National Cherry Popsicle Day – Aug. 26, 2026

National Cherry Popsicle Day
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Every August 26
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National Cherry Popsicle Day cools us down every August 26. This delightful observance is a vibrant tribute to the classic frozen treat that embodies the joy of summer. Indulge your inner child, explore new flavors, and share your frosty fun with friends and family.

Want to sponsor National Cherry Popsicle Day? Learn how

Expected National Cherry Popsicle Day Deals

While we await official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Cherry Popsicle Day often brings delightful deals from various brands. Look for discounts on frozen treats at major grocery retailers like Kroger and Walmart, or special offers on multi-packs of popsicles from brands like Popsicle and Good Humor. Local ice cream shops and convenience stores like 7-Eleven might offer buy-one-get-one deals or special cherry-flavored concoctions. Keep an eye out for promotions from fruit juice brands like Dole, which often tie into frozen fruit bar celebrations. Even gourmet ice pop makers like King of Pops could feature cherry-inspired flavors. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as August 26 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Cherry Popsicle Day

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #CherryPopsicleDay. Film a fun video trying different cherry popsicle brands or making your own homemade versions.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalCherryPopsicleDay. Share vibrant photos of your favorite cherry popsicle moments, from poolside treats to backyard fun.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #CherryPopsicle. Share your fondest childhood memories involving cherry popsicles and ask others for their favorites.

Social Media Tips for National Cherry Popsicle Day

Individuals

Cool down with a classic cherry popsicle, or experiment with making your own at home using fresh cherry juice. Share your frosty treat on social media and tag a friend to challenge them to do the same.

Creators

Create a 'Popsicle Taste Test' video, ranking different cherry popsicle brands or homemade recipes. Showcase creative ways to enjoy popsicles, like blending them into a summer mocktail.

Brands

Launch a 'Cherry Popsicle Selfie' contest, encouraging customers to share photos with your brand's cherry-flavored frozen treats for a chance to win a summer prize package. Partner with local ice cream trucks for a special giveaway.

Top Brands for National Cherry Popsicle Day

  1. Popsicle

    The Popsicle brand, owned by Unilever, traces its origins to Frank Epperson's accidental invention in 1905. Today, it remains a leading name in frozen treats, offering a wide array of flavors, including the classic cherry, beloved by generations.

  2. Good Humor

    Founded in 1920, Good Humor is an iconic American brand known for its ice cream trucks and novelty frozen treats. They offer a variety of popsicles and frozen fruit bars, including cherry-flavored options, bringing joy to countless summers.

  3. Otter Pops

    First introduced in 1970, Otter Pops are a popular brand of freezer pops, known for their vibrant colors and fruity flavors. Their collection includes a range of fruit-inspired options, perfect for cooling down on a hot day.

  4. Dole

    Dole Food Company, founded in Hawaii in 1851, is one of the world's largest producers and marketers of fresh fruit and vegetables. They extend their fruit expertise into frozen treats with popular fruit bars, often featuring cherry and other berry flavors.

  5. Whole Foods Market

    Founded in 1978 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market is a leading natural and organic foods supermarket. Their stores often feature a selection of gourmet, organic, and artisanal popsicles, including cherry and other fruit-based varieties, catering to health-conscious consumers.

  6. Zoku

    Zoku is a housewares company specializing in innovative kitchen tools, most famously their Quick Pop Maker, which allows users to create popsicles in minutes. This brand empowers home cooks to craft custom cherry popsicles with fresh ingredients.

  7. Target

    Founded in 1902 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Target Corporation is one of the largest general merchandise retailers in the United States. They stock a vast selection of frozen treats, including many brands of cherry popsicles and other fruit-flavored ice pops, making them a convenient stop for summer refreshments.

National Cherry Popsicle Day Hero

Frank Epperson

Frank Epperson accidentally invented the 'Epsicle' in 1905 at just 11 years old, leaving a mixture of powdered soda, water, and a stirring stick on his porch overnight. He later patented the frozen confection in 1923, renaming it the 'Popsicle' at his children's suggestion. His innovation brought a simple, refreshing joy to millions, forever changing how we cool down on hot days.

History of National Cherry Popsicle Day

While the origin of most culinary dishes is shrouded in mystery, the origin of the popsicle is well known. The credit for the invention of this delicious treat goes to an 11-year-old boy! Francis William Epperson was preparing a soda pop out on his porch during the cold winter months. He was making soda pop by mixing soda powder with water. As is likely of any 11-year old, he absentmindedly forgot the drink on the porch and went inside. The concoction froze overnight and the next day he found the drink, albeit frozen, with the stirring stick in it — and that’s how the popsicle was born.

