August 9 National Days

August 9 is the 222nd day of the year (223rd in leap years), with 144 days remaining until the year ends.

National Days on August 9th updated — August 9 National Days

From honoring Indigenous communities and collaborative workspaces to enjoying the books, desserts, and tropical fruit, today’s themes revolve around heritage, memory, and community. Several observances also take place on the second Saturday in August, adding a spirit of festivity and reflection to the weekend.

Here’s a closer look at the 10 national and international days celebrated on August 9.

Book Lovers Day is an unofficial holiday celebrated each year on August 9, encouraging people to read. Though its origins remain unknown, the day has gained global popularity among bibliophiles. It’s a reminder to put down digital distractions and lose yourself in a good book, whether fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or graphic novels.

Book Lovers Day

International Co-working Day celebrates the global co-working movement and the community-focused spaces that support collaboration and innovation. The observance began in 2010 after Tony Bacigalupo suggested marking the fifth anniversary of Brad Neuberg’s 2005 blog post introducing the idea of co-working. Today, the day honors how coworking has transformed the modern workplace by promoting flexibility, creativity, and shared purpose.

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1994 to commemorate the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations in 1982. Held annually on August 9, it highlights the achievements of indigenous communities while raising awareness of the challenges they face. It also emphasizes their vital contributions to cultural diversity and environmental sustainability.

National Billiards & Pool Day highlights cue sports like billiards and pool, which have entertained people for centuries. Billiards originated in Europe, with records dating back to the 15th century. The earliest billiards table is attributed to Louis XI of France. Pool, a type of billiards game with pockets, got its name from the betting “pools” that surrounded these games. The day celebrates the enduring appeal of these indoor sports and their long standing history.

National Bowling Day* (Second Saturday in August) celebrates one of the world’s oldest sports, with origins tracing back to ancient Egypt around 3200 BCE. The first national observance took place in 1956, sponsored by the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America, General Cigar Company, and NBC-TV, and featured nationwide tournaments that raised funds for the American Red Cross. Though that original event was not repeated, the tradition has been revived in recent years.

National Bowling Day

National Garage Sale Day* (Second Saturday in August) was created by C. Daniel Rhodes in 2001 to encourage neighborhood-wide sales on the same weekend. Garage sales—also known as yard or tag sales—offer a chance to declutter, make extra money, or discover secondhand treasures. The day promotes reusing items, fostering community interaction, and reducing waste through informal exchanges.

National Garage Sale Day

National Hand Holding Day promotes the simple but powerful act of holding hands. This gesture of affection and solidarity can lower stress and release oxytocin, improving mood and connection. The day reminds people that a small touch can make a big emotional impact. It complements other hand-themed observances like Join Hands Day (May) and National Handshake Day (June).

National Passion Fruit Day was created in 2023 to celebrate the tropical fruit’s distinctive flavor and the farmers who grow it. Passion fruit is known for its sweet-tart profile and is used in beverages, desserts, and sauces. This day raises awareness of the fruit’s health benefits and highlights the importance of sustainable farming.

National Rice Pudding Day honors the comforting, globally loved dish made by simmering rice with milk or water and sweeteners. While its exact origin is unknown, versions of rice pudding exist in cultures around the world, from Asia to the Middle East to Europe. In the U.S., it arrived with European immigrants and has continued evolving with diverse culinary traditions. New England recipes often include maple syrup, raisins, or spices like nutmeg and cinnamon.

National Veep Day commemorates August 9, 1974, when Gerald Ford became President following Richard Nixon’s resignation. Ford was the first U.S. President never elected to either the presidency or vice presidency. The day underscores the importance of constitutional succession, rooted in Article II, Section 1, Clause 6, and highlights how democratic systems ensure leadership continuity in times of crisis.