August 8 National Days

August 8 is the 221st day of the year (222nd in leap years), with 144 days remaining until the end of the year.

National Days on August 8th — August 8 National Days

Today’s observances explore a wide variety of topics—from eosinophilic disorders and digital nomadism to ancient rice cakes, beloved comic characters, and even the art of braiding. While most of these days are fixed to August 8, a few follow changing calendar patterns each year.

Here’s a look at the 23 national and international days celebrated on August 8.

National and International Days on August 8

Digital Nomad Day was launched in 2020 by Rootless Living Magazine to celebrate people who combine remote work with a mobile lifestyle. Digital nomads often travel from city to city while earning a living online, thanks to digital tools and reliable internet. This day recognizes the evolving nature of work and the growing community that embraces freedom, flexibility, and adventure.

Dying to Know Day / D2K Day 🇦🇺 began in 2013 as an initiative of The Groundswell Project Australia, founded by Dr. Kerrie Noonan and Nicole Endacott. The day encourages open conversations about death, dying, and end-of-life planning. It challenges the cultural silence around mortality and empowers people to prepare for a meaningful end-of-life experience. Inspired by the book Dying to Know, the campaign has grown into a national movement across Australia.

Global Sleep Under the Stars Night was established in 2020 by outdoor brand Eddie Bauer as part of its 100-year anniversary. The day invites people around the world to spend a night outdoors—whether in the wilderness or in their own backyard—and enjoy the beauty of the night sky. It’s a reminder of our shared connection to nature and the stars above.

International Allyship Day was created in 2023 by the Integrating Women Leaders Foundation to promote active allyship across social and cultural boundaries. The date 8/8 was chosen for its symbolism of balance and unity. The day encourages people to take action by supporting marginalized groups, listening to their experiences, and advocating for inclusive communities.

International Cat Day was established in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare to promote the well-being of domestic cats. Since 2020, the day has been overseen by International Cat Care, a British nonprofit that has been working to improve feline health since 1958. The day raises awareness of cat welfare, responsible pet ownership, and the importance of veterinary care.

International Cat Day

International Infinity Day was launched in 1987 by New York-based street philosopher Jean-Pierre Ady Fenyo to celebrate free thinking and the boundless nature of human inquiry. The date, 8/8, mirrors the infinity symbol when turned sideways. This day encourages philosophical reflection, scientific curiosity, and creative exploration.

National Braiders Day was founded in 2019 by EZBRAID. Braiding requires time, technique, and creativity, and this day shines a spotlight on professionals who have often been overlooked despite their contributions to personal style and cultural heritage.

National CBD Day was created in 2018 by cbdMD to raise awareness about cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound derived from hemp. CBD has gained popularity for its potential wellness benefits, including relief from anxiety, pain, and inflammation. The day highlights growing scientific interest and changing legal landscapes around CBD.

National Dollar Day commemorates the decision made by the Continental Congress on August 8, 1786, to adopt the U.S. dollar as the official currency. The first dollar bill, printed in 1862, featured Salmon P. Chase, Abraham Lincoln’s Secretary of the Treasury—not George Washington, as many assume.

National Frozen Custard Day celebrates a creamy dessert that includes egg yolks for a smoother texture than traditional ice cream. Commercial frozen custard became popular in the U.S. after Archie and Elton Kohr added egg yolks to ice cream in 1919. Milwaukee is known as the frozen custard capital of the world, home to iconic shops like Kopp’s, Leon’s, and Gilles.

National Ice Cream Days

National Happiness Happens Day was launched in 1999 by the Secret Society of Happy People to encourage the open expression of joy. Originally called “Admit You’re Happy Day,” it honors the anniversary of the group’s first member joining in 1998. The group’s mottos include “Happiness Happens” and “Don’t Even Think of Raining on My Parade.”

National Mochi Day was established in 2021 by Mochi Mochi Wagashi, a small business in Hawaii run by owner Jess, who creates handmade versions of the traditional Japanese rice cake. Mochi dates back to Japan’s Nara period (3rd century) and is closely tied to rituals, seasonal festivals, and New Year traditions. It is made by steaming glutinous rice, then pounding and shaping it into soft, chewy cakes.

National Perler Day was created in 2019 by the Perler brand to celebrate the joy of crafting with colorful fuse beads. These tiny plastic beads, which are arranged on pegboards and fused together with heat, allow for pixel-style creations and imaginative designs. The concept originated in 1960s Sweden as a therapeutic activity and was introduced in the U.S. in 1981 by Peter and Dee Dee Schneck. Today, Perler beads remain popular among crafters, kids, and fans of retro art.

National Pickleball Day was founded in 2021 by pickleball instructor Deirdre Morris to promote one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. Invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. The day encourages people of all ages to give it a try.

National Spam Musubi Day was established in 2021 by L&L Hawaiian Barbecue and officially recognized by Hawaii Governor David Y. Ige. The date, 8.08, honors Hawaii’s 808 area code while celebrating Spam musubi—a snack that pairs grilled Spam with rice and nori.

National Spam Musubi Day

National Tarantula Appreciation Day began in 2019 thanks to the group Palp Friction Tarantulas. Despite their fearsome reputation, tarantulas are generally harmless to humans and are fascinating creatures. There are around 900 known species, and many are known for their gentle nature and unique behaviors, such as flicking urticating hairs in defense.

National Whataburger Day was established in 2023 by the Whataburger brand, this day celebrates over seven decades of bold flavors and Southern hospitality. Whataburger was founded in 1950 by Harmon Dobson in Corpus Christi, Texas, with the goal of creating a burger so big it took two hands to hold. What began as a single stand quickly grew into a beloved regional chain across the Southern United States. Known for its made-to-order burgers, signature orange-and-white stripes, and passionate customer base, Whataburger has become a cherished part of local culture.

Odie Day celebrates the beloved cartoon dog from Garfield, who first appeared in the comic strip on August 8, 1978. Created by Jim Davis, Odie’s goofy personality and loyalty have made him a fan favorite among Garfield readers.

Scottish Wildcat Day 🇬🇧 draws attention to the critically endangered Scottish wildcat, the only native wildcat species in the U.K. With only a few hundred left in the wild, conservation efforts aim to combat habitat loss, hybridization with domestic cats, and human threats to their survival.

Sneak Some Zucchini Into Your Neighbor’s Porch Day was founded by Tom Roy of wellcat.com. This quirky holiday encourages gardeners to secretly share their surplus zucchini with neighbors, especially during harvest season. It’s a humorous solution to a common gardening dilemma and a lighthearted gesture of community.

Top 8 Challenge Day was started by ausEE Inc. in Australia to raise awareness for eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs). On this day, participants avoid the eight most common food allergens—milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish—for 24 hours. The challenge highlights the restrictive diets faced by individuals with eosinophilic conditions. It also coincides with National Eosinophilic Week, observed annually in early August.

Wear Your Mother’s Jewelry Day was created in 2017 by Barbara J. Feldman in honor of her mother, who was born on August 8. As her mother lived with dementia, jewelry became a bridge to memory and connection. Barbara encourages others to wear meaningful heirloom pieces and share stories using hashtags like #MomJewelryDay and #WearYourMothersJewelryDay.

Shop Online for Groceries Day* (Second Friday in August) was established in 2014 to highlight the convenience and growing trend of ordering groceries digitally. The idea builds on early milestones like Pizza Hut’s first online order in 1994 and services like Webvan and Ocado that shaped the online grocery landscape.