August 15 National Days

August 15 is the 228th day of the year (229th in leap years), with 138 days remaining in the calendar year.

This day celebrates a wide variety of themes—ranging from cherry harvests and cowboy culture to pet safety, pie baking, and personal growth.

It features food-themed observances like National Lemon Meringue Pie Day, grooming and wellness reminders like National Check the Chip Day and International Relaxation Day, and creative expressions through leathercraft and quirky fictional holidays.

A few observances are tied to specific weekdays, including Hawaiian Shirt Day and National Men’s Grooming Day, while most are fixed to August 15.

Here’s a look at the 12 national and international days celebrated on August 15.

National and International Days on August 15

Chant at the Moon Day was created in 2018 by Stemilt Growers of Wenatchee, Washington to celebrate their high-elevation “Moon Cherries.” These cherries are grown more than 2,600 feet above sea level and are believed by grower Kyle Mathison to benefit from the moon’s gravitational pull, resulting in sweeter, more flavorful fruit. The day encourages people to enjoy these cherries and take a moment to chant at the moon with friends and family.

Hawaiian Shirt Day* (Third Friday in August) celebrates the aloha spirit by encouraging people to wear colorful Hawaiian shirts. Also known as Aloha Friday, the tradition began in Hawaii to promote local garment industries and offer a casual alternative to business attire. The day also ties into Hawaii’s statehood, which was officially recognized on August 21, 1959. It’s a cheerful reminder to embrace joy, community, and a laid-back approach to life—no matter where you are.

I Love Cowboys and Cowgirls Day celebrates the legacy of the American West and the people who helped shape it. Although not founded by an official organization, the day has gained traction since around 2010, especially among teachers, bloggers, and fans of Western heritage. It’s a tribute to the grit, independence, and charm of cowboys and cowgirls, both past and present.

International Relaxation Day encourages people around the world to take a break from stress and recharge. It began in 1985 as National Relaxation Day, proposed by nine-year-old Sean Moeller, and has since gained international recognition. The day promotes rest, mindfulness, and balance in an increasingly busy world.

Kool-Aid Days* (Second Full Weekend in August) is a three-day festival in Hastings, Nebraska—the birthplace of Kool-Aid. Invented by Edwin Perkins in 1927, Kool-Aid evolved from a liquid concentrate called Fruit Smack into the beloved powdered drink. The celebration includes parades, games, and exhibits honoring Nebraska’s official soft drink.

National Back to School Prep Day was launched in 2019 to help families ease the transition from summer break to a structured school routine. Held on August 15, it offers a chance to prepare emotionally and logistically for the year ahead. From organizing supplies to creating new schedules, the day supports students, parents, and teachers in starting strong.

📎 See also our printable National Days Calendar for the School Year 2025–2026.

National Check the Chip Day reminds pet owners of the importance of microchipping—and, just as crucially, keeping the registration information up to date. Created by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), the day highlights a critical fact: a microchip is only useful if the contact details linked to it are accurate. Millions of pets are lost each year, and microchipped animals are far more likely to be returned home. This observance encourages owners to confirm their pet’s chip is registered and that all contact information is current. It also raises awareness about microchipping as a permanent, secure method of pet identification.

National Leathercraft Day honors the time-honored tradition and artistry of working with leather. From ancient civilizations to modern artisans, leather has been used to craft tools, clothing, armor, books, and art. This durable and versatile material requires both skill and creativity to shape, carve, and stitch. The day was established in 2018 by Tandy Leather, a company with deep roots in the leatherworking community, to celebrate the craft’s cultural significance and to recognize the makers who keep it alive.

National Lemon Meringue Pie Day celebrates the beloved dessert with its tart lemon filling, fluffy meringue topping, and buttery crust. The pie has 18th-century European roots and became widely popular in the U.S. by the mid-19th century. The earliest mention of “lemon meringue pie” dates back to 1869.

National Men’s Grooming Day* (Third Friday in August) was established in 2007 by American Crew to promote men’s self-care and grooming habits. From skincare to haircuts and beard care, the day encourages men to prioritize their appearance and well-being in a positive, stigma-free way.

National No SpongeBob Day originated in a 2009 SpongeBob SquarePants episode titled “Gone.” In the story, the residents of Bikini Bottom celebrate a secret holiday by leaving town to take a break from SpongeBob. Fans embraced the humorous idea, and mentions of the day surged online—especially in 2019. Though fictional, it serves as a playful tribute to one of animation’s most iconic characters.

World Greatness Day was created in 2019 by Professor Patrick Businge to inspire people to recognize greatness in themselves and others. Rather than focusing on fame or wealth, the day celebrates everyday acts of courage, creativity, and kindness. Businge also founded Greatness University and authored The Greatness Code to support this vision.