August 28 National Cherry Day

Last updated: August 28, 2026

Quick Answer

August 28 National Cherry Day is an unofficial food observance celebrated annually on August 28 in the United States to honor the cherry, one of America’s most beloved stone fruits. The day encourages people to eat fresh cherries, bake cherry desserts, and learn about the fruit’s history and health benefits. It is not a federally recognized holiday, but it is widely observed through social media, food events, and retail promotions [1][3].

Key Takeaways

August 28 National Cherry Day falls on August 28 each year and is observed primarily in the United States.
The day is unofficial and not legally recognized by any government body, but it appears on major food holiday calendars [2][4].
Cherries are a stone fruit (drupe) related to plums, peaches, and apricots, with over 1,000 known varieties worldwide.
The two main commercial categories are sweet cherries (such as Bing and Rainier) and sour/tart cherries (such as Montmorency).
Research published in peer-reviewed journals suggests cherries contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, though they are not a medical treatment.
Fresh cherry season in North America typically peaks from late May through early August, making August 28 a timely celebration near the tail end of peak season.
Common ways to celebrate include baking, cherry picking, trying new recipes, and sharing cherry-themed content online.
August 28 also coincides with National Cherry Turnover Day, a closely related pastry observance [1][3].
Fresh cherries should be stored unwashed in the refrigerator and used within five to seven days for best quality.
Canned and frozen cherries are practical year-round alternatives that retain most of the fruit’s nutritional value.

What Is National Cherry Day?

National Cherry Day is an annual food observance dedicated to celebrating the cherry in all its forms, from fresh-picked sweet varieties to tart cherries used in baking and cooking. The day promotes awareness of cherries as a nutritious, versatile fruit with deep roots in American agriculture and culinary tradition [3].

The observance is informal and community-driven. No single organization officially owns the day, and it does not carry legal recognition. Despite that, it appears consistently on widely used food holiday tracking sites and generates significant engagement each August [2][4].

Who it’s for: Anyone who enjoys cherries, baking, seasonal eating, or food culture. It’s equally relevant to home cooks, farmers market shoppers, and food bloggers.

When Is National Cherry Day Celebrated?

National Cherry Day is celebrated on August 28 every year. In 2026, August 28 National Cherry Day falls on a Friday, making it a convenient occasion for weekend baking, farmers market visits, or a cherry-themed dinner.

The date is fixed, so it does not shift based on the calendar year. Mark it annually on August 28 [5].

Related observance: August 28 also hosts National Cherry Turnover Day, which specifically celebrates the cherry turnover pastry. The two observances share the same date and naturally complement each other [1][3]. If you enjoy other fruit-forward food holidays, the June 18 National Cherry Tart Day guide covers a closely related celebration worth bookmarking.

Why Is August 28 National Cherry Day on This Date?

August 28 was chosen because it falls near the end of the primary North American cherry harvest season, when fresh cherries are still available at markets and the fruit is top of mind for consumers and growers. Celebrating at the close of cherry season gives people a final push to enjoy fresh cherries before supplies taper off [4][9].

The date also aligns with the broader pattern of late-summer food observances that highlight seasonal produce before the transition to fall harvests.

Common mistake: Some sources confuse National Cherry Day (August 28) with National Cherry Pie Day (February 20) or June 18 National Cherry Tart Day. They are separate observances with different focuses.

History of National Cherry Day

The documented origins of August 28 National Cherry Day are informal, as is the case with most food holidays of this type. The day appears in food holiday databases and awareness calendars without a single founding organization or legislative record [2][9].

What is well-documented is the broader cultural history of cherries in America. Cherry cultivation in the United States dates to the 1600s, when European settlers brought cherry trees to the East Coast. Michigan became the dominant cherry-producing state by the 20th century, and the U.S. remains one of the world’s top cherry producers today.

The observance of August 28 as a cherry-focused day likely grew organically through food blogging culture and social media in the 2010s, a pattern common to most unofficial national food days [10]. The German-language site Kuriose Feiertage also notes an equivalent observance called “Tag der Kirschtasche” (Cherry Turnover Day) on August 28, suggesting the date has cross-cultural recognition [7].

Key historical context for cherries:

Cherries belong to the genus Prunus, the same family as plums, peaches, and almonds.
The Bing cherry, America’s most popular sweet variety, was developed in Oregon in 1875.
Michigan produces roughly 75% of the tart cherries grown in the United States (Michigan Cherry Committee, cited by USDA agricultural reports).
Cherry blossoms, from ornamental cherry trees, became a symbol of U.S.-Japan friendship after Japan gifted 3,000 trees to Washington, D.C., in 1912.

