October Food Holidays
October is here–the time for cozy sweaters, falling leaves, and pumpkin spice everything. And, this month is absolutely brimming with National Food Holidays ranging from comfort foods like pasta and cookies, to seasonal favorites like pumpkin spice and caramel apples.
October offers a smorgasbord of delicious reasons to celebrate, so keep reading to find plenty of inspiration for the weeks ahead.
October Food Holidays 🎉🍴📆
October 1
National Homemade Cookies Day: Why buy when you can DIY? Flour, sugar, and a whole lot of love!
National Pumpkin Spice Day: The epitome of fall in a flavor—pumpkin spice takes the spotlight, turning everything from lattes to candles into an autumnal dream. It’s the spice that launched a thousand seasonal trends! 🎃☕🍂
World Vegetarian Day: A global celebration that puts plant-based goodness front and center. From crunchy veggies to delectable tofu dishes, it’s a day to honor the greener side of the menu!
October 2
National Fried Scallops Day: Little bites of ocean heaven, fried to crispy perfection.
October 3
National Soft Taco Day: Tacos are like a blank canvas of deliciousness. Soft shell or bust on this special day!
National Caramel Custard Day: Dive into the silky allure of caramel custard, where creamy meets caramel for a match made in dessert heaven.
October 4
National Vodka Day: From martinis to Moscow mules, it’s a day to sip, mix, and repeat.
Cinnamon Bun Day (Kanelbullens Dag): Warm, gooey, and sprinkled with just the right amount of cinnamon sugar, today is the day that celebrates the cinnamon bun in all its swirly glory.
National Pumpkin Seed Day (2023): Celebrate the tiny but mighty pumpkin seed, a snack that’s both nutritious and delicious and perfect for munching or sprinkling on salads. (*Celebrated on the first Wednesday in October.)
National Kale Day (2023): It’s the leafy green that took smoothies and salads by storm. On this day, kale gets the love it deserves. (*Celebrated on the first Wednesday in October.)
October 5
National Apple Betty Day: Think apple pie, but like, way easier. Apple Betty, you’re the real MVP.
October 6
National Noodle Day: Noodles aren’t just for chicken soup, you know. Ramen, udon, soba—world tour, anyone?
October 7
National Frappe Day: Coffee and dessert had a baby, and it’s called a Frappe. Cheers!
October 8
National Fluffernutter Day: Peanut butter + marshmallow fluff = childhood between two slices of bread.
National Pierogi Day: These stuffed dumplings are like little pockets of joy from Eastern Europe. Boil ’em, fry ’em, and give them the butter and onions they so richly deserve!
National Salmon Day: From grilled to smoked, salmon swims its way into hearts and onto plates. This day celebrates the fish that’s not just delicious but also packed with omega-3s!
October 9
National Moldy Cheese Day: Embrace the funk—today is all about appreciating mold-aged cheeses. From blue to gorgonzola, today is the day to explore the unique flavors that only mold can bring to cheese.
International Beer and Pizza Day: The iconic duo of beer and pizza steals the scene for a global celebration. Whether it’s a hoppy IPA with a spicy pepperoni or a crisp lager paired with a classic margherita, it’s a match made in heaven.
Submarine-Hoagie-Hero-Grinder Day: No matter the name, these beloved sandwiches are the ultimate handheld feast!
October 10
National Angel Food Cake Day: The cake so light, it might just float away.
October 11
National Sausage Pizza Day: The mouth-watering combo of sausage and pizza takes center stage. With its savory bites and cheesy goodness, it’s a topping that truly knows how to steal a pizza your heart.
World Dulce de Leche Day: This heavenly spread of caramelized milk and sugar gets its moment of global adoration. Perfect for drizzling on desserts or just eating by the spoonful, it adds a touch of luxurious sweetness to any treat.
October 12
National Gumbo Day: A staple in Southern and Creole cooking, gumbo warms souls and fills bellies like no other.
October 13
National Yorkshire Pudding Day: Oh, Britain, thank you for this glorious gravy vessel.
World Egg Day (2023): From scrambled to poached, eggs get their global moment of fame. Versatile and nutritious, these little protein powerhouses are the true unsung heroes of breakfast—and beyond! (*Celebrated on the second Friday in October.)
October 14
National Dessert Day: Cakes, cookies, and candies, oh my! Every sweet treat gets its 15 minutes of fame today.
October 15
National Red Wine Day: Raise a glass to the ruby-hued libation that elevates meals and spirits alike.
National Mushroom Day: Mushrooms step into the limelight, showcasing their versatility from pizzas to stir-fries. Whether they’re button, portobello, or shiitake, these fungi are both flavorful and packed with nutrients.
National Chicken Cacciatore Day: Today celebrates the rustic Italian dish where chicken meets tomatoes, herbs, and wine for a hearty, soul-warming meal.
National Roast Pheasant Day: Savor the rich, gamey flavors as roast pheasant takes center stage for its annual tribute.
October 16
World Food Day: It’s a global smorgasbord! From sushi to tacos, it’s a love letter to every cuisine around the world.
National Liqueur Day: Cheers to the diverse world of liqueurs, those spirited infusions that bring flavor, warmth, and creativity to cocktails and sips.
October 17
National Pasta Day: The beloved carb is in the spotlight today, making it the perfect excuse to twirl some spaghetti or savor some lasagna. From fettuccine to penne, there’s a pasta for every mood and dish!
