National Pawpaw Day

National Pawpaw Day is listed on the third Thursday in September — September 17 in 2026 — for Asimina triloba, the large native North American fruit, not papaya.

pawpawfruitSeptembernative plants

National Pawpaw Day - National Pawpaw Day is listed on the third Thursday in September — September 17 in 2026 — for Asimina triloba, the large native North American fruit, not papaya.

About National Pawpaw Day

History & origins

Some calendars place National Pawpaw Day on the third Thursday in September. In 2026 that is September 17. The pawpaw is a custard-like native fruit of eastern North America. Papaya is unrelated.

Why it matters

The day exists because the fruit is seasonal, local, and constantly mixed up with papaya by name.

How to celebrate

If you live in pawpaw range, find a ripe fruit at a market or forage only where it is legal and you can identify the tree. Do not confuse it with tropical papaya.

Facts

The pawpaw is a native U.S. fruit, Asimina triloba
Papaya is a different tropical fruit
Third Thursday in September is used here for 2026

Upcoming dates

Thursday, September 17, 2026
Friday, September 17, 2027
Sunday, September 17, 2028
Monday, September 17, 2029
Tuesday, September 17, 2030

Frequently asked questions

When is National Pawpaw Day in 2026?

National Pawpaw Day in 2026 falls on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

Is a pawpaw a papaya?

No. Pawpaw is Asimina triloba; papaya is tropical Carica.

Does the date move?

This page uses the third Thursday in September.

Who started it?

No verified founder is documented.

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