What is International Picnic Day?

International Picnic Day is held every year on June 18 and is observed worldwide. The day celebrates the simple joy of eating outdoors, sharing food, and spending time in nature with others. It encourages people to take a break from routine, step outside, and enjoy the social and restorative power of a picnic.

The meaning of International Picnic Day goes beyond the blanket and the basket. It is a symbol of togetherness, leisure, and appreciation for natural spaces. People are invited to reconnect with each other and with their environment through something as simple as a shared meal.

In the Netherlands, International Picnic Day is often marked by schools, families, and local communities. Public parks, beaches, and city squares become meeting spots for informal gatherings and shared meals.

History and Origin

The exact origin of International Picnic Day is unclear, but it likely evolved from the broader tradition of celebrating nature and outdoor eating during the warmer months. The word “picnic” dates back to 17th-century France, where it described informal meals enjoyed in natural settings.

Over time, the practice spread across Europe and beyond. In many countries, the picnic became associated with holidays, national parks, and public celebrations. The idea of setting aside a day to honour the picnic took hold in the 20th century, especially among schools and nature organisations.

Today, International Picnic Day serves as a casual but meaningful reminder to slow down, go outside, and enjoy the company of others in a relaxed setting.

Who participates in International Picnic Day?

• Families: Parents and children use the day to spend quality time together in nature.
• Schools and daycare centres: Teachers organise class picnics or outdoor lunch breaks.
• Friends and neighbours: People gather in parks to share food and enjoy each other’s company.
• Community groups: Local organisations host public picnics to promote connection and inclusion.
• Nature lovers: Individuals use the day to explore new parks, forests, or beaches with a packed meal.

Slogans and Themes

International Picnic Day promotes ease, presence, and connection. Common slogans include “Bring a Blanket, Share a Moment,” “Food Tastes Better Outdoors,” and “Reconnect Through Nature.” The focus is often on slowing down, enjoying simplicity, and making space for joy in everyday life. Themes vary from environmental awareness to mental wellbeing, always grounded in togetherness.

Colors, Symbols and Patterns

Colors

• Green: Symbolises nature, relaxation, and open spaces.
• Red: Often associated with picnic blankets, strawberries, and traditional summer foods.
• Blue: Reflects the sky and water, adding to the outdoor mood.

Symbols

• Blanket: Represents comfort, togetherness, and the shared picnic experience.
• Basket: A central image of the day, filled with food and the promise of shared enjoyment.
• Sun: Suggests warmth, daylight, and time spent outside.

Patterns

• Checkered print: Classic picnic blanket design, often seen in red and white or blue and white.
• Leaf motifs: Represent outdoor space and connection to nature.
• Food silhouettes: Bread, fruit, and sandwiches appear in playful graphics and posters.

Most used hashtags

• #InternationalPicnicDay
• #PicnicTime
• #EatOutdoors
• #BlanketAndBasket
• #PicnicVibes

How do you celebrate International Picnic Day?

• Plan a picnic: Gather your favourite foods and head to a nearby park or green space.
• Invite others: Whether it’s family, friends, or neighbours, picnics are meant to be shared.
• Support local food: Include seasonal produce or items from local bakeries and markets.
• Go screen-free: Leave phones aside and focus on conversation, play, or simply being present.
• Pick up after yourself: Respect the environment by leaving the space cleaner than you found it.

Why is International Picnic Day important?

International Picnic Day is important because it celebrates what often gets overlooked: the value of slowing down and enjoying everyday pleasures. In a fast-moving world, the act of eating outside with others becomes a way to reconnect, breathe, and share time without distraction.

The day also highlights public space as something worth protecting and using. It encourages people to enjoy parks, gardens, and natural areas in respectful and joyful ways. Whether through conversation, food, or silence, International Picnic Day reminds us that connection doesn’t require effort ; just intention.