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National Meat Month

Indulge in all your favorite meats this National Meat Month - from juicy steaks to savory barbecue, it's time to savor every bite!

Friday

1–31

January 2027

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

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YEARLY DATEAll of January

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYMeat

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get your grills ready, because it's time to celebrate National Meat Month throughout the entire month of January! This month-long holiday is a meat lover's dream come true, with its origins dating back to ancient times when humans first started consuming meat. It's a great time to indulge in all your favorite cuts of beef, pork, chicken, and more while also learning about different cooking techniques and recipes from around the world. So whether you're a dedicated carnivore or just looking for an excuse to try something new, National Meat Month is the perfect opportunity to savor the deliciousness of all things meat.

TIMELINE

National Meat Month Timeline

Meat in Early Diet

Early humans began to incorporate meat into their diets, a move that is argued to have led to important evolutionary changes.

Domestication of Livestock

The domestication of livestock for meat consumption began around this time, starting with sheep and followed by pigs and cattle.

Butchery as a Trade

The skill of butchery became a recognized trade, particularly in Europe, offering a variety of meats to consumers.

Industrialized Meat Production

The middle of the 20th Century saw the rise of industrialized meat production, making it more widely available at an affordable cost.

National Meat Month

The "National Meat Month" campaign, promoting the importance of meat in a balanced diet, was created by the Meat Industry Association.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Meat Month

Host a BBQ cook-off

Gather your friends and family for a BBQ cook-off to celebrate National Meat Month. Each person can bring their best meat dish and compete for the title of "Meat Master".

TRY

Try different types of meat

Challenge yourself to try different types of meat that you have never had before. Whether it's exotic meats like alligator or ostrich, or just a different cut of your favorite meat, it's a great way to expand your palate.

HAVE

Have a meat-themed potluck

Invite friends over for a meat-themed potluck where everyone brings a dish featuring their favorite type of meat. From bacon-wrapped appetizers to juicy steaks, it's a delicious way to celebrate National Meat Month.

VISIT

Visit a local farm or butcher

Take a trip to a local farm or butcher and learn more about where your meat comes from. You can even pick up some fresh cuts of meat to cook at home for a delicious and educational experience.

ATTEND

Attend a meat festival

Many cities have meat festivals during National Meat Month, where you can sample different types of meat, attend cooking demonstrations, and even participate in fun activities like pie-eating contests.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Meat Month

It brings people together

Sharing a meal is often seen as a way to bond and connect with others, and meat-centric dishes are no exception. By celebrating National Meat Month, you can gather friends and family around the table for delicious meals that will create lasting memories.

It's a meat lover's dream come true

As the name suggests, National Meat Month is a time to indulge in all your favorite meats - from beef to chicken to pork. It's the perfect excuse to try out new recipes and experiment with different types of cuts and preparations.

Meat is a great source of protein

Meat is an essential part of a well-balanced diet, providing important nutrients like protein, iron, and vitamin B12. By celebrating National Meat Month, you can also raise awareness about the importance of incorporating high-quality meat into your meals.

Related holidays

National Barbecue Month

Fire up the grill and get ready to savor the flavors of National Barbecue Month with mouthwatering recipes, tips, and tricks for the ultimate BBQ experience!

Hog Out Month

Get ready to indulge in all your favorite savory treats because it's Hog Out Month! No judgment, just delicious food and good times.

National Bison Month

Get ready to go wild this National Bison Month! From tasty recipes to conservation efforts, it's the perfect time to celebrate these majestic creatures.

National Food Month

Get ready to indulge in all your favorite dishes and discover new delectable treats during National Food Month! Don't miss out on the delicious fun.

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