August 29 National Days

August 29 is the 241st day of the year (242nd in leap years), with 124 days remaining until the year’s end.

National Days on August 29th — August 29 National Days

The date highlights themes of card games, philosophy, nuclear disarmament, healthy eating, Chinese-American cuisine, team spirit, citrus refreshment, and youth sports. It also marks anniversaries tied to influential thinkers like Edmond Hoyle and John Locke, as well as pivotal global events such as the closure of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site.

Here’s a look at the 8 national and international days celebrated on August 29.

National and International Days on August 29

According to Hoyle Day pays tribute to Edmond Hoyle (1672–1769), the Englishman who became the first major authority on card games. He began teaching the popular game of Whist to London’s elite at age 69 and later published books that set standard rules not only for Whist but also for Chess, Backgammon, and other games. Hoyle’s works gave rise to the phrase “according to Hoyle,” meaning to play by the rules. His death on August 29, 1769, makes this a fitting date of remembrance.

Individual Rights Day commemorates the birthday of philosopher John Locke (1632–1704), whose writings on natural rights—life, liberty, and property—influenced the Enlightenment, the American Revolution, and the U.S. Constitution. The observance was founded by Dr. Tom Stevens of the Objectivist Party to honor Locke’s ideas and remind people that governments should safeguard individual rights rather than infringe on them.

International Day Against Nuclear Tests was proclaimed by the United Nations in 2009 and first observed in 2010. The date marks the closure of the Soviet Semipalatinsk nuclear test site in Kazakhstan on August 29, 1991. It also recalls the first Soviet nuclear test at the site in 1949. The day raises awareness of the devastating human and environmental impact of nuclear testing and supports the goal of a nuclear-weapon-free world.

More Herbs, Less Salt Day encourages people to season food with herbs and spices instead of relying on salt. First mentioned in the 1990s, the day highlights the health risks of high sodium intake, such as high blood pressure and heart disease, while showcasing the flavor and health benefits of herbs, including antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

More Herbs, Less Salt Day

National Chop Suey Day celebrates one of the most iconic dishes of Chinese-American cuisine. While often thought to be an American invention, the dish has roots in Taishan, Guangdong, where a similar dish called tsap seui (“miscellaneous leftovers”) was common. Chop suey—meat, eggs, and vegetables in a starch-thickened sauce served with rice or noodles—gained popularity in the U.S. in the late 19th century as Chinese immigrants adapted recipes to local tastes.

National College Colors Day* (Friday before Labor Day) was founded in 2004 by the College Licensing Company. It encourages students, alumni, and fans across the U.S. to show their school spirit by wearing college colors and apparel, uniting communities around higher education and athletics.

National Lemon Juice Day recognizes the many uses of lemon juice, from flavoring food and drinks to household cleaning and natural remedies. Though the exact origins of the observance are unclear, it pairs well with peak lemon season and serves as a reminder of the fruit’s versatility.

🍋 Related observance, National Lemon Day is celebrated on July 23rd.

National Sport Sampling Day* (observed on the 241st day of the year) was created in 2022 by Steve and Kerry Boyle, co-founders of 2-4-1 Play, alongside National Day Calendar. Inspired by their motto “Life’s 2 Short 4 Just 1 Sport,” the day encourages children to try multiple sports rather than specialize early, aligning with youth development models that promote physical literacy, skill variety, and long-term enjoyment of physical activity.