This remained a private invention until 18 years later when the rest of the world would be introduced to this delicious treat. The boy took it upon himself to introduce the frozen pop on a stick at an amusement park called Neptune Beach in Belmar, New Jersey. It was so successful that he immediately applied for a patent. The treat was named the ‘popsicle’ at the urging of his children. Until then, the popsicle was being sold as ‘Epsicle Ice Pop.” As they say, the rest is history and today popsicles have become synonymous with summers and happy childhood memories.

Even though Popsicle is a copyright term, almost all of us use it to describe any frozen treat. In fact, popsicles regularly feature in song lyrics, dialogues in movies and books, without us even realizing that it falls under copyright! It’s interesting how this humble treat continues to be full of surprises.

National Cherry Popsicle Day timeline

1922
The Popsicle Goes Public

Francis Epperson introduces the creation at a fireman's ball and it’s a raging success.

1925
Epperson Sells Popsicle Rights

Epperson sells the rights to Joe Lowe Company of New York.

1938
Fudgicle

Fudgicle, a flat, frozen dessert covered with chocolate, is introduced.

1989
Unilever Takes Over

Unilever buys the rights to Popsicle.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Cherry Popsicle Day

Local businesses can sweeten National Cherry Popsicle Day by offering special cherry-themed treats or promotions. Restaurants and cafés could feature cherry popsicle-inspired cocktails or desserts. Ice cream parlors might introduce a limited-time cherry popsicle swirl or a sundae topped with cherry pops. Retailers could create vibrant displays of frozen treats, offering discounts on cherry-flavored popsicles and related summer essentials. Consider a ‘buy one, get one free’ deal on cherry popsicles to encourage impulse purchases and spread the frosty fun among customers.

National Cherry Popsicle Day FAQs

When is National Cherry Popsicle Day?

National Cherry Popsicle Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, August 26, inviting everyone to enjoy a classic frozen treat. It’s the perfect mid-week pick-me-up during the late summer heat.

How many popsicles are eaten each year?

While exact figures for ‘popsicles’ can vary by definition, the frozen novelty market, including popsicles, ice pops, and frozen fruit bars, sees billions of units consumed annually. Americans alone consume approximately two billion frozen treats on a stick each year.

What is the most popular popsicle flavor?

While cherry is a strong contender, classic fruit flavors like grape, orange, and lime often rank among the most popular popsicle choices. The iconic ‘Fudgsicle’ also holds a special place in many hearts, demonstrating a preference for both fruity and creamy frozen delights.

What's the difference between a popsicle and an ice pop?

Technically, ‘Popsicle’ is a brand name for a frozen treat on a stick, much like ‘Kleenex’ is for tissue. An ‘ice pop’ or ‘ice lolly’ is the generic term for any water-based frozen confection on a stick, making all Popsicles ice pops, but not all ice pops Popsicles.

National Cherry Popsicle Day Activities

  1. Groove to “Cherry Popsicle”

    Groove to Jann Arden 2000s hit “Cherry Popsicle” on National Cherry Popsicle Day. You could even post a video of you singing the song on your social media.

  2. Treat yourself to a cherry popsicle

    No better way to celebrate National Cherry Popsicle Day than by treating yourself to these delicious frozen treats. Chill by the pool and enjoy your popsicles.

  3. Make your own popsicles

    You could also make your own popsicles using fresh fruits or different flavors of soda. Mix and match flavors, or try a flavor that you haven’t before.

5 Facts About Cherries That Will Blow Your Mind

  1. Humans have always loved cherries

    We have been eating cherries since the Stone Age.

  2. Cherries are fairly new to America

    Cherries arrived in America in the 1600s.

  3. They come in varieties

    There are around 1,000 varieties of cherries, but only 20 are commercially harvested.

  4. Turkey is the largest producer of cherries

    Turkey produces 535,000 tons of cherries annually.

  5. The world record for cherry-pit spitting

    The record for cherry-pit spitting, which was 93 feet, was set by Brian Krausein in 2004.

Why We Love National Cherry Popsicle Day

  1. It celebrates innovation

    National Cherry Popsicle Day is a celebration of happy accidents. It reminds us to not treat ourselves harshly if we make a mistake. After all, your mistake could be the next big invention of the culinary world.

  2. You get to revisit your childhood

    Cherry popsicles instantly take us back to our happy, carefree childhood days. National Cherry Popsicle Day is the perfect day to reminisce about the good ol’ days

  3. It’s a day to relax

    A cherry popsicle tastes better when you are relaxing by the pool. Take the day off and don’t forget to take it slow today.

National Cherry Popsicle Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 August 26 Wednesday
2027 August 26 Thursday
2028 August 26 Saturday
2029 August 26 Sunday
2030 August 26 Monday