August 5 National Days

August 5 is the 217th day of the year (218th in leap years), with 148 days remaining until the end of the year.

National Days on August 5th — August 5 National Days

Today’s observances range from road safety and blogging to community building and culinary traditions. Some days are fixed, like National Oyster Day and Blogger Day, while others—such as National Night Out—follow a changing calendar pattern each year.

Here’s a look at the 9 national and international days celebrated on August 5.

National and International Days on August 5

Blogger Day celebrates the blogging platform Blogger and the global influence of blog creators. Originally developed by Pyra Labs and acquired by Google in 2003, Blogger made it easy for anyone to publish online. Blogs hosted on Blogger typically appear with the blogspot.com domain and have played a key role in shaping digital culture through self-expression, information sharing, and community-building.

International Traffic Light Day marks the anniversary of the first electric traffic light system, installed on August 5, 1914, in Cleveland, Ohio. Designed by James Hoge, this manually operated system used red and green lights to help regulate vehicle flow. Traffic signals have since evolved into a vital part of road safety worldwide, helping reduce accidents and protect both drivers and pedestrians.

National Couscous Day was established in 2020 by The Branded Food Group (BFG) Limited and Ainsley Foods to spotlight couscous and its cultural roots. This dish, made from semolina flour rolled into tiny granules and steamed, is a staple in North African cuisine. While it looks like a grain, couscous is technically a pasta. Archaeological finds suggest it dates back to at least the 3rd century BCE in what is now Algeria. The dish has been referenced across centuries by food historians and remains central to many traditional recipes today.

National Couscous Day

National Dashcam Day draws attention to the role of dashboard cameras in improving road safety. Celebrated annually on August 5, the day raises awareness about how dash cams can help document traffic incidents, support insurance claims, and deter theft or vandalism. It also highlights initiatives like the National Dash Cam Safety Portal (NDSCP), where drivers can submit footage of dangerous behavior to law enforcement.

National Night Out* (First Tuesday in August) is a community-based event started in 1984 and sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. It aims to foster positive connections between neighbors and law enforcement through block parties, parades, and other gatherings. The event promotes public safety, unity, and crime prevention. Most communities celebrate it in August, though Texas and some others hold their events in October.

National Night Out Day

National Oyster Day invites people to enjoy one of the ocean’s most unique offerings. Oysters are bivalve mollusks that feed by filtering water and extracting nutrients like phytoplankton and algae. An adult oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day, making them valuable for marine ecosystems. Their flavor varies depending on where they grow, leading to names that reflect regional waters. Today highlights both their culinary appeal and ecological significance.

National Underwear Day was founded in 2003 by Freshpair to celebrate an everyday essential that often goes unnoticed. From comfort and support to self-expression, underwear plays both practical and personal roles. The day also encourages body positivity and reminds us that what’s underneath matters too.

National Work Like a Dog Day recognizes the value of hard work, inspired by the dedication of working dogs. These include service dogs, herding breeds, and search-and-rescue animals—known for their stamina and loyalty. The day encourages people to channel that same commitment in their own work, whether it’s physical labor, creative efforts, or caregiving roles.