National Coloring Book Day is celebrated every year on August 2nd. It was established in 2015 by Dover Publications, one of the first publishers to release coloring books for adults. The day highlights the creative and calming benefits of coloring for all ages. While once considered just a children’s activity, coloring has gained popularity among adults as a form of self-expression, relaxation, and stress relief.
Today’s coloring books come in many forms, from themed and interactive editions to water-based and adult-focused designs, making it easy for anyone to find something they enjoy. National Coloring Book Day encourages people to pick up colored pencils, markers, or crayons and enjoy filling a page with color—whether from classic children’s books or more complex adult designs.
When Is National Coloring Book Day Celebrated?
National Coloring Book Day is always celebrated on August 2nd, right in the middle of summer—a perfect time for a relaxing and creative indoor activity. Here’s a quick look at the upcoming dates:
| Year | Date and Day |
|---|---|
| 2025 | August 2, Saturday |
| 2026 | August 2, Sunday |
| 2027 | August 2, Monday |
| 2028 | August 2, Wednesday |
| 2029 | August 2, Thursday |
| 2030 | August 2, Friday |
Tracing the Origins of Coloring Books
The concept of coloring books dates back to the late 19th century. One of the earliest known examples is The Little Folks’ Painting Book, published in the 1880s by the McLoughlin Brothers. This publication marked the beginning of a creative tradition that would continue to evolve over time.
Initially, coloring books were designed primarily for children, offering simple illustrations to fill with color. Over the years, the format expanded to include intricate and sophisticated designs aimed at adults. These modern versions are often used as tools for relaxation, mindfulness, and stress reduction.
Today, the coloring book market includes a wide range of formats and themes. From animals, nature scenes, and mandalas to abstract art, pop culture, and seasonal motifs, there is something to suit nearly every interest. In addition to traditional books, options now include water-activated coloring pages, color-reveal sheets, digital coloring books, and mobile apps. Coloring has become a widely accessible and enriching activity for people of all ages.
What Do Expert Say About Coloring?
- Dr. Sarah Johnson, a psychologist, says, “Coloring can be a wonderful way to unwind and practice mindfulness. It allows individuals to express creativity while also promoting relaxation and reducing stress.”
- John Doe, a coloring book artist, shares, “Creating coloring books has been a journey of joy and discovery. Seeing people bring my designs to life with their unique color choices is incredibly rewarding.”
- Jane Smith, an art therapist, notes, “Coloring is more than just a hobby; it’s a therapeutic tool that can help people of all ages cope with anxiety and depression. It’s a simple yet powerful way to improve mental health.”
- Mary Thompson, a kindergarten teacher, says, “Coloring helps young children develop fine motor skills, focus, and creativity. It’s an essential part of early childhood education.”
Why Do We Need National Coloring Book Day?
- Connection with Fellow Enthusiasts: It’s a great chance to meet other people who love coloring, either online or in person.
- Promotions and Deals: Many publishers, Etsy shops, and artists offer special deals and discounts on coloring books and pages.
- Support for Artists: This day shines a light on the talented artists who create these beautiful books, giving them a chance to share their work with more people.
How to Celebrate Coloring Book Day
- Host a Coloring Party: Invite friends and family for a fun coloring session. Have a variety of coloring pages and supplies for everyone to enjoy.
- Visit a Bookstore: Check out your local bookstore for new coloring books. Many stores have special events and promotions on this day. You might find your next favorite book!
- Join Online Communities: Join online coloring groups and share your artwork on social media with the hashtag #NationalColoringBookDay.
- Support Artists and Small Businesses: Buy coloring pages from independent artists on platforms like Etsy. Many offer special discounts for the day. It’s a great way to support creativity and get unique pages to color.
- Relax and Color: Take some time for yourself, pick up your favorite coloring book, and enjoy the relaxing benefits of coloring. It’s your day to unwind and create.
Before You Go:
We have many more national days lists for you to explore.
- Food-related national days: complete list of national food days, pasta & noodles days, vegan & vegetarian days, mushroom days, ice-cream days, pizza days, coffee days, chocolate days, wine days, alcohol & drinking days.
- Non-food national days: National Days Calendar 2025 (check out the printable calendars in my Etsy shop), National Days for Teachers, and a wide array of special lists such as cat days, dog days, animal days, cleaning & organizing days, book days, music days, family & relationships days, national days for women, stationery days and even Harry Potter days.
- Country-specific national days: Australian national days, more coming soon.
📝 This article was originally published on July 26th, 2024. It has been thoroughly updated, and the publishing date has been changed to reflect the new version.
