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National Tater Day

A food observance on March 31 celebrating potatoes in all their varieties, honoring their versatility, nutritional value, and cultural importance as a staple food.

Wednesday

March 2027

Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEMarch 31

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYSide Dishes

ORIGIN

Historical Origin

FOUNDING ENTITY

Not documented

FIRST OBSERVED

1843

HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

The observance draws inspiration from the Tater Day tradition in Benton, Kentucky, where local farmers began gathering in 1843 to trade sweet potato slips and other goods, regarded as one of the oldest continuous trade days in the U.S. The national March 31 designation has no identified individual creator or proclamation.

News Archivevia marshallcountydaily.com

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

It's time to celebrate National Tater Day on March 31! This day has been celebrated since the mid-1980s and is a great excuse to indulge in your favorite potato dishes. From mashed potatoes to french fries, there's something for everyone when it comes to taters. Not only are they delicious, but they are also incredibly versatile, with endless possibilities when it comes to cooking up some new recipes. So get ready to enjoy all the goodness that taters have to offer and have a happy National Tater Day!

TIMELINE

National Tater Day Timeline

Potato Cultivation Peaks

By this time, potatoes had become the major crop in Ireland, providing sustenance for the majority of the population.

First Tater Day

Benton, Kentucky had its first 'Tater Day', initially a day of trading sweet potatoes, which evolved into a celebration of the starchy tubers over time.

Peel Appeal

The popular cooking method of peeling and boiling potatoes was patented by Joseph Rose.

Frozen French Fries

The commercial production of frozen French fries started, allowing people to enjoy potatoes without peeling or cooking.

Potato Genome Project

The Potato Genome Project aimed at understanding the genetic makeup of the potato was initiated.

National Tater Day Recognition

The day was first recognized at the national level in the United States, celebrating the potato and its importance to our diet.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Tater Day

Bake tater tot casserole

Tater tot casserole is easy and delicious. Layer tater tots with cooked ground beef and a cream of mushroom soup sauce. Top with shredded cheese and bake in the oven until bubbly and golden brown.

MAKE

Make tater tot nachos

This one's a no brainer. Just layer tater tots with your favorite nacho ingredients, top with cheese, and bake in the oven until it's hot and melty.

CREATE

Create a tater tot pizza

Tater tots make a great pizza crust! Place your tater tots on a greased baking sheet and top with your favorite pizza toppings. Bake in the oven until cheese is melted and bubbly.

FRY

Fry up some tater tots

There's nothing like a good, old fashioned deep fried tater tot. Heat up some oil, add your tater tots, and let them fry for about 5 minutes until golden brown.

MAKE

Make tater tot breakfast burritos

Scramble some eggs, add some fried tater tots, and wrap it all up in a warm flour tortilla. Top with your favorite burrito toppings such as salsa, sour cream, cheese, etc.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Tater Day

Taters can be budget friendly

That pound of potatoes in your grocery store is not only nutrient dense but cost effective as well. Potatoes are often cheaper than other family favorites such as burgers or deli sandwiches meaning that it will stretch your dollar even further at the grocery store while still providing hearty meals!

Taters are a good source of nutrients

Potatoes are incredibly nutritious, packed with fiber and essential vitamins and minerals like potassium, vitamin C, and B vitamins. They can also be easily adapted to different flavor profiles thanks to their ability to absorb flavors from marinades, herbs or spices - so they're great for creating healthy yet flavorful dinners!

Taters are versatile

There's more than one way to eat your taters! French fries are always a favorite, but potatoes can also be boiled, mashed or baked for an easy side dish. And if you're feeling creative, try roasting potatoes with rosemary, garlic and olive oil for a delicious vegan meal.