August 16 National Days

August 16 is the 229th day of the year (230th in leap years), leaving 136 days remaining until the end of the year.

The date blends historical milestones, cultural traditions, and fun celebrations. Some observances have deep historical roots, such as National Airborne Day, which honors the first official U.S. Army parachute jump, and National Backflow Prevention Day, created to raise awareness about safe drinking water after a tragic 1933 outbreak.

Others are lighthearted, like National Tell a Joke Day, National Roller Coaster Day and Break the Monotony Day, which encourage joy and spontaneity. The third Saturday in August also brings global events such as World Honey Bee Day, International Homeless Animals Day, and International Geocaching Day, drawing attention to environmental stewardship and community connection.

Here’s a look at the 14 national and international days celebrated on August 16.

National and International Days on August 16

Break the Monotony Day* (Third Saturday in August): This day encourages people to break free from repetitive routines and explore something new. Whether it’s trying a new hobby, visiting an unfamiliar place, or simply changing a daily habit, breaking monotony can spark creativity, improve mental health, and build adaptability. The concept is based on research showing that novelty stimulates the brain, helping people feel more engaged and motivated.

International Geocaching Day* (Third Saturday in August): Celebrated since 2011, this day recognizes the global geocaching community, a network of treasure hunters using GPS to find hidden containers called geocaches. Geocaching began in May 2000 when Dave Ulmer hid the first cache near Beavercreek, Oregon, shortly after GPS signals became freely available for public use. The day promotes curiosity, problem-solving, and outdoor adventure.

International Homeless Animals Day* (Third Saturday in August): Founded in 1992 by the International Society for Animal Rights, this observance raises awareness about the plight of homeless pets and promotes adoption, spay/neuter programs, and responsible pet ownership. Events often include adoption fairs, fundraisers, and educational campaigns supporting animal shelters.

National Airborne Day: Created in 2002 by President George W. Bush and later recognized by the U.S. Senate, this day honors the nation’s airborne forces. It commemorates August 16, 1940, when the first official Army parachute jump at Fort Benning, Georgia validated the concept of deploying troops behind enemy lines by air.

National Authenticity Day: Launched in 2021 by Erin Hatzikostas, founder of b Authentic Inc., this day celebrates the value of being genuine in personal and professional life. It encourages people to lead with honesty, reject unnecessary workplace “performance,” and embrace authenticity as a path to success and connection.

National Backflow Prevention Day: Established in 2021 by Watts Water Technologies, this day educates the public about preventing backflow—when water flows in reverse, potentially contaminating clean supplies. The date recalls the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair, where a backflow incident spread amoebic dysentery to hundreds of guests, leading to dozens of deaths and sparking advancements in water safety systems.

National Energy Multiplier Day: Created in 2020 by Liquid I.V., this day promotes sustained energy and wellness. Named after their Energy Multiplier product, which combines matcha, guayusa, and ginger, it encourages people to fuel their bodies in ways that support activity, mood, and focus.

National Independent Worker Day: Founded in 2019 by iPSE-U.S., this observance recognizes freelancers, contractors, gig workers, and other self-employed professionals. It highlights their economic contributions and the flexibility they bring to industries, and the challenges they face without traditional employee benefits.

National Roller Coaster Day: This day honors one of the most iconic forms of amusement park entertainment. It marks the anniversary of the 1898 patent granted to Edwin Prescott for a looping roller coaster design, a milestone that helped shape the thrill ride industry. Early roller coasters evolved from 19th-century “inclined railways,” originally built as scenic rides or to transport goods, into attractions designed purely for excitement.

National Rum Day: This day honors rum, one of the world’s oldest and most storied spirits. Rum originated in the Caribbean during the 17th century, when enslaved laborers on sugar plantations discovered that molasses, a byproduct of sugar refining, could be fermented and distilled into alcohol. The resulting spirit quickly became a valuable commodity, fueling global trade routes and playing a role in the so-called “triangular trade” between Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

National Tell A Joke Day: A lighthearted observance encouraging humor and human connection through joke-telling. While its origins are unclear, the day underscores laughter’s benefits for stress relief, social bonding, and mental health.

Surveillance Day: Encourages public discussion about the role of surveillance in modern life, from security cameras to facial recognition technologies. It invites reflection on balancing public safety with individual privacy rights.

World Bratwurst Day: Celebrates the German sausage known as bratwurst, with records dating back to 1313 in Nuremberg. The city’s Nürnberger Rostbratwurst is protected by EU law, meaning it can only be produced locally. In the U.S., Wisconsin is a major bratwurst hub, often marking the day with festivals and cookouts.

World Honey Bee Day* (Third Saturday in August) – Begun in the United States in 2009 as National Honey Bee Day, this event was created by beekeepers to raise awareness of honey bees’ vital role in pollination and food production. It also promotes sustainable beekeeping practices and the protection of bee habitats.