August Holidays, National Days & Observances
August is a golden stretch of late summer filled with outdoor fun, back-to-school energy, wildlife celebrations, frozen treats, family days and fascinating international observances. From watermelon and s'mores to elephants, dogs, books and beaches, August gives us plenty of reasons to make the most of summer's final weeks.
Holiday Helper note: Some observances are official holidays, while others are cultural, religious, awareness-based or unofficial fun days. Dates for movable observances can change from year to year.
Major August Holidays & Observances
August 9: International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is a United Nations observance recognizing Indigenous peoples and their cultures, rights and contributions.
August 12: International Youth Day highlights issues affecting young people and celebrates their role in society.
August 19: World Humanitarian Day recognizes humanitarian workers and people affected by humanitarian crises.
August 23: International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition commemorates the history and legacy of the transatlantic slave trade.
August 26: Women's Equality Day commemorates the certification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
August 31: International Day for People of African Descent celebrates the contributions of people of African descent and promotes respect for human rights.
August Observances That Move
August has fewer major movable holidays than some months, but several cultural, religious and popular observances change dates from year to year.
- Raksha Bandhan: changes annually according to the Hindu lunar calendar.
- Krishna Janmashtami: changes annually according to the Hindu calendar.
- Tisha B'Av: changes according to the Hebrew calendar and may fall in July or August.
- Islamic observances: move through the Gregorian calendar each year.
- National Garage Sale Day: commonly observed on the second Saturday in August.
- National Bowling Day: commonly observed on the second Saturday in August.
Looking ahead: In 2027, August begins on a Sunday and Labor Day does not arrive until September 6, giving the month five full weekends of late-summer possibilities.
31 Days of August Celebrations
Browse the daily list below for major holidays, international observances, food days, late-summer traditions, unusual celebrations and more.
August 1
- National Girlfriends Day
- National Raspberry Cream Pie Day
- National Disc Golf Day
August 2
National Coloring Book Day celebrates the simple pleasure of coloring. Pull out a favorite coloring book, sharpen the pencils, gather the crayons and spend a little time adding color to the day.
- National Coloring Book Day
- National Ice Cream Sandwich Day
August 3
- National Watermelon Day
- National Grab Some Nuts Day
August 4
- National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day
- U.S. Coast Guard Birthday
August 5
- National Oyster Day
- National Underwear Day
- Work Like a Dog Day
August 6
- Hiroshima Day
- National Root Beer Float Day
- National Fresh Breath Day
August 7
- Purple Heart Day
- National Lighthouse Day
- National Raspberries N' Cream Day
August 8
International Cat Day celebrates cats and encourages appreciation for their companionship and well-being. Spend some extra time with a favorite feline, learn something new about cats or support a local animal shelter or rescue organization.
- International Cat Day
- National Frozen Custard Day
- National Pickleball Day
August 9
International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is a United Nations observance recognizing Indigenous peoples, cultures, rights and contributions around the world.
- International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
- National Book Lovers Day
- National Rice Pudding Day
August 10
World Lion Day highlights lion conservation, while National S'mores Day provides a much sweeter reason to gather around a summer campfire.
- World Lion Day
- National S'mores Day
- National Lazy Day
August 11
- National Son and Daughter Day
- National Raspberry Bombe Day
August 12
International Youth Day highlights the experiences, challenges and contributions of young people around the world. World Elephant Day brings attention to elephants, their habitats and conservation.
- International Youth Day
- World Elephant Day
- National Middle Child Day
- National Julienne Fries Day
August 13
- International Left-Handers Day
- National Filet Mignon Day
- National Prosecco Day
August 14
- National Creamsicle Day
- National Financial Awareness Day
August 15
- Assumption of Mary
- National Relaxation Day
- National Lemon Meringue Pie Day
August 16
- National Tell a Joke Day
- National Rum Day
- National Roller Coaster Day
August 17
- National Nonprofit Day
- National Black Cat Appreciation Day
- National Vanilla Custard Day
August 18
- Never Give Up Day
- National Fajita Day
- National Ice Cream Pie Day
August 19
World Humanitarian Day honors humanitarian workers and people affected by crises. World Photography Day and National Aviation Day give the same date creative and historical dimensions.
- World Humanitarian Day
- World Photography Day
- National Potato Day
- National Aviation Day
August 20
- World Mosquito Day
- National Lemonade Day
- National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day
August 21
- International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism
- National Senior Citizens Day
- National Spumoni Day
August 22
- International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief
- National Tooth Fairy Day
- National Bao Day
August 23
- International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition
- National Sponge Cake Day
- National Ride the Wind Day
August 24
- National Waffle Day
- National Peach Pie Day
- National Maryland Day
August 25
- National Banana Split Day
- National Kiss and Make Up Day
August 26
Women's Equality Day commemorates the certification of the 19th Amendment in the United States, while National Dog Day celebrates our canine companions.
- Women's Equality Day
- National Dog Day
- National Cherry Popsicle Day
August 27
- National Just Because Day
- National Pots de Crème Day
August 28
August 28 combines thoughtfulness with Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day, a day many pet families use to remember beloved animals who have died.
- National Thoughtful Day
- National Red Wine Day
- Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day
August 29
- International Day against Nuclear Tests
- National Lemon Juice Day
- National Chop Suey Day
August 30
- International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances
- National Beach Day
- National Toasted Marshmallow Day
August 31
August closes with International Day for People of African Descent and some wonderfully summery observances devoted to trail mix and eating outdoors.
- International Day for People of African Descent
- National Trail Mix Day
- National Eat Outside Day
More Ways to Celebrate August
August is a wonderful month for squeezing a little more joy out of summer. Spend an afternoon at the beach, plan a picnic, eat dinner outside, visit a park, take an evening walk or enjoy a backyard campfire with s'mores. National Watermelon Day, Lemonade Day and Ice Cream Sandwich Day offer delicious excuses for classic warm-weather treats.
Animal lovers have an especially busy month. International Cat Day, World Lion Day, World Elephant Day, National Dog Day and Black Cat Appreciation Day provide opportunities to learn about animals, appreciate beloved pets and support responsible conservation or animal-welfare efforts.
There are quieter ways to celebrate too. Pick up a favorite book for Book Lovers Day, spend an afternoon coloring, take photographs of the final weeks of summer, relax on National Relaxation Day or remember a beloved pet on Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day. August may signal that summer is beginning to wind down, but there is still plenty of sunshine left to enjoy.
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