Cherry Varieties and Types

There are over 1,000 named cherry varieties, but for practical purposes they fall into two main categories: sweet cherries and sour (tart) cherries. Choosing the right type depends entirely on how you plan to use them.

Sweet cherries are eaten fresh and have firm, juicy flesh. Common varieties include:

Bing: Deep red, very sweet, widely available in supermarkets.
Rainier: Golden-yellow with a pink blush, mild flavor, lower acidity.
Lapins: Similar to Bing, self-fertile, popular in home orchards.
Chelan: Early-season variety, dark red, firm texture.

Sour (tart) cherries are used primarily in cooking and baking. Common varieties include:

Montmorency: The dominant tart variety in North America, bright red, high in antioxidants.
Morello: Darker and more intensely tart, popular in European preserves and liqueurs.

Choose sweet cherries if you want to eat them fresh, add them to salads, or make cherry compotes. Choose tart cherries if you’re baking pies, making jam, or preparing savory sauces for meat dishes.

Where Do Cherries Come From?

Cherries are grown commercially across several regions, with the Pacific Northwest and Great Lakes states dominating U.S. production. Washington State leads in sweet cherry production, while Michigan accounts for the majority of tart cherry output in the country.

Top cherry-producing regions:

Region	Primary Type	Peak Season
Washington State, USA	Sweet (Bing, Rainier)	June to August
Michigan, USA	Tart (Montmorency)	July
California, USA	Sweet	May to June
Turkey	Both	June to July
Chile (import)	Sweet	December to February

Cherries are also grown in British Columbia (Canada), parts of Europe (especially Germany, Poland, and Spain), and New Zealand. Chilean cherries fill U.S. supermarket shelves during winter months when domestic production is dormant [9].

Cherry Season: When Do Cherries Peak?

Fresh cherry season in North America runs from late May through early August, with peak availability varying by region and variety. By August 28 National Cherry Day, fresh domestic cherries are at the very tail end of their season, making the observance a timely reminder to enjoy the last of the summer harvest.

Seasonal timeline:

Late May to June: California and early Washington varieties (Chelan, Brooks).
June to July: Main Washington State sweet cherry harvest (Bing, Rainier).
July: Michigan tart cherry harvest peaks.
August: Late-season varieties; supplies tighten in most regions.

If fresh cherries are unavailable locally by August 28, frozen or canned cherries are excellent substitutes for recipes. For another late-summer fruit celebration, see the May 21 National Strawberries and Cream Day guide for seasonal fruit inspiration.

How to Store Fresh Cherries

Fresh cherries should be refrigerated immediately and kept unwashed until just before eating. Stored correctly, they last five to seven days in the refrigerator.

Storage steps:

Inspect on arrival: Remove any damaged or moldy cherries right away, as one bad cherry accelerates spoilage in the rest.
Do not wash before storing: Moisture speeds up mold growth. Wash only when ready to eat.
Store in a sealed bag or airtight container: Place in the coldest part of the refrigerator, ideally the crisper drawer.
Keep stems on: Cherries with stems intact stay fresh longer than de-stemmed fruit.
Use within 5 to 7 days: Quality degrades quickly after that window.

For longer storage: Pit and freeze cherries in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Frozen cherries keep for up to 12 months and work well in smoothies, baked goods, and sauces.

Health Benefits of Eating Cherries

Cherries are nutrient-dense and contain compounds associated with several health benefits, based on published research. They are not a medical treatment, but they are a strong addition to a balanced diet.

Key nutrients per one-cup serving of sweet cherries (approximately 154g):

Calories: roughly 97
Fiber: about 3g
Vitamin C: approximately 18% of the daily value
Potassium: approximately 10% of the daily value

Research-supported benefits:

Antioxidant content: Cherries, especially tart Montmorency varieties, are high in anthocyanins, which are plant pigments with antioxidant properties. Studies published in the Journal of Nutrition have examined their role in reducing oxidative stress.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Several small clinical studies have looked at tart cherry juice and its potential to reduce markers of inflammation, particularly in athletes with exercise-induced muscle soreness.
Sleep support: Tart cherries are one of the few natural food sources of melatonin. Research published in the European Journal of Nutrition (Howatson et al., 2012) found that tart cherry juice consumption was associated with improved sleep duration and quality in a small study group.
Gout and uric acid: Some research suggests cherry consumption may be associated with reduced gout flare frequency, though results are preliminary.

Important caveat: Cherries are high in natural sugars. People managing blood sugar levels should account for portion size. Consult a healthcare provider before using cherry products therapeutically.

Fresh Cherries vs. Canned Cherries

Fresh cherries and canned cherries each have clear advantages depending on the use case. Neither is universally superior.

