International Picnic Day

June 18 is International Picnic Day! Picnics are a wonderful way to spend time outdoors during summer. During the Victorian era, picnics offered an opportunity for men and women to socialize. Early picnics were often large gatherings with elaborate food spreads. Today, picnics are more relaxed and usually enjoyed with close friends or family. Typical picnic food includes fruit, bread, sandwiches, chips, drinks, or any other favorite snacks. International Picnic Day is the perfect occasion to enjoy a day in the park with loved ones.

Celebrate this fun holiday by preparing sandwiches and gathering fresh fruit for your picnic basket. Call up friends and have a picnic in the park or plan a romantic outing with a loved one. Organize a family reunion over a picnic or simply enjoy a quiet meal in your backyard. Wish everyone a “Happy International Picnic Day!” Whether under the sun or the shade of a tree, make the most of the day outdoors. Bring games or cards to play while you eat and create lasting memories.

Interesting Facts

• The word “picnic” first appeared in print in the 1692 edition of *Origines de la Langue Française* by Tony Willis, where “pique-nique” referred to a group of people bringing their own wine to a restaurant.
• Picnics evolved from elaborate outdoor feasts for the wealthy to casual outings enjoyed by everyone.
• In 2000, approximately 4 million people attended a 600-mile-long picnic in France to celebrate the first Bastille Day of the new millennium.
• The longest picnic line, measuring 2,277 meters, was organized in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, on July 15, 2012, during the Kitchener Cityhood Centennial Celebration.
• The 1955 film *Picnic* was a multiple Oscar winner and has been remade twice, in 1986 and 2000.

How to Take Part

• Plan a picnic in a local park with your family.
• Visit a lake or open field and enjoy a meal outdoors.
• Prepare a picnic basket with your favorite snacks and drinks.
• Organize a picnic with friends or coworkers.
• Stay home and read about International Picnic Day online if the weather doesn’t cooperate!

When is International Picnic Day in 2025?

International Picnic Day is observed annually on June 18.

Observations