Eat Outside Day 🧺

Overview

Eat Outside Day, observed annually on August 31st, encourages individuals to enjoy their meals al fresco. This day is dedicated to embracing the simple pleasure of dining outdoors, whether it's through a casual picnic in a park, a backyard barbecue, or a meal on a restaurant patio, often serving as a moment to appreciate the final warm days of summer.

Origin and story

The term "picnic" originates from the French word "pique-nique," first appearing in the 17th century to describe people bringing their own wine to a meal.

Dining outdoors became a highly popular social activity during the Victorian era and was a recurring theme in Impressionist paintings, most famously Édouard Manet's "Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe."

Quick facts

• DateAugust 31
• TypeNature / Outdoors
• Great forGardeners, Hikers, Eco clubs

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Ways to celebrate

Eat Outside Day celebrates a tradition with a genuinely murky history — even the word "picnic" is older and stranger than most people realize.

Actually eat outside

Celebrate by:

• Eating a meal outside today — a park picnic, a patio, or just your own backyard.
• Packing a simple meal instead of ordering delivery, closer to the original picnic spirit.
• Using it as a last nod to summer if you're somewhere seasonal.

Learn the picnic's real history

Helpful resources:

• The History of the Picnic Is Sketchier Than You Might Think (Smithsonian Magazine)

Did you know?

Édouard Manet's 1863 painting "Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe" helped popularize the modern picnic — and caused one of the biggest art scandals of its era for depicting a nude woman casually picnicking with clothed men.

Fun facts

• The term "picnic" originates from the French word "pique-nique," first appearing in the 17th century to describe people bringing their own wine to a meal.
• Dining outdoors became a highly popular social activity during the Victorian era and was a recurring theme in Impressionist paintings, most famously Édouard Manet's "Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe."
• Eating outdoors can offer benefits such as increased exposure to natural light and fresh air, which can contribute to improved mood and a sense of well-being.

Sources and attribution

The History of the Picnic Is Sketchier Than You Might Think (Smithsonian Magazine)

External links may lead to third-party websites.

Continue your streak

Open one more holiday before you go to build daily momentum.

• Yesterday: National Beach DayQuick context from the day before.
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FAQ

When is Eat Outside Day?

It is observed on August 31 each year.

What is Eat Outside Day?

Eat Outside Day, observed annually on August 31st, encourages individuals to enjoy their meals al fresco. This day is dedicated to embracing the simple pleasure of dining outdoors, whether it's through a casual picnic in a park, a backyard barbecue, or a meal on a restaurant patio, often serving as a moment to appreciate the final warm days of summer.

How do people celebrate Eat Outside Day?

Eat an actual meal outside today — the word "picnic" comes from the French "pique-nique," first used in the 17th century for meals where guests brought their own wine.

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