January 23, 2026, marks national pie day in the United States, and communities, bakeries, and dessert lovers across the country are celebrating one of America’s most comforting and iconic foods. From special bakery offers and local events to home baking traditions and educational activities, this annual food holiday continues to grow in popularity and cultural significance.
National Pie Day is observed every year on January 23. It has become a widely recognized celebration that honors both sweet and savory pies, from classic apple and pumpkin to chicken pot pie and regional specialties. What began as a personal tribute decades ago has evolved into a nationwide occasion that brings people together through food, tradition, and shared memories.
What Is National Pie Day and Why It Is Celebrated
National Pie Day was established in the 1970s when a Colorado teacher declared his birthday, January 23, as a day to celebrate pie. Over time, the idea spread, and organizations dedicated to home baking and American culinary heritage helped turn it into a nationally observed food holiday.
Today, National Pie Day recognizes pie as a symbol of comfort, family gatherings, and American tradition. It celebrates the diversity of pies found across the country, from fruit-filled desserts to hearty meat and vegetable pies that reflect regional tastes and seasonal ingredients.
How Bakeries and Shops Are Marking the Day
Across the United States, bakeries and grocery stores are offering special promotions in honor of National Pie Day. Many locations are featuring discounted whole pies, limited-time flavors, and special pricing on customer favorites such as apple, cherry, pecan, and chocolate cream.
Some bakeries are also highlighting savory options, including chicken pot pie and shepherd’s pie, making the holiday appealing to those who prefer a hearty meal over dessert. These promotions not only celebrate the holiday but also support local businesses and encourage customers to explore new flavors.
Community Events and Family Activities
In several states, orchards, farms, and food halls are hosting pie-themed events that include tastings, baking demonstrations, and family-friendly activities. These gatherings often feature:
- Pie sampling stations
- Kids’ activities and coloring sheets
- Cooking demonstrations
- Seasonal dessert showcases
Such events turn National Pie Day into a social occasion, allowing people to connect, share recipes, and enjoy freshly baked pies together.
National Pie Day in Schools
Many schools use National Pie Day as an educational opportunity. Teachers incorporate pies into lessons on fractions, measurements, and food science. Students may participate in hands-on activities such as:
- Learning fractions using pie slices
- Writing essays about favorite desserts
- Studying the chemistry of baking
- Exploring the history of traditional American foods
These classroom activities make learning interactive while introducing students to cultural traditions associated with food.
A Brief History of Pie in American Culture
Pie has long been part of American culinary identity. Early settlers brought pie-making traditions from Europe, adapting recipes to local ingredients such as apples, berries, pumpkins, and pecans. Over time, pies became staples at holidays, family dinners, and community gatherings.
Apple pie, in particular, grew into a symbol of American culture, while regional specialties developed across the country. Savory pies also gained popularity, especially in colder months, offering warm, filling meals that could feed entire families.
National Pie Day honors this rich history and the role pie continues to play in bringing people together around the table.
Ways to Celebrate at Home
Even without attending events or visiting bakeries, National Pie Day can be celebrated in simple and meaningful ways:
- Bake a homemade pie using a family recipe
- Try a new flavor or a savory pie for dinner
- Host a small pie-tasting gathering
- Share slices with neighbors or coworkers
- Take time to learn the story behind classic pie recipes
These small traditions keep the spirit of the holiday alive and make it a personal, memorable experience.
Why National Pie Day Remains Popular
The lasting appeal of National Pie Day lies in its simplicity. It celebrates a food that is familiar, comforting, and deeply tied to memories of home and family. Unlike trend-based food holidays, pie has remained a timeless favorite across generations.
Each year, the holiday continues to gain attention through social media, local events, and bakery promotions, reinforcing its place in American food culture and seasonal celebrations.
Whether you’re enjoying a bakery classic or sharing a homemade slice with loved ones, National Pie Day is the perfect excuse to slow down and savor a tradition that never goes out of style. Join the celebration and tell others how you marked the day.