- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- CookingFood
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every October 12
- Holiday emoji:
- 🍖
National Pulled Pork Day fires up the grills every October 12, honoring the smoky, tender, slow-cooked delight that is pulled pork. This beloved dish, often a staple of barbecue traditions, invites everyone to indulge in its rich flavors. Gather your favorite sauces, fire up the smoker, and get ready to enjoy a true American classic.
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National Pulled Pork Day timeline
​Hernando de Soto, a Spanish explorer, brings hogs over to the New World.
​English settlers begin to bring hogs to the Carolinas and Virginia.
Those dealing with the cheapest, toughest scraps of meat cooked the meat slowly for a long period of time — resulting in the tender, fall-off-the-bone meat that we love today.
National Pulled Pork Day FAQs
When is National Pulled Pork Day?
National Pulled Pork Day 2026 falls on Monday, October 12, inviting everyone to kick off the week with a delicious slow-cooked meal.
How much pulled pork is consumed annually?
While exact figures for pulled pork alone are hard to isolate, pork consumption in the U.S. is substantial, with Americans consuming approximately 52 pounds per capita annually, making it a staple protein.
What are the main styles of pulled pork?
Pulled pork styles vary regionally across the U.S., with prominent ones including Eastern Carolina (vinegar-based), Western Carolina (tomato- and vinegar-based), Kansas City (sweet and thick tomato-based), and Texas (often dry-rubbed and smoked).
Is pulled pork always made from pork shoulder?
Traditionally, pulled pork is made from the pork shoulder, specifically the Boston butt or picnic cut, which has a good fat-to-meat ratio that becomes incredibly tender and shreddable after long, slow cooking.
National Pulled Pork Day Activities
Throw a pulled pork party
Whip up some nachos topped with pulled pork, make pulled pork tacos, complete baked potatoes with a dollop of pulled pork, or fill phyllo dough with pulled pork for a fun appetizer option.
Host your own pulled pork contest
Even though you may not set or break a record, it doesn’t mean you can’t hold your own pulled pork games. Throw a pulled pork sandwich eating contest or have a pulled pork cook-off.
Donate to a local food shelter
Reach out to local shelters and find out if you can serve your pulled pork. If it’s a "yes," get friends and family in on the action, because the more people you can get involved, the more people you can feed.
4 Reasons We're Pulled Pork Fans
It’s a popular meat item
Pulled pork's among the top 10 best-selling meat products
​It packs more protein than chicken
​Pork also has more B-vitamins, iron, and zinc than chicken.
Pigs outnumber Danes
​In fact, there are twice as many pigs as people in Denmark.
​Pork is popular globally
​Pork is the most consumed meat at the global level.
Why We Love National Pulled Pork Day
Carnivores get to rejoice
Meat lovers of all ages will love celebrating National Pulled Pork Day because, well, it’s an excuse to eat a lot of meat. Whether you just indulge at dinner or decide to go all out and eat pulled pork for lunch, too, this holiday gets meat lovers giddy.
It’s an excuse to buy a slow cooker
National Pulled Pork Day is a good reminder that investing in a slow cooker is totally worth it. Of course, you can slow cook up a bunch of other dishes too. So many options!
You’ll have extra time
Because you can prep your pulled pork the night before, you won’t have to spend time cooking the night of National Pulled Pork Day. Instead, enjoy a beer, play some games with the family, and catch up on your favorite shows.
National Pulled Pork Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | October 12 | Monday |
| 2027 | October 12 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | October 12 | Thursday |
| 2029 | October 12 | Friday |
| 2030 | October 12 | Saturday |
