When is National Cherry Popsicle Day?

It is observed on August 26 each year.

How do people celebrate National Cherry Popsicle Day?

Eat a cherry popsicle and compare it side-by-side with a real cherry to notice how different they taste.

Annual observance

National Cherry Popsicle Day

August 26 Cultural / community observance Updated 2026-07-08

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Overview

National Cherry Popsicle Day, observed annually on August 26th, celebrates the beloved frozen treat in its vibrant red, fruity, and refreshing cherry flavor. This unofficial holiday encourages people to cool down and enjoy the simple pleasure of a cherry-flavored popsicle, perfect for a late summer indulgence.

Why it matters: National Cherry Popsicle Day on August 26 celebrates a nostalgic summer treat that brings people together through shared enjoyment and simple pleasures. This day highlights the joy of cooling off with a classic cherry popsicle, evoking fond memories and fostering community connections during the warmest days of the year.

Origin and story

The first frozen treat on a stick was accidentally invented in 1905 by 11-year-old Frank Epperson.

Epperson originally called his invention an 'Epsicle,' later changing it to 'Popsicle' at his children's suggestion.

Quick facts

DateAugust 26
TypeCultural / community observance
Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams

Also on this date

Ways to celebrate

Artificial cherry flavor doesn't actually taste like cherries — flavor chemists say it's closer to the taste of a cherry pit, since the compound behind it is far more concentrated in pits than in the fruit itself.

Compare real to artificial

Celebrate by:

Eating an actual cherry popsicle today and noticing that distinct "cherry candy" taste.
Comparing it side-by-side with a fresh, real cherry to see how different they actually taste.

See the chemistry behind the flavor

Helpful resources:

Why Doesn't Cherry Candy Taste Like Real Cherries? (Science Friday)

Did you know?

The compound behind artificial cherry flavor, benzaldehyde, forms when a substance in cherry pits and seeds breaks down — meaning "cherry flavor" as we know it in candy and popsicles was modeled more on the pit than on the fruit people actually eat.

Fun facts

The first frozen treat on a stick was accidentally invented in 1905 by 11-year-old Frank Epperson.
Epperson originally called his invention an 'Epsicle,' later changing it to 'Popsicle' at his children's suggestion.
Cherry consistently ranks as one of the most popular and top-selling popsicle flavors worldwide.

Sources and attribution

Why Doesn't Cherry Candy Taste Like Real Cherries? (Science Friday)

External links may lead to third-party websites.

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FAQ

When is National Cherry Popsicle Day?: It is observed on August 26 each year.
What is National Cherry Popsicle Day?: National Cherry Popsicle Day, observed annually on August 26th, celebrates the beloved frozen treat in its vibrant red, fruity, and refreshing cherry flavor. This unofficial holiday encourages people to cool down and enjoy the simple pleasure of a cherry-flavored popsicle, perfect for a late summer indulgence.
How do people celebrate National Cherry Popsicle Day?: Eat a cherry popsicle and compare it side-by-side with a real cherry to notice how different they taste.

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