- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- BakingComfort FoodFood
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every July 26
- Holiday emoji:
- 🥯
National Bagelfest Day arrives every July 26, honoring the beloved bread that’s boiled then baked to perfection. Sink your teeth into a warm bagel, explore new flavors, and share your favorite spreads. Gather your friends for a bagel brunch or experiment with homemade recipes to truly celebrate.
Want to sponsor National Bagelfest Day? Learn how
Expected National Bagelfest Day Deals
While we await official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Bagelfest Day often brings delicious deals. Expect major chains like Einstein Bros. Bagels and Bruegger’s Bagels to offer discounts on bagels and cream cheese, or even free bagels with a purchase. Local bagel shops across the country, from H&H Bagels in New York to regional favorites, will likely feature special flavors or combo deals. Brands like Lender’s Bagels and Thomas’ Bagels might run promotions on their grocery store products. Even coffee giants like Starbucks and cafes such as Panera Bread often have bagel-centric offers. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as July 26 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Bagelfest Day
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #BagelfestDay. Film a ‘build your own bagel’ video or review unique bagel flavors.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #BagelfestDay. Share mouth-watering photos of your bagel creations or favorite local bagel shop.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #BagelfestDay. Ask your community for their go-to bagel orders and best local spots.
National Bagelfest Day Hero
Harry Lender
History of National Bagelfest Day
National Bagelfest Day is a celebration that started in Mattoon, Illinois. The idea for the event was introduced by Murray Lender, the man who owns the Bagel Factory and Lender’s Bagels. It all started in 1986 when Murray decided to host a breakfast for the people of his town in Mattoon. From that day onwards, National Bagelfest Day has been celebrated to honor bagels and the different flavors they have brought to the usual breakfast menu. Today, this event has evolved into a festival that includes a parade, live music, a Miss Bagelfest Contest, lots of fun, and of course, bagels!
But before you start munching on some bagels, let’s find out a bit more about their history. Bagels are a bread product that originated from the Jewish communities of Poland. They were officially mentioned for the first time in an Arabic cookbook from the 13th century. The spread of bagels across the world also took time and the breakfast item did not reach England until the 19th century. The exquisite bread was brought into America by Polish Jews that had migrated to the region. These immigrants then became owners of a popular bagel business called Bagel Bakers Local 338. It is also important to note that the sizes of bagels have evolved over time and have greatly increased. For instance, an average bagel was three ounces in 1915 but weighed around six ounces by 2003.
National Bagelfest Day timeline
The bagel becomes a staple in Polish cuisine.
The ‘bagel brunch’ becomes popular in New York City.
New York welcomes its first bagel bakery.
The world’s largest bagel, weighing 393.7 kilograms is created.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Bagelfest Day
Local businesses can celebrate National Bagelfest Day by offering special promotions. Bakeries and cafes can introduce limited-edition bagel flavors or cream cheese spreads. Restaurants might feature bagel-inspired dishes on their menus, like bagel pizzas or bagel breakfast sandwiches. Even non-food businesses could offer a ‘bagel break’ for employees or customers, partnering with a local bagel shop to provide a delicious treat. Encourage customers to share their bagel experiences on social media using #BagelfestDay.
National Bagelfest Day FAQs
When is National Bagelfest Day?
National Bagelfest Day 2026 is celebrated on Sunday, July 26. It’s the perfect weekend opportunity to indulge in your favorite chewy treat.
How many bagels are consumed in the U.S. annually?
Americans consume billions of bagels each year, with estimates often placing the number around 3 billion annually. This makes bagels one of the most popular breakfast and snack items in the country.
What are the most popular bagel toppings?
Cream cheese remains the undisputed champion, with plain, chive, and strawberry being top choices. Other popular toppings include butter, jam, peanut butter, and lox with capers and red onion for a savory twist.
Is a bagel boiled or baked?
A traditional bagel is both boiled and baked. It’s briefly boiled in water before being baked in an oven, a process that gives it its distinctive chewy interior and slightly crispy crust.
National Bagelfest Day Activities
Order some bagels
To celebrate the day, order some bagels and enjoy them for breakfast or tea with your family. Don’t forget to share the pictures on social media.
Bake a bagel
Bake some yummy bagels of your own by selecting a recipe from the internet. Live-stream your baking experience for all your followers to watch and learn!
Create a bagel recipe book
Experiment with different bagels and create a small cookbook. You might just end up creating a unique bagel of your own.
5 Fun Facts You Need To Know About Bagels
Derived from a German word
The German word for ‘bagel’ is ‘bougel,’ which means ‘bracelet.’
Ties with the Jewish community
Bagels are served on Saturday night after Sabbath in Jewish communities.
The astronaut who loved bagels
Gregory Chamitoff’s cargo for the voyage to the International Space Station included 18 sesame bagels.
Another name
Bagels are also called ‘the cement doughnuts.’
The most expensive bagel in the world
The most expensive bagel in the world is sold at the Westin Hotel and costs $1,000.
Why We Love National Bagelfest Day
It brings bagels to the forefront
It brings the simple, yet famous bread product to the forefront. This can increase the market for bagels and give rise to new businesses with interesting recipes.
A great day for pastry chefs
On this day, party chefs who excel in the art of bagel-making can actually showcase their skills to the world.
A fun day to eat bagels
If you decide to check out different bagel places with your friends, this day could turn out to be extremely fun.
Social Media Tips for National Bagelfest Day
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