October 18
National Chocolate Cupcake Day: Like a chocolate cake, but in “I won’t feel guilty eating two” size.
Meatloaf Appreciation Day: Today, meatloaf gets its moment in the sun, reminding everyone that this classic comfort food is so much more than just a blend of meat and spices.
October 19
National Seafood Bisque Day: Dive into the creamy depths of seafood bisque, a soul-warming soup that combines the ocean’s bounty with a touch of elegance.
October 20
National Brandied Fruit Day: Fruit soaked in brandy. It’s like an adult fruit salad, and it’s fabulous.
October 21
National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day: This is the fusion dish we didn’t know we needed. Pumpkin, meet cheesecake. It’s autumn in a slice!
October 22
National Nut Day: Almonds, pecans, or walnuts—any way you crunch ’em, nuts are the snack MVP today.
October 23
National Boston Cream Pie Day: It’s a cake… It’s a pie… No, it’s Boston Cream Pie! Layers of sponge cake, creamy custard, and a chocolate glaze—what else could you hope for?
National Canning Day: Jar up summer’s bounty or grandma’s secret recipe because today is all about the art of canning. From fruits and veggies to jams and pickles, it’s a timeless technique for preserving the seasons.
October 24
National Bologna Day: Celebrate the humble sandwich star, bologna, and its nostalgic charm that’s made its appearance in lunchboxes for generations.
October 25
National Greasy Foods Day: From fries to fried chicken, this day is a free pass to indulge. Calories? Never heard of ’em.
World Pasta Day: Pasta knows no borders, and today, it’s a global celebration of this beloved carb. Whether it’s an Italian spaghetti or an Asian noodle dish, pasta unites food lovers worldwide. 🍝🌍🍜
October 26
Pumpkin Day: From jack-o’-lanterns to pies, pumpkins steal the show today. This orange squash is a fall staple that brings both flavor and festivity to the season. 🎃
National Mincemeat Day: Today honors mincemeat, the rich, spiced filling that adds a festive touch to pies and tarts during the holiday season.
October 27
American Beer Day: Cheers to the diverse landscape of American beers, from craft brews to long-standing classics. With a pint or a bottle, it’s a day to appreciate the innovation and tradition in the U.S. beer scene. 🍻🇺🇸
National Potato Day: Wait, wasn’t National Potato Month in September? Well, potatoes are so good, they get a second round!
October 28
National Chocolate Day: As if we needed an excuse to enjoy chocolate. From bars to cocoa to chocolate-dipped anything—no holds barred.
Wild Foods Day: Forage into the wild or simply get adventurous in the kitchen—today is all about embracing food in its most untamed form. Think wild berries, mushrooms, and game for a taste of nature’s bounty.
October 29
National Oatmeal Day: Hot, cold, overnight oats, or in cookies—oatmeal’s the breakfast that keeps on giving.
October 30
National Candy Corn Day: The Halloween classic that divides households. Love it or hate it, today it reigns supreme.
October 31
National Caramel Apple Day: No tricks, just treats! Caramel apples are like Halloween on a stick—sweet, a bit sticky, and absolutely festive.
Month-Long Celebrations
Let’s give a shoutout to the month-long celebrations, because yes, some foods are just too good to celebrate for one day!
- National Apple Month: Apples aren’t just for bobbing! Whether it’s in a pie or smothered in caramel, October says “An apple a day keeps the boring away.”
- National Chili Month: Spicy or mild, with beans or without, chili is the ultimate fall comfort food. So grab a spoon and dig in all month long.
- National Cookie Month: Chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, or sugar—no judgment here. Let the cookie monstering commence!
- National Pasta Month: Ah, the carb we all love and pretend not to count. Lasagna, spaghetti, fettuccine—it’s all fair game.
- National Applejack Month: Raise a toast to applejack, the potent apple-based spirit that’s rooted in American history.
- National Caramel Month: Sweet, sticky, and oh-so-versatile, caramel enhances everything from your coffee to your confections.
- National Cookbook Month: October is the month to dust off those recipe books and cozy up on the couch to find your new favorite meal.
- National Dessert Month: From cakes to cookies, pies to puddings, this month we’re celebrating the sweetest course of the meal.
- National Pickled Peppers Month: Pucker up for pickled peppers, the tangy, spicy treat that adds a zesty kick to meals and snacks.
- National Pizza Month: Whether it’s deep-dish or thin-crust, topped with anchovies or just cheese, it’s a month to pizza party like there’s no tomorrow.
- National Popcorn Poppin’ Month: Pop, crunch, and munch your way through varieties from kettle corn to caramel-coated for a poppin’ good time.
- National Pork Month: From savory chops to smoky bacon, it’s time to oink in delight for a month dedicated to pork.
- National Pretzel Month: Crunchy or soft, salted or sweet—pretzels take the snack spotlight and prove they’re not just bar food
- National Seafood Month: Dive into the vast world of seafood, celebrating everything from shrimp to salmon.
With so many delicious days packed into October, it’s no wonder this month feels like a non-stop food party. Whether you’re a fan of sweets, savories, or sips, there’s a holiday that speaks to every kind of food lover. It’s the perfect excuse to try something new or revisit an old favorite—so grab a fork and let the food celebrations begin!