July 8 National Days

July 8 is the 189th day of the year (190th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, leaving 176 days until the end of the year. Today’s observances highlight playfulness, nostalgia, tech history, health, and summer treats—with several new holidays joining in recent years.

A few celebrations, like Cow Appreciation Day, move each year based on weekday placement. The rest are fixed on July 8.

Here’s a full overview of the 11 national and international days observed on July 8.

National and International Days on July 8

Be a Kid Again Day invites everyone to embrace their inner child, inspired by Nolan Bushnell—the founder of Atari. First celebrated in 1990, the day reminds us to reconnect with play, imagination, and the simple joys of life. The name also connects with A Kid Again, a U.S.-based nonprofit that organizes fun-filled adventures for families of children with life-threatening illnesses. The goal is to bring joy and relief to those who have grown up too fast due to medical challenges.

Cow Appreciation Day* (Second Tuesday in July) was started by Chick-fil-A in 2004 as a fun promotion encouraging customers to dress like cows in exchange for free food. The event celebrates the brand’s famous “Eat Mor Chikin” campaign, first launched in 1995 by the fictional cow Heff R. Jones. The playful message aims to “save cows” by choosing chicken instead—at least for one day.

Math 2.0 Day celebrates the intersection of mathematics and technology. It was introduced in 2009 by the Math Interest Group to encourage exploration of how math underpins advancements in fields like engineering, medicine, finance, and more. The day also highlights how digital tools are transforming the way we learn and use mathematics in everyday life.

🧮 See also Pi Day on March 14 and National STEM Day on November 8. World Math Day is celebrated in March.

National Blueberry Day recognizes the importance of this sweet and nutritious fruit. July was declared National Blueberry Month in 1974, and this specific day began gaining attention in 2003 through efforts by the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council. The blueberry’s commercial cultivation began in the early 1900s thanks to Elizabeth White and USDA botanist Frederick Coville. Their work made blueberries more accessible to consumers and farmers alike.

National Chocolate with Almonds Day offers the perfect excuse to enjoy this classic combination. Smooth chocolate meets crunchy almonds in desserts, bars, and baked goods. This pairing has long been a staple in candy aisles and recipes around the world.

🍫 See also National Almond Day on February 16 and World Chocolate Day on July 7.

National Freezer Pop Day brings a burst of summer refreshment. Founded in 2020 by The Jel Sert Company, makers of brands like Fla-Vor-Ice and Otter Pops, this day encourages people to beat the heat with colorful, icy treats. Freezer pops have been a part of American summer fun for over 60 years and continue to be a nostalgic favorite for kids and adults.

National Love Your Skin Day was created by skincare company Dermastart to raise awareness about skin health. The day encourages adopting simple self-care habits like moisturizing, using sunscreen, and staying hydrated. It serves as a reminder that maintaining healthy skin doesn’t need to be complicated or costly—it starts with consistent, everyday actions.

National Raspberry Day adds a burst of sweetness to July 8. This food holiday, celebrated since 2023, honors one of summer’s most popular berries. Raspberries have a naturally rich flavor, and their vivid color makes them a favorite in desserts, jams, and smoothies. The day encourages not only enjoying fresh berries but also learning about their nutritional value and versatility.

National SCUD Day stands for Savor the Comic, Unplug the Drama. Founded in 2007 by Stephanie West Allen, this day promotes light-heartedness and emotional balance. Allen created the day—and a newsletter of the same name—as a reminder to not take life too seriously. It’s a call to focus on humor, let go of unnecessary stress, and unplug from drama.

National Video Game Day is a celebration of gaming history, innovation, and community. The day traces its roots to the early 1990s, possibly first observed in 1991 and linked to David Earle of Kid Vid Warriors. Another origin story points to someone from the Video Game History Foundation. Either way, July 8 honors the growth of gaming culture, including milestones like Nintendo’s Game Boy (1989), the Nintendo DS, and the rise of handheld consoles.

🎮 A separate but related day, National Video Games Day, is celebrated on September 12. Gaming fans also mark Mario Day on March 10 and Tetris Day on June 6.

Oneofusismissing Day was created in 2021 by Latonya Brown following the sudden loss of her daughter. The day began as a personal way to honor grief and soon grew into a broader observance for collective healing. It invites people to remember loved ones who have passed, share their stories, and acknowledge the quiet pain many carry. The day encourages reflection, empathy, and connection through shared remembrance.