308 saved#452 of 6,224

Eat Outside Day

Enjoy the great outdoors and make the most of Eat Outside Day - grab your picnic basket and get ready for a delicious meal with friends & family!

Monday

August 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

Have an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATEAugust 31

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYSports

SUBCATEGORYOutdoor Adventure

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

August 31st is Eat Outside Day, so break out the picnic blankets and get ready to enjoy the beautiful summer weather with a delicious outdoor meal! Eat Outside Day celebrates our ability to take advantage of nature’s finest offerings while enjoying a tasty feast. This special day has been around since at least 2007, and continues to be celebrated as an excellent way to bring people together.

TIMELINE

Eat Outside Day Timeline

Origins of Picnicking

The concept of outdoor dining became popular during the 19th century, particularly in France, eventually spreading to Great Britain and across the Atlantic.

Picnics In Pop Culture

Outdoor dining, picnicking and grilling grew in popularity in America in the post-World War II era, showing up frequently in film and literature.

Invention of Cooler

The first portable ice cooler was invented, facilitating outdoor dining and making picnics more convenient and widespread.

Rise Of Outdoor Festivals

The 1980s saw a rise in outdoor food festivals and farmer's markets, furthering the culture of outdoor dining.

First Eat Outside Day

The first recognized Eat Outside Day was celebrated in 2007, encouraging people to enjoy their meals outdoors.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Eat Outside Day

Pack a picnic

Grab a basket and fill it with your favorite snacks and treats. Then head to your local park or beach for a picnic in the great outdoors.

HAVE

Have a barbecue

Fire up the grill and invite some friends over for an outdoor feast. Don't forget the sides, like salads, chips, and desserts.

Go camping

Head out into nature and spend the day — or even the weekend — camping. Make some delicious campfire meals, like smores and hot dogs.

HOST

Host an outdoor movie night

Set up a projector in your backyard, grab some blankets and pillows, pop some popcorn, and watch your favorite film under the stars.

THROW

Throw a garden party

Gather your closest friends and family in your backyard for a fantastic garden party full of good food, drinks, games, music, and conversation.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Eat Outside Day

Allows for better conversations

When dining outside, it's easier to carry on meaningful conversations with friends or family because there are fewer distractions. You're able to focus exclusively on the people around you and interact with them without the interference of technology or other distractions from indoors.

Great for mental health

Eating outside immensely benefits one's mental health. It can be really relaxing to sit outside and enjoy a meal surrounded by nature instead of being cooped up inside all day. Studies have also shown that spending time outdoors can reduce stress and improve mood.

An opportunity to get fresh air

When you eat outside, you get to experience the fresh air and sunshine. This is especially beneficial if you live in an area with pollution or poor air quality. Eating meals out in the open will help you take in deep breaths of clean air and enjoy some real sunshine!