August 31 National Days

August 31 is the 243rd day of the year (244th in leap years), with 122 days remaining until the year’s end.

National Days on August 31st — August 31 National Days

This final day of August highlights themes of public health, outdoor living, regional heritage, food traditions, conservation, legal professions, traffic safety, education, and literature.

Here’s a look at the 11 national and international days celebrated on August 31.

National and International Days on August 31

International Overdose Awareness Day was first observed in 2001 in Australia, where 6,000 silver ribbons were distributed to spark discussion about overdose. Today it is marked in more than 40 countries, symbolized by the silver ribbon and the color purple. The day reduces stigma surrounding drug-related deaths, honors those lost, and supports families through remembrance and advocacy. The campaign’s motto, “Time to remember. Time to act,” stresses both compassion and prevention.

International Overdose Awareness Day

Love Litigating Lawyers Day, established by the American Bar Association in 2016, celebrates the dedication of litigators in defending clients and upholding justice. The day challenges negative stereotypes of lawyers, highlighting their role in protecting rights and advocating within the legal system. It also aims to inspire young people to pursue careers in litigation and appreciate the demanding but rewarding nature of the profession.

National Diatomaceous Earth Day was founded in 2016 by EP Minerals to recognize diatoms and the mineral they produce. Diatomaceous earth forms from the fossilized shells of microscopic algae, which are responsible for a large share of the Earth’s oxygen production. Used in filtration, agriculture, pest control, and industry, diatomaceous earth highlights the geological and ecological importance of diatoms as the “lungs of the earth.”

National Eat Outside Day invites people to enjoy fresh air, food, and company under the open sky. Though its exact origins are unclear, the observance became more widely recognized in the early 2000s as dining outdoors—through picnics, patios, and food trucks—grew in popularity. The day reminds people to disconnect from indoor routines and reconnect with nature.

National Matchmaker Day, launched in 2016 by ArtCarved Bridal, recognizes those who bring couples together, whether professionally or informally among friends. The day highlights the skill of understanding personalities and values, contrasting the human touch of matchmaking with the rise of dating apps. It celebrates love stories sparked by intuition, insight, and social connection.

National South Carolina Day honors “The Palmetto State,” from its Native American heritage and early colonial history to its role as the eighth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. Known for Charleston’s historic charm, Lowcountry cuisine like shrimp and grits, and beautiful beaches, South Carolina also played a defining role in the start of the Civil War. Today it is celebrated for its culture, hospitality, and natural beauty.

National Trail Mix Day celebrates the portable snack of nuts and dried fruit, with roots stretching back centuries. Native Americans carried pemmican, while Europeans favored nut-and-fruit blends for travel. In 1910, outdoorsman Horace Kephart recommended nuts, raisins, and chocolate for hikers in his book Camping and Woodcraft. California surfers in the 1960s popularized the modern version, and by the 1970s it was sold commercially. The first official reference to August 31 as National Trail Mix Day appeared in The San Francisco Examiner in 2001.

National Zoo Awareness Day, first observed in 1982, highlights the transformation of zoos from private collections into centers for conservation, research, and education. The day underscores the role zoos play in protecting endangered species, fostering environmental stewardship, and connecting the public with wildlife. It also raises awareness about ethical practices and the importance of supporting modern conservation efforts.

We Love Memoirs Day was created in 2013 by memoir authors Victoria Twead and Alan Parks, who founded a Facebook group to connect writers and readers in a supportive community. The observance encourages people to read, share, and discuss memoirs, strengthening appreciation for this literary genre. It celebrates storytelling rooted in personal experience and fosters global connections between readers and authors.

National Days for Book Lovers

World Distance Learning Day traces the evolution of education beyond the classroom, from 18th-century correspondence courses to 21st-century online platforms. The observance gained greater resonance during the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated global adoption of digital learning. The day celebrates the accessibility, flexibility, and opportunities that distance learning offers, while acknowledging its long historical development.

World Stop Sign Day commemorates Detroit police sergeant Harold Jackson, who created the first stop sign on August 31, 1914, to manage a dangerous intersection. Michigan adopted the practice the following year, and the iconic octagonal shape was standardized in 1923. The day was co-founded in 2024 by Hungarian economists Géza Mihályi and Dr. Szabolcs Imreh to honor more than a century of traffic safety shaped by the stop sign.