International Picnic Day

June 18 is International Picnic Day! Picnics are a wonderful way to spend time outdoors during summer. In the Victorian era, they offered opportunities for men and women to socialize. Early picnics were large, elegant affairs with elaborate food displays. Today, picnics are typically casual gatherings with close friends or family. Common picnic foods include fruit, sandwiches, bread, chips, and favorite drinks or snacks. It’s the perfect day to relax in nature and enjoy a shared meal with loved ones.

Celebrate this cheerful holiday by preparing a basket filled with sandwiches and fresh fruit. Invite friends for a park gathering or plan a romantic outing with someone special. You can even host a family picnic or simply savor a peaceful moment in your own backyard. Wish everyone a “Happy International Picnic Day!” and enjoy quality time outdoors—under the sun or in the shade. Bring along games or cards and make memories that last.

Interesting Facts

• The word “picnic” first appeared in print in the 1692 edition of Origines de la Langue Française by Tony Willis, referring to a group of people bringing their own wine to a restaurant.
• Picnics evolved from grand outdoor banquets for the wealthy into simple outings for everyone to enjoy.
• In 2000, about 4 million people joined a 600-mile-long picnic in France to celebrate the first Bastille Day of the new millennium.
• The longest picnic line measured 2,277 meters and was organized in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, on July 15, 2012, during the city’s Centennial Celebration.
• The 1955 film Picnic won several Academy Awards and was later remade in 1986 and 2000.

How to Take Part

• Plan a picnic in a nearby park with your family or friends.
• Visit a lake or open field and enjoy a meal outdoors.
• Pack your favorite snacks and drinks into a picnic basket.
• Organize a picnic lunch with coworkers or classmates.
• If it’s raining, stay in and read about the history of picnics online.

When is International Picnic Day in 2025?

International Picnic Day is observed annually on June 18.

Observations