August 17 National Days

August 17 is the 229th day of the year (230th in leap years), with 136 days remaining until the end of the year.

Today’s celebrations span a wide range of themes, including vanilla custard, pineapple juice, black cats, and thrift shopping. The date also recognizes nonprofit organizations, the Baby Boomer generation, and the state of Massachusetts, while encouraging foot care and appreciation for secondhand treasures.

Here’s a look at the 8 national and international days celebrated on August 17.

National and International Days on August 17

Baby Boomers Recognition Day honors the generation born between 1946 and 1964, a period marked by post–World War II optimism, economic growth, and major social change. The day was first celebrated in 2011, created by a small group of bloggers to acknowledge the cultural, economic, and political influence of Baby Boomers. This generation helped shape modern music, civil rights movements, space exploration, and technological innovation, while also driving consumer trends for decades. The date was chosen in part to reflect the spirit of the Woodstock Festival of 1969, a defining cultural moment for many Boomers.

Black Cat Appreciation Day was founded in 2011 by Wayne H. Morris to honor his sister and her beloved black cat, Sinbad, who both passed away that year. The day was created to challenge long-standing superstitions that unfairly link black cats to bad luck and to promote their adoption from shelters, where they are often overlooked.

National I LOVE My Feet Day was created in 2015 by Carolyn D. Jenkins to draw attention to the vital role feet play in mobility, balance, and overall well-being. Feet support the entire body, absorb impact, and enable countless daily activities, yet they are often overlooked in health and self-care routines. This day promotes foot health awareness by encouraging people to practice good hygiene, wear supportive footwear, and seek treatment for issues like pain or injury. It also highlights the benefits of preventative care, such as regular checkups with podiatrists, stretching, and proper footwear choices. Jenkins, who also authored My Feet: An Ode, established the day to inspire people to show appreciation for their feet and to recognize them as the literal foundation of daily life.

National Massachusetts Day recognizes the first New England colony and the sixth state to join the Union. Named for the Indigenous Massachusett people, the state played a pivotal role in American history, from the Mayflower landing in 1620 to its leadership in education, industry, and the independence movement.

National Nonprofit Day was founded in 2017 by Sherita J. Herring to honor the impact of nonprofit organizations and their volunteers. The date ties back to the Tariff Act of 1894, which included tax exemptions for nonprofits—a principle that still shapes their operation today. The day encourages donations, volunteering, and public support for organizations that address pressing social, environmental, and humanitarian needs.

National Pineapple Juice Day was launched in 2023 by Dole to celebrate one of the world’s most popular tropical beverages. Pineapple juice is valued not only for its bright, refreshing flavor but also for its nutritional benefits, including high vitamin C content and bromelain—an enzyme studied for its potential anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.

National Thrift Shop Day promotes the social, economic, and environmental value of shopping secondhand. Thrift stores have roots in the late 19th century, when organizations such as the Salvation Army and Goodwill began selling donated goods to fund community programs. During the Great Depression, they became essential sources for affordable clothing and household items, and today they play a key role in supporting charitable missions, job training programs, and housing initiatives. Shopping at thrift stores also contributes to a circular economy by extending the life of products, reducing waste, and lowering demand for new manufacturing. The rise of online resale platforms has expanded the reach of secondhand shopping, making it a modern and sustainable choice that benefits both communities and the planet.

National Vanilla Custard Day honors a dessert with centuries of history. Custard, a mixture of milk or cream thickened with eggs, dates back to ancient Rome. During the Middle Ages, custard became a common filling for pies and tarts, especially in European kitchens. Vanilla, introduced to Europe from the Americas in the 16th century, elevated the flavor of custard, creating the smooth, aromatic dessert we enjoy today. Beyond its role as a stand-alone treat, vanilla custard is a cornerstone of many classic desserts, from crème brûlée to trifle.