Celebrate Picnic Season with Flavor and Style

If your Pinterest board could come to life, it might just look like this. Think layered blankets, seasonal bites, and joyful energy under open skies. April 23rd is National Picnic Day, and there’s no better excuse to indulge in a little outdoor magic—whether you’re planning a dreamy date, a laid-back hang with friends, or a solo recharge in the sun.

This year, we’re spotlighting incredible Black-owned brands and creators who make every bite, sip, and vibe intentional. From bold wines and cheeses to handcrafted snacks and picnic-perfect extras, this guide is here to help you celebrate with purpose—and a whole lot of flavor.

So whatever your picnic vibe, we’ve got you covered.

For the Lovers: The Picnic of Your Dreams

Imagine this: golden hour glows, the gentle hum of the world fading away, and the only thing on your mind is the person across from you. A romantic picnic isn’t just about food and drink—it’s about curating moments that feel like magic, where every bite, every sip, and every soft note on the breeze makes you slow down and savor each other’s company.

Vibe: Soft blankets on the grass, a wine glass that never stays empty, and a playlist full of sultry sounds. It’s giving intimacy, intention, and ease.

Menu Inspo:

Love Cork Screw Wine – Offering fruit-forward wines with cheeky names and smooth finishes. Available online on their website and in select locations like Whole Foods, Mariano’s, and Target in Illinois and beyond.
That’s My Jam Company – Try their handcrafted spreads like Strawberry Lemonade Jam or Mango Peach Habanero for a sweet and spicy pairing with fruit or toast. Available on their website and in boutique grocers throughout Atlanta and select Southern cities.
Misha’s Dairy-Free Cheese – Rich, creamy plant-based cheeses made from cashew and almond milk. These dairy-free spreads are perfect for upgrading your picnic board with bold, gourmet flavor. Available on their website, select Whole Foods locations, and natural grocery stores across the U.S.
Jlux Charcuterie (Philadelphia-based), The Bougie Grazer (Ships nationwide), or Feast & Graze (Memphis) – Curated charcuterie boards with meats, cheeses, fruits, and gourmet add-ons. Feast & Graze also offers a brick-and-mortar café and charcuterie bar in Memphis for grab-and-go or custom orders. Find Jlux Charcuterie on her website, thebougiegrazer.com, or feastandgraze.com.
Harlem Chocolate Factory – Small-batch, handcrafted chocolate bars and bonbons that are ideal for a romantic dessert. Available at harlemchocolatefactory.com or in select NYC retailers.

Playlist Pick: Slow-burn soul, jazz, and R&B—from Sade and Robert Glasper to The Internet and Maxwell.

Extras: Pack a pair of sunglasses so you can pretend to look cooler than you feel when the wine is definitely hitting.

For the Crew: The Kickback

The vibe is contagious, the playlist is fire, and everyone brought their appetite. Whether you’re posted up at the park or taking over a backyard, this is the picnic built for laughs, good eats, and vibing out with your people.

Vibe: Loud laughter, clinking cups, dancing on the grass, and someone yelling “uno out!” This is the cookout energy in picnic form.

Menu Inspo:

Rap Snacks – Grab chips in flavors inspired by icons like Rick Ross or Lil Baby, and don’t forget their Honey Buns for dessert. Available at rapsnacks.net, Target, and many local corner stores and grocery chains across the U.S.
Cookie Society – Gourmet cookies in fun flavors like Banana Pudding or Cookies & Cream. Order at cookiesociety.com or visit locations in Frisco and Addison, TX.
Cranky Granny’s Sweet Rolls – Buttery, gooey sweet rolls in cinnamon and seasonal flavors. Available at crankygrannys.com, with pickup in Austin or shipping nationwide.
The Cupcake Collection – From Nashville to New Orleans, their cupcakes are a Southern favorite. Visit thecupcakecollection.com or shop in-store.
Hella Cocktail Co. – Bold mixers and bitters for cocktails or mocktails. Available online at hellacocktail.co and in retail stores like Target, Total Wine, and Kroger.
Caribe & Co. – Caribbean-inspired mixers with great non-alcoholic recipes. Available at caribeandco.com and retailers in New York, Florida, and online.

For Those Who Like a Bit More Herbal Introspection:

Take the vibes to another level with these Black-owned cannabis edible brands that pair perfectly with the party:

Strib’ble Treats (MD) -This Black woman-owned bakery offers handcrafted cannabis-infused desserts like cookies, brownies, and cereal bars. Available for local pickup or delivery in Maryland and Washington, D.C. Check out their website.
Matawana (NY) – A woman-led, Black-owned dispensary in Brooklyn offering cannabis-infused edibles and other products. Delivery and pickup are available in NYC. matawanany.com
MaryJae (TX) – Based in Austin, TX, this inclusive dispensary offers a variety of legal edibles. Nationwide shipping on non-THC wellness products. shopmaryjae.com

Playlist Pick: Afrobeats, Southern rap, ’90s R&B, and whatever gets the crew on their feet.

