Pie chart showing National Pie Day poll results with top flavors like apple, cherry, and pecan

National Pie Day is a delightful celebration dedicated to one of America’s favorite desserts: pie. Observed annually on January 23, this day invites everyone to indulge in their favorite pie varieties, whether sweet or savory. It’s a time for baking, sharing, and enjoying the comforting flavors that pies bring to our tables.

Quick Facts

  • When is it?: January 23
  • Tagged as: National Pie Day
  • What’s the hashtag?: #NationalPieDay
  • When was it founded?: 1975
  • Who founded it?: Charlie Papazian

History of National Pie Day

National Pie Day was initiated by Charlie Papazian, a nuclear engineer from Boulder, Colorado, who declared his birthday, January 23, as National Pie Day in the mid-1970s. The day has been celebrated officially since 1986 and is now sponsored by the American Pie Council, which promotes various pie-related activities and events throughout the day.

Timeline

  • 6000 BC: Earliest evidence of pie-like foods.
  • 1623: Pumpkin pie is introduced in America.
  • 1975: Charlie Papazian declares January 23 as National Pie Day.
  • 1986: National Pie Day becomes an official celebration.
  • 2014: American Pie Council partners with Paramount Pictures for promotional events.

Dates by Next Year

YearMonth and DateDay
2025January 23Thursday
2026January 23Friday
2027January 23Saturday
2028January 23Sunday
2029January 23Tuesday

Observed

National Pie Day is observed across the United States with various activities such as baking contests, pie-eating events, and special promotions at bakeries and restaurants. Many people take this opportunity to share homemade pies with family and friends or enjoy a slice from their favorite bakery.

Fun Facts About National Pie Day

  • The concept of pie dates back thousands of years, with the earliest recipes found in ancient Roman texts.
  • Apple pie is often considered a symbol of American culture, leading to phrases like “as American as apple pie.
  • There are two recognized National Pie Days: January 23 and December 1, although January 23 is more widely celebrated.

Quiz

What type of pie received the highest percentage of votes in a recent poll about favorite pies?

  • A) Cherry Pie
  • B) Pecan Pie
  • C) Apple Pie
  • D) Blueberry Pie

Answers: C) Apple Pie (37% of votes)

FAQs

What is National Pie Day?

National Pie Day is a celebration dedicated to enjoying and sharing pies of all kinds, held annually on January 23.

Why was it created?

It was created by Charlie Papazian as a fun way to celebrate his birthday and promote the enjoyment of pies.

How can I celebrate?

You can celebrate by baking your favorite pie, visiting local bakeries for special deals, or sharing your pie creations on social media using #NationalPieDay.

Related

  • National Pi Day (March 14)
  • National Dessert Day (October 14)
  • National Baking Month (October)