National Picnic Day is on Friday, April 23, 2027, and it falls on April 23 every year. It’s an invitation to pack a basket and eat outdoors as the weather warms up. A blanket, good food and a shady spot are all you need.
When Is National Picnic Day?
It’s always April 23. In much of the U.S., late April brings mild temperatures, but check the forecast for rain and pack a layer.
Who Started National Picnic Day?
No founder or start year has been documented.
Background: where the word “picnic” comes from
Merriam-Webster traces “picnic” to the French “pique-nique,” by way of German. In English, the verb shows up by 1815 and the outdoor-meal sense of the noun by 1826.
What Is the Purpose of Picnic Day?
To get people outside and sharing food. A picnic turns an ordinary lunch into an outing, whether it’s in a city park, a backyard or a trailhead.
Picnic food safety
Perishable food shouldn’t sit out longer than two hours, the USDA says, or one hour when it’s above 90°F. Pack cold food in a cooler with ice or gel packs that stays at 40°F or colder.
Ride with the cooler inside the air-conditioned car, not the hot trunk. At the site, keep it in the shade and the lid closed.
Picnic etiquette: Leave No Trace
The Leave No Trace Center lists seven principles for outdoor spaces. For picnics, the most relevant are to dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, respect wildlife and be considerate of others. In practice, pack out all trash and never feed birds or squirrels.
How to Celebrate National Picnic Day
- Pack sturdy food: grain salads, wraps, cut fruit and cheese travel better than mayo-heavy dishes.
- Freeze your drinks: frozen water bottles keep food cold and thaw by lunchtime.
- Bring a game: a frisbee, a deck of cards or lawn games like cornhole.
- Picnic at work: move the team lunch outside to a nearby park.
- Try a theme: a French picnic with baguette, cheese and grapes, or a taco picnic with a portable grill.
- Picnic indoors: if it rains, spread a blanket on the living room floor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I pack in a picnic basket?
A blanket, napkins, hand wipes, a cutting board and knife, reusable plates, a trash bag and a cooler with ice packs. Add sunscreen and bug spray.
Can I grill at a public park?
Many parks allow grills only in designated areas. Check your local parks department’s rules before bringing a grill or charcoal.
What foods are best for a picnic?
Foods that are good at room temperature for a short time: sandwiches, grain salads, whole fruit, nuts and baked goods.