A food observance on the second Thursday in March celebrating popcorn as a versatile, healthy snack and promoting its enjoyment in various flavors.
Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the
Holiday Calendar Team
Bob Matthews of Rochester, New York, a popcorn enthusiast who grows and dries his own popcorn kernels, created Popcorn Lover's Day on January 6, 2012. He and his wife enjoy popcorn every Thursday, leading to its observance on the second Thursday in March.
Raise your kernels high, because Popcorn Lover's Day is popping up on March 14! This special day is dedicated to honoring one of America's oldest, healthiest, and most popular snacks. Ever since popcorn was discovered thousands of years ago, it has served as a staple in movie theaters, fairs, carnivals, and just about anywhere fun times are had. This indulgence is not just limited to classic buttery goodness; popcorn has evolved into countless varieties from chocolate-covered to spicy jalapeño! So, get that popcorn popping, and indulge in the crunchy delight on Popcorn Lover's Day! Let's celebrate and honor the great history behind our favorite fluffy, crunchy snack!
TIMELINE
WHY THIS DAY MATTERS
Popcorn garlands are a traditional holiday decoration dating back to the Victorian era. Use this day as an opportunity to make your own for next Christmas. Spice up the design by using dyed kernels creating a vintage and aesthetic ambiance for holidays.
Call on all your friends to show off their popcorn flavoring skills! Have everyone bring a different kind of flavored popcorn to share. Who knows, garlic parmesan or wasabi-soy might be your new favorite.
Keep the celebration creative by starting a popcorn string art project. It can be a fun and relaxing activity for the family or even as a solo project. All you need is some popcorn, string, and a needle. Use it as home decor or as an accessory for the upcoming holiday season.
A movie night would be incomplete without popcorn! Bring out all the pillows and blankets, prepare popcorn of different flavors, and top it with butter, cheddar, caramel, or anything you fancy. Choose a film that everyone would enjoy and celebrate Popcorn Lover’s Day right at home in comfort.
Embark on a popcorn tasting quest by visiting local cinemas, fairs, or popcorn specialty shops. Rate each one to find out which popcorn makes the top of your list. Not only do you get to taste different popcorn varieties, but you also get to support local businesses.
WHY THIS DAY MATTERS
From movie theaters to circuses and carnivals, popcorn has been an essential part of entertainment venues for decades. It's part of our culture, from stringing it on holiday trees to throwing it to the pigeons in the park – it's much more than just a comfort food!
Popcorn is a great snack because it can be made very healthy. It's a whole grain, high in fiber which aids digestion, and low in calories if you forgo the butter. On Popcorn Lover's Day, it's time to appreciate the wholesome goodness of this snack!
You can spice it up or sweeten it down; the variety is endless when it comes to popcorning. Whether you prefer it traditional with just a sprinkle of salt, sweet like caramel corn, or spicy like jalapeno popcorn, there's a flavor for everyone.
Get your kernels ready and pop into Business of Popping Corn Day! From classic buttery popcorn to unique flavors, indulge in this delicious celebration.
Celebrate National Popcorn Day with a movie night and delicious popcorn recipes - it's the perfect way to make memories with your loved ones!
Get ready to satisfy your sweet and salty cravings on National Caramel Popcorn Day! With endless flavors and toppings, the snacking possibilities are endless.
A food observance on March 14 celebrating potato chips as America's most popular snack food.
