August 26 National Days

August 26 is the 238th day of the year (239th in leap years), with 127 days remaining until the end of the year.

The date is filled with observances that celebrate dogs, cherry popsicles, and even toilet paper, while also promoting awareness of breast cancer prevention and honoring milestones such as women’s suffrage and the contributions of women in web development. It further encourages people to spark inspiration, embrace glitter and joy, and reflect on progress toward equality.

Here’s a look at the 8 national and international days celebrated on August 26.

National and International Days on August 26

National Cherry Popsicle Day celebrates one of the most popular flavors of the frozen treat invented by Frank Epperson in 1905. As an 11-year-old in San Francisco, Epperson accidentally left a soda mixture with a stirring stick outside overnight, where it froze into what he first called an “Epsicle.” By 1923, he patented his invention and rebranded it as the Popsicle, which became a summertime staple. The cherry flavor, in particular, remains a classic favorite.

National Dog Day was founded in 2004 by Colleen Paige, an animal advocate, to honor dogs and promote adoption. The date was chosen to mark the day Paige’s family adopted their first dog, Sheltie, when she was ten. The observance raises awareness of the millions of dogs in shelters awaiting homes, while celebrating the love, loyalty, and service dogs provide as companions, therapy animals, and working partners worldwide.

National Glitter Day invites people to add sparkle and shine to their lives. Though without a specific founder or origin story, it encourages self-expression through glitter in fashion, crafts, and celebrations. The day represents joy, playfulness, and the ability to brighten both everyday life and special occasions.

National Got Checked Day was created in 2021 by First Company Pink, founded by Donna Cioffi, a breast cancer thriver. The campaign promotes early detection through screenings, family history awareness, and healthy lifestyle choices. Observed annually on August 26, the day reminds both women and men to prioritize breast health, encouraging the lifesaving practice of regular checkups with the guiding question: “Got checked?”

National Spark the World Day was launched in 2020 by Simon T. Bailey, a speaker and life coach, to honor people who inspire others in quiet but meaningful ways. It celebrates unsung heroes—teachers, mentors, caregivers, or friends—who lift others up, motivate growth, and spread encouragement without seeking recognition. The day calls for gratitude toward those who spark change in everyday life.

National Toilet Paper Day commemorates the sale of the first toilet paper on a roll in the United States on August 26, 1871. While paper for hygiene was used in China as early as the 6th century, the first U.S. commercial toilet paper came from Joseph Gayetty in 1857 as flat sheets. The modern roll format was patented by Seth Wheeler in 1883 and has since become an essential household product. The observance reflects on both a basic necessity and its surprisingly long history.

National WebMistress Day was founded in 2016 by Kat Valentine to celebrate women in web development and digital work. Valentine, who registered the domain WebMistress.com in 1995, promoted the professional legitimacy of the term “webmistress” as an alternative to “webmaster.” The day recognizes women who design, build, and maintain websites, highlighting their vital role in technology and digital culture.

National Women’s Equality Day commemorates August 26, 1920, when the 19th Amendment was certified, granting women the right to vote in the United States. Congresswoman Bella Abzug helped secure its official designation in 1971, and in 1973 President Richard Nixon issued the first presidential proclamation. Today, the observance honors both the suffragists who fought for voting rights and the ongoing efforts toward gender equality in all areas of society.