August 12 National Days

August 12 is the 225th day of the year (226th in leap years), with 140 days remaining until the end of the year.

Today’s 10 national and international observances shine a spotlight on wildlife conservation, youth empowerment, nostalgic music formats, and classic comfort foods. While many of these days are fixed, others—such as National Middle Child Day—have shifted over time to August 12.

Here’s a look at the national and international days celebrated on August 12.

Baseball Fans Day recognizes the loyal supporters who fill stadiums, follow stats, and cheer from home. Although its origins are unclear, the day draws inspiration from fan-focused events like Fan Fest and Appreciation Days that have long been part of baseball culture. Fans are encouraged to engage with the sport in their own way—whether by attending a game, sharing favorite moments, or enjoying baseball-themed treats.

Hip-Hop Celebration Day commemorates August 11, 1973, when DJ Kool Herc introduced a revolutionary DJing style at a Bronx block party hosted by Cindy Campbell. This moment laid the foundation for the global cultural phenomenon of hip hop. In 2021, the U.S. Congress formally recognized the date as Hip-Hop Celebration Day, marking the genre’s historic roots and ongoing influence on music, art, and social change.

International Youth Day was established in 1999 by U.N. Resolution 54/120 following recommendations from the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth. First celebrated in 2000, the day focuses on global youth issues and promotes the World Programme of Action for Youth. Each year highlights a new theme, drawing attention to the challenges and contributions of young people worldwide.

Milkman Day honors the long-standing tradition of home milk delivery and the dedicated individuals who carried out this daily task. The practice began in the U.S. in the late 18th century, evolving from milk barrels in wagons to sealed glass bottles delivered by truck. Although less common today, some communities still value this nostalgic and sustainable service.

National Gooey Butter Cake Day was created in 2019 by Schnucks Markets to celebrate St. Louis’s signature dessert. According to local legend, the cake originated in the 1930s when a baker reversed the proportions of butter and flour. Rather than discard the mistake, he baked and sold it—sparking a regional favorite. Gooey butter cake is typically flat, dense, sweet, and served like a coffee cake.

National Julienne Fries Day celebrates matchstick-style potato fries, also known as shoestring fries. The julienne cut, which slices vegetables into long thin strips, was first recorded in François Massialot’s 1722 cookbook Le Cuisinier Royal et Bourgeois. Whether served with ketchup or aioli, these fries remain a crispy favorite among food lovers.

National Middle Child Day was created in the 1980s by Elizabeth Walker to honor children born between the eldest and youngest siblings. Originally celebrated on the second Saturday of August, the day is now widely observed on August 12. It brings attention to the often-overlooked “middle child” and the unique role they play in family dynamics.

National Vinyl Record Day was founded by Gary Freiberg of Los Osos, California, to celebrate the cultural significance of vinyl records. The date marks the anniversary of Thomas Edison’s invention of the phonograph in 1877. The day invites music lovers to revisit the analog experience—flipping through album art, dropping the needle, and enjoying music in its physical form.

The Thoughtful Traveller Day was started by The Thinking Traveller to encourage travelers to support local businesses—especially by leaving positive online reviews. Celebrated on August 12, the day also promotes sustainable tourism and respect for local cultures. Participants are encouraged to reflect on how their travel habits impact the communities they visit.

World Elephant Day was founded in 2011 by Canadian filmmaker Patricia Sims and Thailand’s Elephant Reintroduction Foundation. First celebrated in 2012, the day draws attention to the critical threats facing elephants, including poaching, habitat loss, and exploitation in captivity. Conservation efforts focus on protecting wild populations and ensuring humane treatment in sanctuaries. The campaign gained early support from actor William Shatner, who narrated the documentary Return to the Forest.