Pick Blueberries Day

Pick Blueberries Day is celebrated each year on July 10. In 2026, this date falls on a Friday. The day is an invitation to get outside in midsummer, visit a U‑pick farm or farmers’ market, and gather antioxidant‑rich blueberries for eating fresh, cooking and preserving.

History of Pick Blueberries Day

Blueberries have a long presence in North America: Native Americans used wild berries for food and traditional remedies long before modern cultivation. The domestication of highbush blueberries involved early 20th‑century work by Elizabeth Coleman White and Dr. Frederick V. Coville, which helped transform wild stands into crops that could be grown on commercial farms.

Pick Blueberries Day sits inside the wider month‑long recognition of the berry in July. National Blueberry Month was established by the National American Blueberry Council and the month has been recognized by the United States Department of Agriculture since 2003, making July the natural moment to celebrate fresh harvests and farm visits.

Why is Pick Blueberries Day important?

The day spotlights blueberries for their flavor and nutrition. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants, especially anthocyanins, and provide vitamin C, vitamin K and dietary fiber, making them a healthy seasonal choice. Celebrating the harvest puts fresh produce front and center when berries are at peak sweetness.

Beyond nutrition, the holiday encourages outdoor activity and local food economies. U‑pick farms and farm stands offer a hands‑on way to connect with growers, learn about varieties like highbush and lowbush, and support regional agriculture in states such as Michigan and others that lead production.

• It highlights blueberries’ health benefits, including antioxidants and fiber.
• It encourages visiting U‑pick farms and supporting local growers.
• It promotes seasonal cooking and preserving when berries are freshest.
• It draws attention to the distinction between highbush and lowbush blueberries.
• It reinforces July as peak harvest time during National Blueberry Month.

How to Observe Pick Blueberries Day

Start the day with a plan to visit a nearby U‑pick farm or farmers’ market; many farms open for pick‑your‑own during June and July and sometimes offer special deals or family bundles around the holiday. Bring shallow containers, wear a hat and sunscreen, and choose morning or late afternoon for cooler picking conditions.

At home, use freshly picked berries in simple, seasonal recipes—muffins, pancakes, smoothies, compotes or a rustic blueberry‑lemon tart are all excellent choices. Preserve excess fruit by freezing or making jam, or invite friends and family for a blueberry‑themed potluck to share ways to use the harvest.

• Go blueberry picking at a local U‑pick farm and learn about different varieties.
• Make a seasonal dessert like a rustic blueberry tart or muffins using fresh berries.
• Freeze a portion of the harvest for smoothies and baking later in the year.
• Buy from a farmers’ market or sign up for a farm’s CSA to support growers.
• Share photos and recipes on social media to celebrate the harvest and inspire others.

Pick Blueberries Day Dates