National Pulled Pork Day — October 12, 2027

Learn more fun facts on the National Pulled Pork Day Video Page.

Categories:: Food & Beverage
Tags:: Cooking Food
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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Expected National Pulled Pork Day Deals

While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows National Pulled Pork Day often brings sizzling deals from barbecue joints and grocery stores. Expect chains like Sonny’s BBQ, Famous Dave’s, and Dickey’s Barbecue Pit to offer discounted pulled pork sandwiches, platters, or family meal bundles. Major supermarkets such as Kroger and Publix may feature sales on pork shoulders, barbecue sauces from brands like Sweet Baby Ray’s, and even pre-cooked pulled pork for easy at-home celebrations. Keep an eye out for special offers from local smokehouses and food trucks, often including combo deals with classic sides like coleslaw and mac and cheese. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as October 12 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Pulled Pork Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalPulledPorkDay. Share mouth-watering photos of your favorite pulled pork creations, from sandwiches to tacos, and inspire others.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalPulledPorkDay. Film short videos showcasing your pulled pork recipe, a taste test of different sauces, or a visit to your favorite BBQ spot.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalPulledPorkDay. Share your go-to pulled pork recipes, local restaurant recommendations, or tips for perfect slow-cooking.

National Pulled Pork Day Hero

Floyd 'Sonny' Tillman

Floyd 'Sonny' Tillman is the founder of Sonny's BBQ, a popular barbecue restaurant chain established in Gainesville, Florida, in 1968. Sonny's BBQ played a pivotal role in establishing National Pulled Pork Day. In 2016, the company achieved a Guinness World Record for the 'Largest Serving of Pulled Pork,' preparing over 2,000 pounds. Following this achievement, Sonny's BBQ collaborated with other industry members to officially designate October 12 as National Pulled Pork Day, solidifying its place in the national calendar for barbecue enthusiasts.

National Pulled Pork Day timeline

1500s

Pigs brought to the Americas

Hernando de Soto, a Spanish explorer, brings hogs over to the New World.

1600s

Hogs move north

English settlers begin to bring hogs to the Carolinas and Virginia.

1600s

A new way to cook meat

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.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Pulled Pork Day

Local restaurants, especially barbecue joints and diners, can celebrate National Pulled Pork Day by offering special discounts on pulled pork sandwiches, platters, and family bundles. Consider a ‘build-your-own’ pulled pork bar with various sauces and toppings. Food trucks can create unique pulled pork fusion dishes like tacos or loaded fries. Grocery stores can run promotions on pork shoulder cuts, barbecue rubs, and a wide selection of sauces, encouraging home cooks to try their hand at slow-cooking. Host a tasting event for different regional pulled pork styles to engage customers.

National Pulled Pork Day FAQs

When is National Pulled Pork Day?

In 2027, National Pulled Pork Day is observed on Tuesday, October 12, making it a perfect mid-week treat to savor this classic barbecue dish.

How much pulled pork is consumed annually?

Pulled pork’s popularity is undeniable, contributing significantly to the roughly 27 billion pounds of pork produced in the U.S. each year, much of which finds its way into slow-cooked barbecue dishes.

What are the main styles of pulled pork?

The diversity of pulled pork reflects America’s rich barbecue heritage, with each region boasting unique preparation methods and sauce philosophies, from the tangy mustard-based sauces of South Carolina to the smoky, savory flavors of Memphis.

Is pulled pork always made from pork shoulder?

While pork shoulder is the classic choice due to its marbling and connective tissue, some variations might use other cuts, but the shoulder remains the preferred option for achieving the signature fall-apart texture and rich flavor.

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.