- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- ActivitiesFoodFriendship
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every April 23
- Holiday emoji:
- 🧺
National Picnic Day arrives every April 23, beckoning us to embrace the simple pleasure of dining al fresco. Gather your favorite foods, a cozy blanket, and good company to enjoy a meal in nature. Find a scenic park, a backyard oasis, or even a city rooftop for your perfect outdoor feast.
Want to sponsor National Picnic Day? Learn how
Expected National Picnic Day Deals
While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Picnic Day brings a variety of food and outdoor gear deals. Look for discounts on picnic baskets, blankets, and coolers from retailers like REI, Target, and Walmart. Grocery stores such as Whole Foods Market and Kroger often feature specials on deli items, fresh produce, and gourmet cheeses perfect for a spread. Fast-casual restaurants like Panera Bread and Jersey Mike’s Subs might offer family meal deals or catering discounts for easy grab-and-go options. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as April 23 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Picnic Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalPicnicDay. Share your beautifully arranged picnic spreads, scenic outdoor dining spots, and creative picnic food ideas.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalPicnicDay. Create short videos showcasing your picnic prep, fun outdoor games, or a ‘what’s in my picnic basket’ reveal.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalPicnicDay. Organize a community picnic event or share tips for eco-friendly outdoor dining with your friends.
National Picnic Day Hero
Isabella Beeton
National Picnic Day timeline
After the French Revolution, royal parks open to the public for the first time, popularizing picnics.
The concept of the picnic spreads to Britain and the rest of the Isles, with an official Picnic Society meeting regularly near the Pantheon in London.
In a protest in favor of German reunification, the Pan-European Picnic takes place along the Hungarian and Austrian border.
On Bastille Day, France successfully organizes a 600-mile long picnic along its coast to celebrate the new millennium.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Picnic Day
Local businesses can celebrate National Picnic Day by offering special outdoor-friendly meal kits or grab-and-go deli specials. Restaurants could create ‘picnic box’ options with sandwiches, salads, and desserts, promoting them for takeout. Retailers selling outdoor goods might host a ‘picnic essentials’ sale, featuring blankets, coolers, and portable games. Consider partnering with a local park for a community picnic event, providing food or entertainment to draw families.
National Picnic Day Media Coverage
National Picnic Day - Survey Results
Data gathered by a top Market Research Agency:
Additional Findings:
FULL RANKING OF AMERICA’S FAVORITE PICNIC FOODS
#1: Sandwiches (36%)
#2: Fried chicken (29%)
#3: Watermelon (29%)
#4: Potato salad (28%)
#5: Chips and dip (23%)
#6: Deviled eggs (20%)
#7: Pasta salad (15%)
#8: Fruit salad (14%)
#9: Pie (9%)
#10: Baked beans (9%)
#11: Cheese (7%)
#12: Pickles (6%)
#13: Leafy salad (3%)
#14: Leftovers (2%)
National Picnic Day FAQs
When is National Picnic Day?
In 2027, National Picnic Day is observed on Friday, April 23, offering an ideal start to the weekend with al fresco dining. This annual observance encourages us to step outside and savor the simple pleasures.
How many people enjoy picnics annually?
Picnics remain a beloved pastime across the U.S., with an estimated 60% of adults reporting they enjoy outdoor meals at least occasionally, making it a widespread and cherished tradition.
What are the most popular picnic foods?
Beyond the traditional fare, modern picnics frequently feature charcuterie boards, gourmet salads, and artisanal cheeses. Portable desserts like cookies and brownies also remain perennial favorites for outdoor dining.
What is the history of picnics?
The concept of communal outdoor dining evolved significantly over centuries, becoming more accessible during the Victorian era. It transformed from exclusive aristocratic events to a popular leisure activity for all social classes, especially with the rise of public parks.
National Picnic Day Activities
Prepare early
Go for the gingham tablecloth, wicker baskets, and most importantly, the handy plastic silverware. That way, when you're in the picnicking mood, it's all ready to go!
Go fancy
Head to a real campsite instead of your local neighborhood park. Bake a gourmet four-course meal instead of your regular PB&J sandwiches!
Get active
Work up your picnic appetite with anything from Frisbee golf to volleyball.
Why We Love National Picnic Day
Friends, fun, and food
Any activity that allows us to hang with our friends and loved ones is something worth doing. That's why picnics are so great! They allow us to combine our two favorite pastimes: friends and food.
Surprise workday picnic
It's easy to eat lunch at your desk every single day without fail. But picnics remind us that lunch is an exciting meal we shouldn't be taking for granted. So get away from your desk and give lunch the attention it deserves!
Nostalgia
Who introduced you to the joy of picnicking? Relive the glory days while introducing a new generation to picnics this National Picnic Day!
Social Media Tips for National Picnic Day
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