrepreneurs to stock their stands. Fast-food chains such as Chick-fil-A and Wendy’s might offer discounts on their lemonade or partner with local youth initiatives. Brands like Simply Lemonade and Minute Maid often run campaigns promoting the day, sometimes including contests or giveaways. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as May approaches.

Platform Guide for National Lemonade Day

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalLemonadeDay. Film a quick tutorial on setting up a stand or showcase a creative lemonade recipe.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalLemonadeDay. Share vibrant photos of lemonade stands, refreshing drinks, and happy young entrepreneurs.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalLemonadeDay. Post about local Lemonade Day events and encourage community participation.

Social Media Tips for National Lemonade Day

Individuals

Visit a local lemonade stand to support young entrepreneurs, or host your own family stand and donate proceeds to a charity of your choice. Share your favorite lemonade recipe.

Creators

Create content showcasing the journey of a young entrepreneur setting up their first lemonade stand, from planning to sales. Highlight the lessons learned and the joy of success.

Brands

Sponsor local Lemonade Day events, provide starter kits to young participants, or run a social media campaign encouraging customers to share their lemonade stand experiences using a branded hashtag.

Top Brands for National Lemonade Day

  1. Lemonade Day

    Founded in 2007 by Michael Holthouse, Lemonade Day is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching youth how to start, own, and operate their own business through the simple and engaging experience of a lemonade stand. It operates in cities across the U.S. and beyond.

  2. Simply Lemonade

    A brand of The Coca-Cola Company, Simply Lemonade is known for its natural, not-from-concentrate juices. Launched in 2002, it offers a range of lemonade flavors, providing a convenient option for those who enjoy the classic drink.

  3. Minute Maid

    Also part of The Coca-Cola Company, Minute Maid has been a leading juice brand since 1945. It offers a variety of lemonade products, including frozen concentrates and ready-to-drink options, making it a household staple for many.

  4. Country Time

    Introduced in 1975 by Kraft Foods, Country Time is famous for its powdered drink mixes that allow consumers to easily make large batches of lemonade. The brand evokes a nostalgic, homemade feel, perfect for summer gatherings.

  5. Newman's Own

    Founded by actor Paul Newman in 1982, Newman's Own is a food and beverage company that donates 100% of its profits to charity. Their lemonade products are popular for their quality and the philanthropic mission behind them.

  6. Sunkist Growers

    Established in 1893, Sunkist Growers is a cooperative of citrus growers in California and Arizona. As a primary source of fresh lemons, Sunkist plays a crucial role in the lemonade industry, providing the essential ingredient for the beloved beverage.

  7. Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation

    Founded by Alexandra Scott in 2000, this foundation emerged from a child's simple idea to raise money for childhood cancer research through a lemonade stand. It has since grown into a national movement, funding hundreds of research projects.

National Lemonade Day Hero

Michael Holthouse

Michael Holthouse is the founder of Lemonade Day, the national non-profit organization that inspires youth entrepreneurship. A successful entrepreneur himself, Holthouse launched the initiative in 2007 in Houston, Texas, with the belief that teaching children business skills early can transform their lives and communities. His vision has enabled millions of children to experience the thrill of running their own business.

History of National Lemonade Day

The use of lemonade dates as far back as ancient Egypt and has rooted its own beginnings all over the world. However, the concept for Lemonade Day was created when founder, Michael Holthouse’s daughter, Lissa, wanted to add a turtle to her pet collection. With so many pets already in the house, Michael said no.  Dedicated and determined, Lissa decided she would open a lemonade stand to raise money to buy her own turtle, and asked her dad for help.  

This brilliant and empowered idea gave founder, Michael Holthouse the inspiration for the National Lemonade Day Campaign. He wanted to give more children the opportunity to learn business skills, responsibility, financial literacy, goal setting, and team-work just like Lissa. Giving children across the U.S. lessons that could carry all the way to their future. More than any pop album, or hip-hop song, this day is not just about fun and enjoying delicious lemonade, it’s about providing confidence to our youth and teaching them basic business skills — but listening to Beyonce’s “Lemonade” at the same time doesn’t hurt. Giving our youth an entrepreneur’s spirit at an early age has an incredibly positive impact on their success in the future, and when our children are successful, the world is successful! So let’s slice-up some lemons and get to stirring up some learning!