Extras: Spades, dominoes, or any game that ends with someone dramatically flipping the table, bright picnicware that’ll make you feel fancy, and foldable chairs for the ultimate chill-out zone.

For You, By You: The Solo Escape

Sometimes the best company is… you. This solo picnic is your moment of peace, your self-care under the sun, and your personal treat-yourself moment.

Vibe: Breeze in your hair, snacks within reach, and not a single notification in sight.

Menu Inspo:

Fresh and Pressed Juice (Detroit – freshandpressedjuice.com) – Try the “I Am Goals” Smoothie or the “I Am Bold” juice. Check their website pickup locations or delivery options.
Saved By The Juice (New Orleans – savedbythejuice.com) – Go for their “Heaven On Earth” Smoothie or the Cucumber + Pineapple + Mint juice. Check their website pickup locations or delivery options.
Fonio Bowls or Chips by Yolélé – A West African grain turned into nourishing bowls or crunchy chips. Available at Whole Foods, Thrive Market, and yolele.com.
Partake Foods – Allergen-free cookies and snacks perfect for mindful munching. Available at Target and partakefoods.com.
Loretta’s Pralines – New Orleans-style pralines, handcrafted and addictively sweet. Order online at lorettaspralines.com or visit their French Market shop in NOLA.

Book Break: Bring along a read from a Black-owned bookstore like Semicolon (Chicago), Kindred Stories (Houston), Reparations Club (Los Angeles), or Cafe con Libros (Brooklyn). Each has an online store with curated reads to match your mood.

Extras: A throw blanket that’s probably too nice for the grass, a notebook for journaling all your profound thoughts like ‘I could really go for a snack right now,’ and a spritz of facial mist to keep your glow as strong as your self-care routine.

For the Family: The Reunion Cookout in the Park

It’s giving lawn chairs, matching T-shirts, auntie slay, and the scent of something sizzling on the grill. This section is for family-style picnics where food is plentiful, music is loud, and memories are made.

Vibe: Big grill energy, kids chasing bubbles, elders telling stories, and everyone checking who brought the best dish.

Menu Inspo:

Ratcliff Premium Meats – Texas-based, Black-owned ranch offering pasture-raised beef and high-quality cuts. Visit ratcliffpremiummeats.com to order online or find local pick-up options in East Texas.
Legendary Burgers – Plant-based, soy-free burgers that hold their own on the grill. Order at legendaryveganburger.com or find in select Atlanta retailers.
Black-Owned BBQ Sauces & Spices – Brands like Uncle Dell’s Mambo Sauce, Joe’s Gourmet Fish Fry, and Spice Suite can be found at markets or online. Check out uncdellsmambosauce.com, joesgourmet.com, and thespicesuite.com.
Dixie Grace’s Boiled Peanuts – Bold, flavorful boiled peanuts in Spicy Cajun, Salt & Pepper, and Garlic Onion. dixiegracesboiledpeanuts.com
Black-Owned Liquor Brands – Uncle Nearest Whiskey (unclenearest.com), LS Cream Liqueur(lscreamliqueur.com), and Du Nord Social Spirits (dunordspirits.com) all bring something bold to the table. Available in major liquor stores like Total Wine, BevMo, and online via their sites.

Desserts – End your picnic on a sweet note with Southern-style treats from Black-owned bakeries:

Pound Bizness (Houston, TX – poundbizness.com) Indulge in their signature Peach Cobbler or Red Velvet Cake. Orders can be placed online for nationwide shipping.
Extraordinary Banana Pudding (La Mesa, CA – extraordinarybananapudding.com) Savor flavors like the Classic Banana Pudding or Banana Pudding Cheesecake. Available for nationwide shipping; orders can be placed online.
Royal Cheesecake & Varieties (Raleigh, NC – rcvcakes.com) Treat yourself to their Chicken & Waffles Cheesecake or Sweet Potato Pound Cake. Orders can be placed online for nationwide shipping.

Playlist Pick: Frankie Beverly, Beyoncé’s Homecoming, gospel hits, and that one cousin’s speaker playing DJ for hours.

Extras: A cooler packed with sodas, but by the time you look, the only thing left is the “diet” soda that no one actually wanted in the first place.

Ready to Picnic with Purpose?

Whether you’re soaking in solo time, vibing with your crew, or firing up the grill with your family, celebrating National Picnic Day is all about joy, intention, and community. With every blanket laid and basket packed, you’re not just creating a meal—you’re supporting visionary makers and flavor-forward brands that bring culture to the table.