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Tuesday, March 10, 2026

National Popcorn Lovers Day

Pop into celebration! For serious popcorn enthusiasts, this day takes snacking to the next level. Celebrate buttered, caramel, cheese, or gourmet popcorn varieties. Movie theater or homemade, popcorn lovers unite!

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National Popcorn Lovers Day - Pop into celebration! For serious popcorn enthusiasts, this day takes snacking to the next level. Celebrate buttered, caramel, cheese, or gourmet popcorn varieties. Movie theater or homemade, popcorn lovers unite!

About National Popcorn Lovers Day

Pop into celebration! For serious popcorn enthusiasts, this day takes snacking to the next level. Celebrate buttered, caramel, cheese, or gourmet popcorn varieties. Movie theater or homemade, popcorn lovers unite!

History & origins

National Popcorn Lovers Day is an informal food observance associated with popcorn fans in the United States. One common account says it was founded in 2012 by Bob Matthews and is celebrated on the second Thursday in March, though the exact origin is not formally documented everywhere. Popcorn itself has a much older history, with archaeological evidence showing people in the Americas were popping corn thousands of years ago.

Why it matters

National Popcorn Lovers Day puts a familiar snack in the spotlight and gives people a simple excuse to share a movie-night favorite, test new flavors, or support small popcorn shops. It also highlights popcorn as an affordable whole-grain snack that fits casual celebrations, family gatherings, and concession-stand culture.

How to celebrate

Try exotic popcorn flavors. Make homemade popcorn with creative toppings. Host a popcorn tasting party. Visit gourmet popcorn shops. Share your favorite popcorn recipes.

Facts

  • Americans eat 17 billion quarts of popcorn annually
  • Popcorn pops because of moisture inside the kernel
  • Ancient popcorn has been found dating back 5,600 years
  • Microwaveable popcorn was invented in 1981
  • The ideal popping temperature is 400-460°F

Frequently asked questions

When is National Popcorn Lovers Day in 2026?

National Popcorn Lovers Day in 2026 is on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

What is National Popcorn Lovers Day?

National Popcorn Lovers Day is a snack-themed observance celebrating popcorn in all its forms. People usually mark it with buttered, caramel, cheese, kettle, or gourmet popcorn.

Who started National Popcorn Lovers Day?

The observance is commonly credited to Bob Matthews, with a founding year of 2012. The origin is not as formally documented as an official holiday, but that attribution is the most frequently cited one.

How do you celebrate National Popcorn Lovers Day?

You celebrate it by eating popcorn and trying a new topping or flavor. Popular ideas include hosting a popcorn tasting, making homemade popcorn, or visiting a gourmet popcorn shop.

Is National Popcorn Lovers Day the same as National Popcorn Day?

No, they are different observances. National Popcorn Day is celebrated on January 19, while National Popcorn Lovers Day is a separate March observance for popcorn enthusiasts.

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