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
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 23 | Thursday |
| 2026 | January 23 | Friday |
| 2027 | January 23 | Saturday |
| 2028 | January 23 | Sunday |
| 2029 | January 23 | Tuesday |
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)

