National Banana Split Day

History & origins

National Banana Split Day is listed in this site's 2026 calendar for August 25. Informal "national days" are often promoted by communities, trade groups, and brands; origins and official proclamations vary by country and year. Split into celebration with National Banana Split Day! This iconic American dessert was invented in Pennsylvania in 1904 and has become a soda fountain classic. Because many such observances are cultural or promotional rather than statutory, treat dates as a planning guide and confirm local events separately.

Why it matters

Observing National Banana Split Day gives people a shared anchor to explore fun & weird themes—banana-split, dessert, August, ice-cream, american-food—and to coordinate learning, gatherings, or giving around that focus. Split into celebration with National Banana Split Day! This iconic American dessert was invented in Pennsylvania in 1904 and has become a soda fountain classic. Celebrate with three scoops of ice cream, banana, toppings, and pure indulgence.

How to celebrate

Visit a classic ice cream parlor for a banana split. Make homemade banana splits with creative toppings. Host a banana split bar party. Learn the history of this American dessert. Share your banana split creations on social media.

Facts

• The banana split was invented by David Strickler in Latrobe, Pennsylvania
• The original banana split cost 10 cents
• A traditional banana split has three scoops of ice cream
• Wilmington, Ohio claims to be the birthplace (disputed)
• The longest banana split ever made was over 5 miles long