On Sept. 22, Tolkien fans around the world will raise a mug of ale, cut into some seed cake or at the very least brew an extra pot of tea. Why? The day marks the shared birthday of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, the two most beloved Hobbits from “The Lord of the Rings.”
Known as International Hobbit Day, it is a time for fans worldwide to embrace food, fellowship and the simple joys Hobbits themselves cherished. From small, cozy gatherings to themed potlucks and watch-alongs, there are plenty of ways to join in the celebration. And don’t worry if you feel more like a dwarf, you can still enjoy the day.
International Hobbit Day
In the first novel, author J.R.R. Tolkien describes an elaborate shared birthday party for Bilbo and his nephew Frodo, making Sept. 22 important for fans worldwide. International Hobbit Day can be celebrated in many different ways. It is less about elaborate costuming or fanfare and more about creating space for connection and enjoying the everyday pleasures that Hobbits valued most.
Take a little walk
Hobbits were nothing if not homebodies, but they also loved short strolls across their gardens, fields and lanes. Bring a little Shire spirit into your day with a quiet and reflective autumnal walk; no need to climb mountains or hike into the wilderness. Just enjoy the turning leaves, crisp air and slower pace that makes the day feel special.
The heart of it all
Food and drink are at the heart of Hobbit life. If you’re celebrating at home, invite friends over for a Hobbit-style potluck. Encourage everyone to bring their favorite comfort dish, whether that’s pasties, a rich stew or a sweet bake.
Even offices can join in by hosting a lunchtime spread that brings out everyone’s inner Hobbit. Invite everyone to bring a dish that feels Hobbit-y to them. There are no rules for what works or doesn’t work. If you like it, then your inner Hobbit likes it, and that makes it perfect.
The fungi have it
Hobbits are famously fond of mushrooms, treating them almost like treasure whenever they find them in the wild or on their dinner plates. To bring that same spirit into your International Hobbit Day food spread, consider adding mushrooms to the menu. Try Salisbury steak with mushrooms, stuffed mushrooms, or a mushroom-filled soup for a truly Hobbit-approved feast.
If you don’t like to eat mushrooms, consider combining your fall walk with a mushroom hunt. No need to pick or eat them; just appreciate them in their natural state. Take a plant identification guide with you and see if you can identify any of them. Bilbo and Frodo would approve of this gentle activity.
Tasting parties
Consider hosting a more structured event for friends or family by organizing a tasting party. Cheese makes a fun-tasting party; just select your favorites, add sliced bread and fruits and invite your friends to sample away. This small nod to the Hobbit pantry is both easy and memorable.
For something totally different, if you have designated drivers, host a beer tasting party featuring Hobbits’ purported favorite drinks. Those might be a nut brown ale, ESBs, bitters and stouts. Tolkien was said to have favored Orval, a beer brewed in a monastery. If you can find it, also try that one.
Share your fun
Hobbits may not have had social media, but that doesn’t mean you can’t share. Post your spread to Instagram, TikTok or Facebook with #hobbitfood. You’ll find plenty of others doing the same and can swap inspiration across borders, just like modern Hobbits connecting beyond the Shire.
Host a watch party
Rearrange the living room, drag in extra chairs and prepare to host a cozy gathering with friends or family. Put on the kettle, start “The Lord of the Rings” or “The Hobbit” films and settle in for a long day of your favorite movies.
And of course, you need snacks. Start with elevenses, add afternoon tea and keep the food flowing right through supper. It’s an easy way to combine fellowship, movies and plenty of Hobbit-approved snacks.
Keep it low-key
Celebrating doesn’t have to mean throwing a huge party with fireworks, dancing and disappearing Hobbits. A family dinner with humble but hearty food like stew, fresh bread or a simple pie is perfectly Hobbit-like. After all, Tolkien’s Hobbits were happiest with a fire on the hearth, a pipe in hand and comfort food on the table.
International Hobbit Day is all about leaning into warmth, connection and shared food. Whether you’re potlucking with friends, enjoying a quiet walk or raising a pint at your local brewery, the day reminds us of the value of fellowship and the joy in ordinary moments. However you celebrate, remember one important rule: Never let the dwarves do the dishes.
Laura Sampson of Little House Big Alaska is on a mission to teach modern family-oriented home cooks how to make old-fashioned foods new again. She shares her passion for home cooking, backyard gardening and homesteading on her website and blog.
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