February 8, 2026, is the 39th day of the year, with 326 days remaining, and it falls on a Sunday in the sixth week of the year.
From flying a kite in the open sky to enjoying molasses bars, celebrating the Boy Scouts, or appreciating the magic of opera, this day offers many unique and enriching experiences to celebrate this date.
Below is a list of all 14 national and international days observed on February 8, each explained briefly.
National and International Days on February 8
Autism Sunday* (Second Sunday in February) is a global observance that promotes awareness, inclusion, and support for individuals on the autism spectrum within faith and community settings. It began in the United Kingdom in 2002 and was formally launched at St. Paul’s Cathedral as a grassroots effort encouraging churches to recognize autism and support affected individuals, families, and caregivers. Also known as the International Day of Prayer for Autism and Asperger Syndrome, it has since gained international recognition.
Laugh and Get Rich Day is a playful observance that highlights the connection between laughter and well-being. Based on the idea that health is wealth, it draws attention to the stress-reducing and mood-boosting effects of laughter, including the release of endorphins. The day promotes a positive mindset and sense of humor as factors that can support clearer thinking, stronger relationships, creativity, and productivity.
Man Day* (Sunday before Valentine’s Day) was established in 2002 as a response to the romance-centered focus of Valentine’s Week. It provides a space to recognize men in all roles, including fathers, brothers, partners, and friends.
👨 A similar observance, International Men’s Day, is celebrated on November 19.
National Boy Scouts Day commemorates the founding of the Boy Scouts of America on February 8, 1910, by William Dickson Boyce. Inspired by the British Boy Scouts, Boyce formed the organization after a scout helped guide him through a foggy London street without expecting payment. Over time, millions of boys across the United States have joined, gaining skills in leadership, outdoor survival, and community service.
🏕️ A similar day, National Girl Scout Day, is celebrated annually on March 12.
National Homegating Day* (Every Super Bowl Sunday) celebrates bringing tailgating traditions into the home. Created in 2019 by Luke Lorick of the Tailgating Challenge, the day reflects how many people already enjoy the Super Bowl at home with food, games, and friends instead of gathering in stadium parking lots.
National Iowa Day celebrates the Iowa, also known as the Hawkeye State. It recognizes Iowa’s history as the 29th state to join the Union, its agricultural role as a leading producer of corn and pork, and its cultural contributions, including the invention of sliced bread and the setting of Field of Dreams.
National Kite Flying Day encourages people of all ages to enjoy flying kites outdoors. The day highlights the long history of kites, first invented in China over 2,000 years ago and later used for military signaling, scientific experiments, and artistic expression.
National Molasses Bar Day celebrates molasses bars, a chewy baked treat often flavored with spices like cinnamon and ginger. The day highlights molasses, a thick syrup made during sugar refining, which was widely used as a sweetener in American kitchens during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
National Pork Rind Day* (First Sunday in February, coinciding with Super Bowl Sunday) recognizes pork rinds as a popular game-day snack. Created in 2011 by Rudolph Foods, the observance highlights pork rinds as a high-protein, low-carb alternative to chips and supports the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, which helps retired National Football League players in need.
National Opera Day celebrates the more than 400-year history of opera. The observance highlights the music, storytelling, and stagecraft that define the genre and encourages people to experience opera through live performances, recordings, or visits to historic opera houses.
🎭 A similar celebration, World Opera Day, takes place every year on October 25, honoring the art of opera and commemorating the birthdays of Georges Bizet and Johann Strauss. 🎶✨
Propose Day is part of Valentine’s Week and centers on expressing romantic feelings and intentions. It is commonly linked to asking someone to start a relationship or to clearly state feelings that have remained unspoken. For established couples, the day can also serve as a moment to discuss commitment or future plans.
Super Bowl Sunday* (Date Changes) marks the championship game of the National Football League and is one of the largest sporting events in the United States. Beyond the game itself, it has become a major social occasion, known for halftime performances, widely discussed commercials, and large gatherings centered on watching the broadcast.
Super Chicken Wing Day* (Second Sunday in February) highlights the link between chicken wings and the Super Bowl, tracing the dish to its 1964 creation at Anchor Bar in Buffalo. The observance reflects how wings became central to football gatherings and acts as a Super Bowl–focused counterpart to National Chicken Wing Day, a day when Americans eat more than 1.4 billion wings.
World Marriage Day* (Second Sunday in February) was established in 1983 by the Worldwide Marriage Encounter to honor the commitment of husbands and wives. Rooted in the Catholic Marriage Movement, the observance highlights faithfulness, sacrifice, and the role of marriage in strengthening families and communities. In 1993, the day received an Apostolic Blessing from Pope John Paul II and is now recognized worldwide under the theme “Love One Another.”
National Days in February
February 1 | February 2 | February 3 | February 4 | February 5 | February 6 | February 7 | February 8 | February 9 | February 10 | February 11 | February 12 | February 13 | February 14 | February 15 | February 16 | February 17 | February 18 | February 19 | February 20 | February 21 | February 22 | February 23 | February 24 | February 25 | February 26 | February 27 | February 28
National Days by Month
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