National Something on a Stick Day (March 28)

March 28th is a quirky celebration of all things skewered—National Something on a Stick Day!

Whether it’s a classic corn dog at a carnival or an elegant fruit skewer at a party, this holiday highlights the fun and convenience of food on a stick.

It’s a day to get creative in the kitchen and enjoy delicious treats in a unique way.

Stick around as we explore the origins, history, and ways to celebrate this delicious occasion. And don’t forget—this is just one of many unusual holidays in March!

When is the Holiday?

National Something on a Stick Day is celebrated annually on March 28th.

On this day, food lovers everywhere embrace the joy of eating delicious meals in the most portable way possible—on a stick!

Who Invented It?

The origins of the holiday remain unknown. However, it likely emerged as a lighthearted way to appreciate the simple yet brilliant idea of skewered food.

The concept of eating food on a stick dates back centuries, making this holiday a fun nod to an ancient dining tradition.

The History of the Holiday

While the holiday itself is relatively modern, the practice of skewering food has been around for thousands of years.

Early humans likely used sticks to cook meat over open flames, a technique that evolved into cultural staples like shish kebabs, satay, and yakitori.

Over time, food on a stick became a popular street food choice worldwide, offering both convenience and flavor.

This fun holiday gives us an excuse to celebrate this long-standing tradition with a fun, modern twist.

Top 5 Facts About the Holiday

  1. One of the Oldest Cooking Methods – Archaeological evidence suggests that early humans roasted meat on sticks over open flames as far back as 300,000 years ago.
  2. Medieval Banquets – European aristocrats in the Middle Ages often dined on skewered meats, making it a status symbol long before street vendors popularized the idea.
  3. World’s Longest Skewer – The Guinness World Record for the longest skewer was set in 2016 in Turkey, measuring an incredible 2,648 feet long!
  4. A Fairground Icon – Corn dogs, one of the most well-known skewered foods, first became popular at state fairs in the U.S. in the 1940s.
  5. Space Food on a Stick – NASA has experimented with bite-sized food on sticks for astronauts to make meals more convenient in zero gravity.

Activities to Celebrate

  • DIY Skewer Night – Host a dinner party where guests create their own skewers using a mix of meats, veggies, and fruits.
  • International Skewers – Explore global cuisine by making satay, souvlaki, or anticuchos.
  • Kid-Friendly Fun – Let kids assemble their own fruit or marshmallow skewers.
  • Dessert on a Stick – Try making cake pops, chocolate-dipped fruit, or homemade ice cream bars.
  • Outdoor Grilling – Fire up the grill and cook kebabs, shrimp skewers, or vegetable skewers for a delicious feast.

Related Recipes for the Holiday

Grilled Chicken Satay. A Southeast Asian delight, chicken satay is marinated in a blend of coconut milk, curry, and spices, then grilled and served with a creamy peanut dipping sauce.

Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple Skewers. This sweet-and-savory snack features juicy pineapple chunks wrapped in crispy bacon. Brush with maple syrup before baking or grilling for an irresistible bite.

Moroccan Beef Kebabs. These juicy skewers feature spiced beef marinated in cumin, paprika, and garlic, grilled to perfection and served with a cooling yogurt sauce.

Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs. Quick and delicious, these skewers feature seasoned chicken cooked in an air fryer, making them a healthy and easy alternative to traditional grilling.

Frozen Banana Fudge Pops. A delicious frozen treat, these pops are made by dipping bananas in melted dark chocolate and rolling them in chopped nuts, coconut, or sprinkles before freezing. They’re a fun, healthy alternative to ice cream bars.

Fruit and Waffle Kabobs. A playful and tasty breakfast option, these kabobs feature mini waffles and fresh fruit like berries, bananas, and peaches. Drizzle with maple syrup or yogurt for extra sweetness.

Turkish Lamb Shish Kebab. A Middle Eastern favorite, these skewers consist of tender lamb chunks marinated in olive oil, garlic, and a blend of warm spices. Grilled to perfection, they are often served with rice, pita, and a side of tangy yogurt sauce.

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Links to Resources

Check out these Amazon finds to make your skewer experience even better:

  1. Stainless Steel Skewers Set – A durable, reusable set for grilling.
  2. Electric Corn Dog Maker – Perfect for making homemade corn dogs with ease.
  3. Bamboo Skewers Bulk Pack – Great for fruit kabobs, satay, and more.

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