Not to be confused with National Cheeseburger Day, National Hamburger Day is on May 28th every year, around Memorial Day. This year it’s on Thursday, May 28, 2026, right after Memorial Day Weekend.
The first known hamburger was created by a 15-year-old German immigrant named Charles Nagreen, who was selling meatballs at the 1885 Seymour Fair in Wisconsin. In at attempt sell them to people who were walking around, he flattened meatballs and put them between two slices of bread, and called it a “hamburger sandwich.” A legend was born, and he was known from then on as “Hamburger Charlie” and returned to the fair every year to sell hamburgers.
We are listing National Hamburger Day deals below. Keep checking back for more!
Burger King
Burger King is celebrating National Hamburger Day with a limited-time offer for members of its Royal Perks loyalty program.
On May 28, Royal Perks members can receive a free hamburger with any purchase of $3 or more at participating Burger King restaurants nationwide. The promotion is available exclusively through the Burger King app or website. More info in the press release.
Burger 21
Burger 21 is offering its Cheesy Burger for $5 on National Hamburger Day, May 28, 2026. Locally you’ll find Burger 21 at 14825 Ballantyne Village Way, Suite 160, Charlotte, North Carolina.
NADC Burger
NADC Burger is celebrating National Burger Day (also known as National Hamburger Day) on Thursday, May 28, 2026, with a one-day-only deal. Buy one burger and get one for free at all NADC Burger locations, available all day, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 320 S Tryon Street, Ste. 110, Charlotte, North Carolina.
Bobby’s Burgers
Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay is celebrating Burger Month. On May 28, 2026, guests can stop in for a $5.28 Crunchburger® as part of the brand’s rotating lineup of Burger Month offers. Rewards Members are also automatically entered for a chance to win Free Burgers for a Year, with each purchase throughout May earning an additional entry. Fan-favorites like the Buffalo Burger and Dulce de Leche Milkshake are also available through May 31.
Hardee’s
On May 28, 2026, Hardee’s My Rewards members get a special deal. Buy one Famous Star, get one for 1¢ at participating locations.
My Rewards members unlocked the offer in the Hardee’s app on May 28. New members who join on May 28 will unlock the offer instantly upon sign-up.
The Burger: Hardee’s Famous Star is a classic, made with a Quarter Pound 100% Angus beef patty, melted American cheese, special sauce and classic toppings on a toasted brioche-style bun.
Dairy Queen
From May 25 thru 31, 2026, Rewards members can get $1 off any Signature Stackburger.
Sign up for Rewards here. More info in the press release.
The signature burger series includes:
Backyard Bacon Ranch, Bacon Cheese Deluxe, FlameThrower, Cheese Deluxe, and Original Cheeseburger.
Shake Shack
All through the month of May Shake Shack is celebrating National Burger Month with a FREE burger with a $10 order. From May 19 to 24, 2026, the free burger is a Bacon Cheeseburger, and from May 25 to 31, it’s a ShackBurger.
The offer is only valid for purchases placed at a kiosk in-restaurant or for delivery or pick-up via the Shake Shack app or at shakeshack.com. Use promo code FREEBURGER at checkout. (Note: Promo code might need to be entered in ALL CAPS.) More details about Shake Shack’s deal.
Wayback Burgers
Wayback Burgers is celebrating National Hamburger Day on May 28, 2026, by offering a $5 Classic Burger. Limit two per account/person. Participating locations only. Available in restaurant and all ordering channels, except for third-party delivery services. You’ll find Wayback Burgers locations in Mint Hill and Waxhaw. Find the closest one here. The deal was announced on Instagram.
Smashburger
Smashburger is celebrating National Hamburger Day with a special deal on Thursday, May 28, 2026. Get any Single (not Double) burger for $5.28 at participating locations. You can claim the deal in-store, or through Smashburger’s website or app by using the promo code 528SINGLE.
Checkers & Rally
On May 27 and 28, 2026, Checkers & Rally’s is offering a buy-one-get-one FREE Classic Burger to celebrate National Hamburger Day. Announced in a press release.
Whataburger
On Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Whataburger, order a medium Fry and medium Drink, online or scan your app in-store, and get a free Whataburger and a chance to win Whataburger for a Year. Announced in a press release.
Best food and drink deals and events in Charlotte
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
Deals offered by national chains are usually “participating locations only.” We can’t generally verify participation with a particular location, so we encourage you to contact the location to make sure. In addition, limited time offers can end without warning. Deals may not be available when you order from a 3rd party delivery service.
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Upcoming Food and Drink Deals and Events
Check out our big list of food and drink deals and events in Charlotte, or look at a few of them here:
Various locations