National Lemonade Day timeline

500 B.C.
Egyptian lemonade

Egyptians mix lemon with sugar to make qatermizat, a recipe written down by Persian poet Nasir-I-Khusraw.

1670s
Lemonade in Paris

Roving groups of street vendors sell lemonade from tanks strapped to their backs.

1873
New York lemons

Edward Bok launches the first lemonade stand in New York.

1879
It's official

“The New York Times” first documented the use of the term “lemonade stand.”

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Lemonade Day

Local businesses can embrace National Lemonade Day by sponsoring youth lemonade stands, providing supplies, or offering special discounts to young entrepreneurs. Restaurants and cafes can feature unique lemonade flavors on their menus, perhaps even collaborating with local schools or youth groups to host stands outside their establishments. Retailers might create displays with lemonade-making essentials and offer promotions on these items, encouraging families to participate and support the next generation of business leaders.

National Lemonade Day FAQs

When is National Lemonade Day?

In 2027, National Lemonade Day is observed on Sunday, May 2. It’s a fantastic opportunity for young people to gain hands-on business experience and engage with their local communities.

How many children participate in Lemonade Day?

The Lemonade Day organization reports that hundreds of thousands of children participate annually, with programs in over 100 cities. For 2027, organizers anticipate even broader engagement, fostering entrepreneurial spirit in new communities.

What is the history of lemonade?

The concept of lemonade as a popular beverage emerged in the Middle East before spreading to Europe. By the 19th century in America, lemonade stands became a staple of childhood summers, evolving into the entrepreneurial tradition celebrated today.

How can lemonade stands benefit communities?

Beyond teaching business basics, lemonade stands strengthen community bonds by encouraging interaction between neighbors and supporting local economies. Many young entrepreneurs choose to donate a portion of their profits, contributing positively to various community initiatives.

National Lemonade Day Activities

  1. Find event-affiliated lemon stands in your city

    National Lemonade Day is in over 100 cities so there’s a chance this awesome day is already in your town. If not, no sour lemons for you! Simply contact National Lemonade Day to set up an event for your city.

  2. Volunteer

    The only way National Lemonade Day can even be possible is with help from super nice and generous people who pledge to mentor and teach kids about entrepreneurship. Find out how to get involved on your state’s National Lemonade Day website.

  3. Make (and drink) lemonade

    What’s the best part of all your hard work? The sweet taste of success. Get to know people in your community over glasses of tasty and refreshing lemonade and help teach kids the importance of fiscal responsibility with their profits. For such a good cause, we’ll squeeze in time to celebrate this day!

5 Fun Lemonade Facts

  1. When Life Gives You Lemons

    Elbert Hubbard wrote the obituary for Marshall Pinckney Wilder, a celebrated actor, writer, and humorist — the original version of his famous phrase read "He picked up the lemons that Fate had sent him and started a lemonade stand.”

  2. The Power of Lemonade

    4-year old Alex Scott who suffered from pediatric cancer started a lemonade stand to raise money for cancer research. Despite her passing, she has since raised over 100 million dollars.

  3. Lemonade Restaurant

    There is a restaurant in California that specializes in creating unique lemonade drinks.

  4. Lemon Crops

    California and Arizona produce almost 95% of the entire U.S. lemon crop.

  5. Lemon Drops

    A single lemon tree can produce up to 600 pounds of lemons in just one year.

Why We Love National Lemonade Day

  1. Helping kids is awesome

    It might seem really simple, but helping kids set up their very own lemonade stand is actually a very cool way to teach them about entrepreneurship, fiscal responsibility, and life goals. Since its launch in 2007, Lemonade Day has helped over one million children across North America. What a sweet way to use lemons!

  2. Learning a skill is important

    Even something as simple as learning how to make and sell lemonade is enough to make a huge difference in a child’s world. 88% of parents with children who participated in 2016’s National Lemonade Day said their children had a sense of purpose after opening their own lemonade stand and 90% said their kids had higher self-esteem. Talk about a new zest for life!

  3. Knowledge is power

    Kids who participate in National Lemonade Day will have an idea of how to set goals and trust their own decisions while gaining a sense of empowerment and self-worth. They’re just one lemonade stand away from all the tools for success. Teaching kids how to start, own and operate their own business means they’re ahead of the game!

National Lemonade Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 May 3 Sunday
2027 May 2 Sunday
2028 May 7 Sunday
2029 May 6 Sunday
2030 May 5 Sunday