National Cherry Tart Day
June 17
About National Cherry Tart Day
National Cherry Tart Day is celebrated every year on 17 June, marking the start of cherry season with one of the fruit’s most delicious uses. In 2026 it falls on Wednesday, 17 June. The day encourages people to bake, buy or simply enjoy a cherry tart while ripe cherries are at their best.
How to Celebrate National Cherry Tart Day
Cherry season is short, so this is the perfect prompt to make the most of the fruit. Here are eight ways to take part.
- Bake a classic cherry tart – Line a tart tin with shortcrust pastry, fill it with cherries and a light custard or frangipane, and bake until golden. Fresh cherries shine in early summer.
- Use tart cherries – Seek out Montmorency cherries, the tart variety that gives a cherry tart its bright, slightly sharp flavour. Around 98 percent of US tart cherries are this variety.
- Try a no-bake version – Set cherries in a biscuit-base tart with a cream or yoghurt filling for a fuss-free dessert on a warm day.
- Visit a local bakery – If you would rather not bake, support an independent patisserie and pick up a freshly made cherry tart.
- Pit your own cherries – Stoning fresh cherries is satisfying and gives the best flavour. A cherry pitter makes quick work of it.
- Pair with cream or custard – Serve your tart with vanilla cream, clotted cream or a smooth vanilla custard to balance the fruit.
- Add a lattice top – For a showstopper, weave strips of pastry across the top before baking for the traditional pie-shop look.
- Share the harvest – Bake an extra tart for a neighbour or friend, or post your creation online to inspire others.
What is National Cherry Tart Day?
National Cherry Tart Day is an unofficial American food holiday that celebrates the cherry tart and arrives just as cherry season begins. It honours both the dessert and the fruit at its centre, particularly the tart cherries grown in such abundance in the American Midwest. The day is enjoyed by home bakers, bakeries and dessert lovers who want to make the most of fresh cherries during their brief growing window.
When is National Cherry Tart Day?
National Cherry Tart Day is most commonly observed on 17 June. In 2026 it falls on Wednesday, 17 June. A handful of sources list nearby dates such as 18 or 21 June, but 17 June is the widely recognised date. If you love cherries, you might also enjoy National Cherry Day in July, which celebrates the fruit in its own right.
The History of National Cherry Tart Day
The origins of the day are linked to the cherry harvest in Michigan, the state that grows roughly 75 percent of the US tart cherry crop. The day was created to celebrate cherries because the fruit has such a short growing period, making the early summer harvest something worth marking. No single person or organisation has claimed credit for founding the day, so its exact beginnings remain a mystery.
The cherry tart itself has a much longer history. The first cherry tart recipes appeared in European cookbooks in the 16th century, and the dessert became a fixture of summer baking wherever cherries grew. In the United States, the cherry tart became closely tied to Michigan from the mid-1800s onwards, as the state established itself as the leading producer of tart cherries. The region around Traverse City is still known as the Cherry Capital of the World, and its annual National Cherry Festival keeps the tradition alive.
Fun Facts About National Cherry Tart Day
- Michigan grows around 75 percent of the tart cherries produced in the United States.
- Roughly 98 percent of US tart cherries are the Montmorency variety.
- The first cherry tart recipes appeared in European cookbooks in the 16th century.
- Tart cherries are a natural source of melatonin and have been studied for their links to better sleep.
- No individual or organisation has ever claimed to have founded the day.
- Some calendars also list 18 or 21 June, but 17 June is the most widely accepted date.
Why National Cherry Tart Day Matters
The day is a celebration of seasonal eating and a reminder to enjoy fresh fruit while it lasts. It also shines a light on the cherry growers of the American Midwest and the long baking tradition behind a simple, beloved summer dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Cherry Tart Day?
It is an annual American food holiday celebrating the cherry tart, timed to the start of cherry season.
When is National Cherry Tart Day in 2026?
It falls on Wednesday, 17 June 2026. A few sources list 18 or 21 June, but 17 June is the most widely recognised date.
What kind of cherries are best for a cherry tart?
Tart cherries, especially the Montmorency variety, give the brightest flavour. Michigan grows the majority of the US tart cherry crop.
Spread the Word
Join the celebration and share your best cherry tart photos on social media with #NationalCherryTartDay and #CherryTartDay2026. Tag your friends and challenge them to bake one while cherries are in season!
Related Awareness Days
- National Cherry Day – Celebrates the cherry itself, observed in July.
- National Bakewell Tart Day – Another classic tart, celebrated days later in June.
- National Rainier Cherry Day – Honours the sweet golden Rainier cherry in July.
Links
2026 Awareness Days Wall Planner
Every key awareness day at a glance. Perfect for offices, staff rooms, and team planning.
View Calendar →
