August 2 National Days

August 2 is the 215th day of the year (216th in leap years), with 150 days remaining until the end of the year.

This date marks a day full of flavors, creativity, music, wellness, and cultural expression. From widely loved foods like ice cream sandwiches and Jamaican patties to the global influence of blues music and CAD technology, today brings together both celebration and reflection. Many of the observances fall on the first Saturday of August, which means the exact lineup changes each year.

Here’s a closer look at the 17 national and international days celebrated on August 2 with short explanations for each observation.

National and International Days on August 2

International Blues Music Day* (First Saturday in August) celebrates one of the most influential music genres in American history. Originating among African Americans in the Deep South during the 19th century, blues evolved from spirituals, work songs, and field chants. Its musical legacy is rooted in the blues scale, call-and-response vocals, and the 12-bar progression. Founded by blues musician Johnny Childs in 2013, the day honors the genre’s profound cultural impact and encourages music lovers around the world to keep the blues alive.

International Hangover Day* is observed the day after International Beer Day as a lighthearted reminder that celebration often comes with consequences. While the tone may be humorous, the day also encourages responsible drinking and awareness of how alcohol affects the body. From hydration and rest to common remedies, the focus is on recovery—and reflection—after raising a glass the day before.

National Boob Day may sound cheeky, but its message is serious: raising awareness about breast health and encouraging regular self-exams and medical screenings. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and early detection saves lives. Observed each year on August 2, the day serves as a reminder for people of all genders to learn what’s normal for their bodies and to speak with a healthcare provider about any changes. It also honors survivors and those lost to breast cancer.

National CAD Day celebrates the history and future of Computer-Aided Design, a technology that revolutionized drafting, engineering, and architecture. CAD dates back to the 1950s and evolved rapidly in the 1980s with the launch of accessible programs like AutoCAD. This day commemorates key milestones in digital design, including the 1982 release of the film Tron, which showcased early CGI. CAD Day highlights how this software continues to shape innovation in fields like manufacturing, construction, and animation.

National Coloring Book Day was founded in 2015 by Dover Publications to celebrate the simple joy of coloring. Long associated with childhood, coloring books have also gained popularity among adults for their therapeutic and creative benefits. Dover, a pioneer in the space, published its first adult coloring book in 1970. Today, coloring is embraced as a relaxing and artistic activity, and this day invites everyone to pick up some crayons or markers and color away.

National Disc Golf Day* (First Saturday in August) highlights one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. Disc golf began in the 1960s and became more structured in the 1970s with the introduction of standardized targets. The Professional Disc Golf Association established this day to celebrate the sport’s growth, especially in August, which marks the anniversary of the first patent for a chain-catching target granted to “Steady” Ed Headrick in 1977. It’s a great excuse to visit a course and enjoy time outdoors.

National Ice Cream Sandwich Day is a sweet celebration of one of summer’s most refreshing desserts. Ice cream sandwiches—typically made by placing ice cream between two cookies, wafers, or biscuits—have been around since at least the late 19th century. Originally sold by street vendors in New York, they’ve evolved into a global favorite. From classic vanilla between chocolate wafers to gourmet cookie creations, this treat continues to offer cool relief on a hot August day.

National Jamaican Patty Day* (First Saturday in August) shines a spotlight on the spice-filled pastry that’s central to Jamaican cuisine. These flaky turnovers are usually filled with seasoned ground meat and have cultural roots blending African, Indian, Spanish, and British influences. Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery founded the day in 2015 to honor both the patty and its culinary legacy in Jamaican communities. The date also connects to Jamaican national holidays and Golden Krust’s August anniversary.

National Mead Day* (First Saturday in August) celebrates one of humanity’s oldest alcoholic beverages—mead, also known as honey wine. Fermented from honey, water, and yeast, mead was once prized in ancient rituals and royal feasts. Still or sparkling, sweet or dry, mead continues to be brewed around the world. The American Homebrewers Association launched Mead Day in 2002 to encourage brewing enthusiasts to explore this ancient tradition.

National Mustard Day* (First Saturday in August) is dedicated to one of the oldest and most widely used condiments in the world. Mustard, made from crushed seeds and varying liquids, has appeared in everything from Roman recipes to modern hot dogs. Barry Levenson, founder of the National Mustard Museum in Wisconsin, started the holiday in 1991. Whether used in sauces, sandwiches, or marinades, mustard adds flavor and depth to dishes across cultures.

National Play Outside Day* (First Saturday of each month) encourages people to take a break from screens and enjoy the outdoors. Established in 2011, this monthly reminder supports healthy habits, creativity, and physical activity. Whether you head to a park, ride a bike, or play a simple backyard game, the day invites everyone—kids and adults alike—to reconnect with nature and movement.

National Summit Day* (First Saturday in August) celebrates mountain summits and the people who climb them. Founded in 2017 by Backpacker Magazine, the day invites hikers to experience the awe of reaching a peak—whether a challenging alpine ascent or a local hilltop. The view from the top represents not just physical elevation but personal achievement. It’s a celebration of effort, adventure, and the natural beauty found at high altitudes.

National Twins Day* (First full weekend in August) coincides with the Twins Days Festival in Twinsburg, Ohio, the largest annual gathering of twins and multiples in the world. First held in 1976, the event includes parades, contests, and opportunities for scientific twin studies. It’s a joyful celebration of twin identity and shared experiences, where thousands gather to honor this unique connection.

Sandcastle Day* (First Saturday in August) brings attention to the art and fun of building sandcastles. Though often seen as a simple beach pastime, sculpting sand dates back to ancient civilizations like Egypt and Greece, where it was used in ceremonies. In the U.S., professional sand sculpting gained popularity in the late 1800s, and contests began to emerge. Today, Sandcastle Day is a tribute to creativity, architecture, and the joys of summer.

National VFR Day * (First Saturday in August) was created in 2023 by David Knott, a U.S. Navy veteran and firefighter, to raise awareness of the mental health challenges faced by veterans and first responders. Organized through the Veterans & First Responders Foundation, the day promotes healing through community, wellness programs, and peer support. It’s a reminder to recognize the unseen burdens carried by those who serve.

Food Day Canada 🇨🇦* (First Saturday in August) is a national celebration of Canadian food, ingredients, and culinary talent. Created in 2003 by food writer Anita Stewart in response to a beef export crisis, the event began with the “World’s Longest Barbecue” and grew into a nationwide movement. It encourages Canadians to shop, cook, and dine locally. In 2023, the Canadian government officially recognized the event as Food Day Canada.

National Sunflower Day* (First Saturday in August) honors the bright, cheerful bloom known for turning toward the sun. Sunflowers symbolize loyalty, joy, and longevity, and are especially important in North Dakota, a leading producer. The day was introduced in 2023 through a collaboration between North Dakota Tourism and the National Sunflower Association. It’s both a celebration of agriculture and a reminder to spread joy like a sunflower.

National Days in August

August 1 | August 2 | August 3 | August 4 | August 5 | August 6 | August 7 | August 8 | August 9 | August 10 | August 11 | August 12 | August 13 | August 14 | August 15 | August 16 | August 17 | August 18 | August 19 | August 20 | August 21 | August 22 | August 23 | August 24 | August 25 | August 26| August 27 | August 28 | August 29 | August 30 | August 31