Fresh cherries are best for eating out of hand, adding to salads, making fresh compotes, or any preparation where texture matters. They are only available seasonally and require prompt use.

Canned cherries (in juice or water, not heavy syrup) are available year-round, require no pitting, and work well in baked goods, sauces, and smoothies. They retain most vitamins and minerals, though some water-soluble nutrients are reduced during processing.

Choose fresh if: It is cherry season, you want the best texture and flavor for eating raw, or you are making a recipe where appearance matters (such as a cherry clafoutis or a fresh cherry tart).

Choose canned if: Fresh cherries are out of season, you need a large quantity for baking, or convenience is a priority.

Frozen cherries sit between the two: they are picked at peak ripeness and flash-frozen, which preserves nutrients well. They are excellent in smoothies, cobblers, and sauces.

How to Celebrate August 28 National Cherry Day

Celebrating August 28 National Cherry Day does not require elaborate planning. The most common approaches range from simple snacking to full baking projects and community events [6][10].

Simple ways to celebrate:

Buy a bag of fresh cherries from a farmers market or grocery store and eat them as a snack.
Make a classic cherry pie, cherry crisp, or cherry clafoutis.
Add cherries to a smoothie, yogurt bowl, or salad.
Try a cherry-based cocktail or mocktail (a cherry shrub or cherry lemonade works well).
Share a cherry recipe or photo on social media using the hashtag #NationalCherryDay.
Visit a local u-pick farm if late-season cherries are still available in your area.

For a more involved celebration:

Host a cherry-tasting with different varieties side by side.
Make cherry jam or preserves to enjoy through the fall and winter.
Bake cherry turnovers to honor the overlapping National Cherry Turnover Day observance [1][2].
Pair cherries with chocolate for a classic flavor combination. For inspiration, see the June 26 National Chocolate Pudding Day guide or the April 3 National Chocolate Mousse Day guide for cherry-chocolate pairing ideas.

Best Cherry Recipes for National Cherry Day

A handful of recipes consistently appear as go-to choices for August 28 National Cherry Day, ranging from beginner-friendly to more ambitious baking projects.

Top recipes to try:

Classic Cherry Pie: Use fresh or frozen tart Montmorency cherries, a butter crust, and a lattice top. The ratio of cherries to sugar depends on variety; tart cherries typically need more sweetener than sweet varieties.
Cherry Clafoutis: A French baked custard with whole cherries. Traditionally made with unpitted cherries (the pits add a faint almond flavor), though pitting is safer for serving to guests.
Cherry Compote: Simmer pitted cherries with sugar, lemon juice, and a splash of vanilla. Serve over yogurt, ice cream, or pancakes.
Cherry Smoothie Bowl: Blend frozen cherries with banana and almond milk, pour into a bowl, and top with fresh cherries, granola, and honey.
Cherry Turnovers: Puff pastry filled with cherry jam or fresh cherry compote, baked until golden. This recipe directly honors the overlapping National Cherry Turnover Day [3][6].
Cherry Salsa: Pit and dice fresh cherries, combine with red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and cilantro. Serve with grilled chicken or fish.

Tip: If you enjoy fruit-based desserts and want more recipe ideas beyond cherry day, the April 28 National Blueberry Pie Day guide and the May 26 National Blueberry Cheesecake Day guide offer comparable stone-fruit and berry baking inspiration.

Cherry Picking Near Me: Finding Local Farms

U-pick cherry farms offer one of the most direct ways to celebrate the day, though availability on August 28 depends heavily on your region and the specific year’s harvest timing. By late August, many sweet cherry farms have finished their season, but some late-season varieties and tart cherry farms may still be open.

How to find u-pick cherry farms:

Search “u-pick cherries near me” on Google Maps or Yelp for current listings.
Check state agricultural extension websites, which often maintain farm directories.
Visit local farmers markets and ask vendors whether their farms offer picking.
Use sites like PickYourOwn.org, which aggregates u-pick farm listings by state and crop.

What to expect: U-pick farms typically charge by the pound. Bring your own containers if allowed, wear clothes you don’t mind staining, and arrive early in the day when the fruit is coolest and staff are freshest.

Edge case: If you live in a region where cherry season has fully ended by August 28 (common in California and the Pacific Northwest), focus on recipes using frozen or canned cherries rather than a farm visit.

National Cherry Day Events and Deals in 2026

Because August 28 National Cherry Day is an unofficial observance, there is no centralized event calendar. However, several types of promotions and events reliably appear around the date each year [6][10].

Where to look for deals and events:

Grocery stores and farmers markets: Many retailers discount fresh cherries or cherry products in the days surrounding August 28. Check weekly circulars from stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and regional chains.
Bakeries and cafes: Local bakeries sometimes feature cherry-themed specials such as cherry turnovers, cherry tarts, or cherry Danish.
Social media: Search #NationalCherryDay and #CherryDay on Instagram and TikTok for recipe inspiration, giveaways, and community posts.
Food brands: Cherry product brands (juice, jam, dried cherries) occasionally run social media promotions or coupon offers tied to the date.

Tip for 2026: Follow your favorite local food businesses on social media in the week before August 28 to catch any limited-time cherry promotions before they sell out.

FAQ

What is August 28 National Cherry Day? August 28 National Cherry Day is an annual unofficial food observance in the United States that celebrates cherries in all forms, from fresh fruit to baked goods and beverages. It is observed on August 28 each year [3].

Is National Cherry Day an official holiday? No. National Cherry Day is not a federally recognized or legally designated holiday. It is an informal food observance that appears on food holiday calendars and is promoted through social media and community events [2][4].

Does August 28 have any other food observances? Yes. August 28 also hosts National Cherry Turnover Day, which celebrates the cherry-filled pastry specifically. The two observances share the date and are often observed together [1][3].

What is the difference between sweet and tart cherries? Sweet cherries (such as Bing and Rainier) are eaten fresh and have high sugar content and firm flesh. Tart cherries (such as Montmorency) are more acidic, used primarily in baking and juice, and are associated with higher antioxidant levels.

When is cherry season in the United States? Domestic cherry season runs from late May through early August, depending on variety and region. Washington State sweet cherries peak in June and July; Michigan tart cherries peak in July. By August 28, the season is winding down.

How long do fresh cherries last in the refrigerator? Fresh cherries stored unwashed in a sealed bag or container in the refrigerator last approximately five to seven days. Washing them before storage shortens shelf life due to added moisture.

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh for recipes? Yes. Frozen cherries work well in pies, cobblers, smoothies, sauces, and compotes. They are picked at peak ripeness and retain most of their nutritional value. Thaw and drain excess liquid before using in baked goods to avoid a soggy result.

Are cherries good for you? Cherries are a nutrient-dense fruit containing fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants called anthocyanins. Research suggests potential benefits for inflammation and sleep, though cherries are not a substitute for medical treatment.

What is the most popular cherry variety in the United States? The Bing cherry is the most widely sold sweet cherry in the U.S. It is deep red, firm, and very sweet. For tart cherries, Montmorency dominates commercial production.

How do I celebrate National Cherry Day if fresh cherries aren’t available? Use frozen or canned cherries (in juice or water, not heavy syrup) for baking or cooking. Dried cherries are also a good option for snacking, trail mixes, or adding to oatmeal and salads.

Conclusion

August 28 National Cherry Day is a straightforward, enjoyable occasion that requires nothing more than a bag of cherries and a bit of curiosity about one of summer’s finest fruits. Whether the goal is a simple snack, a baking project, or a deeper look at cherry varieties and their origins, the day offers a clear entry point.

Actionable next steps for 2026:

Check your local grocery store or farmers market for fresh cherries in the week of August 28. Buy sweet cherries for snacking and tart cherries if you plan to bake.
Pick one recipe to try: a cherry pie, a clafoutis, or a batch of cherry turnovers to honor the overlapping National Cherry Turnover Day.
If fresh cherries are unavailable, stock frozen Montmorency cherries, which are widely sold year-round and work in nearly every recipe.
Share your cherry creation on social media with #NationalCherryDay to connect with others celebrating the day.
Bookmark the June 18 National Cherry Tart Day guide for the next cherry-focused food holiday on the calendar.

Cherries are one of the few fruits that work equally well fresh, frozen, baked, or preserved. August 28 is a good excuse to use them well.

References

[1] National Cherry Turnover Day – https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/national-cherry-turnover-day/ [2] National Cherry Turnovers Day – https://www.checkiday.com/1cdc636d4064e4404d85275990ff7923/national-cherry-turnovers-day [3] National Cherry Turnover Day – https://nationaltoday.com/national-cherry-turnover-day/ [4] National Cherry Turnover Day – https://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/august/national-cherry-turnover-day.htm [5] dayspedia – https://dayspedia.com/us/calendar/holiday/1557/ [6] National Cherry Turnover Day Why It Matters How To Observe – https://eventguide.today/national-cherry-turnover-day-why-it-matters-how-to-observe/ [7] Tag Der Kirschtasche – https://www.kuriose-feiertage.de/tag-der-kirschtasche/ [9] Cherry Turnover Day – https://www.cooksinfo.com/cherry-turnover-day [10] anydayguide – https://anydayguide.com/calendar/2387