August Awesomeness: A Month of Sunshine, Celebrations & Special Days
As the last full month of summer, August is the perfect blend of sunshine, slower days, and celebration. It’s when we soak up the final rays of summer sun, prep for back-to-school, and indulge in fun national observances like National Watermelon Day, Book Lovers Day, and National Dog Day.
Originally, the month was called Sextilis in the Roman calendar because it was the sixth month., It was renamed August in honor of Emperor Augustus Caesar, who claimed several of his greatest military victories during that time of year.
August is bursting with joy, creativity, and connection — whether you're sipping lemonade on the beach, reading a favorite novel, or baking cookies with the kids. With a little planning, you can turn every day into a mini celebration!
August Birthstone:
The main birthstone for August is Peridot. But there are actually three official birthstones for August. The other two are Spinel and Sardonyx.
Peridot:
Color: Light green to olive green
Symbolism: Peridot is often associated with strength, protection, and good fortune. It’s also believed to promote peace, harmony, and restful sleep.
Origins: This gemstone forms deep within the Earth's mantle and is sometimes found in meteorites — making it one of the few gems that occur in only one color.
Fun Fact: Ancient Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun” and believed it protected its wearer from nightmares and evil spirits.
SPINEL:
Color: Commonly found in shades of red, but also come in pink, lavender, blue, violet, and even black. The most prized is a vivid ruby-red spinel, which is often mistaken for actual rubies.
Symbolism: Spinel is often associated with energy renewal, hope, and revitalization. It’s believed to bring clarity, reduce stress, and encourage passion and perseverance.
Origins: Found in Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma), Tanzania, and Vietnam. Some of the most famous "rubies" in royal crown jewels were later discovered to be spinel!
Fun Fact: The “Black Prince’s Ruby” in the British Imperial State Crown is actually a red spinel, not a ruby!
SARDONYX:
Color: Typically reddish-brown to dark orange with white bands of onyx or chalcedony. The banding gives it a unique, layered appearance.
Symbolism: Sardonyx symbolizes courage, clear communication, protection, and strength. In ancient times, it was worn by warriors for bravery in battle and believed to bring lasting happiness in marriage.
Origins: Found in India, Brazil, Germany, Czechoslovakia, and the United States. Used in cameos and seals for thousands of years due to its hardness and layered beauty.
Fun Fact: Roman soldiers wore sardonyx engraved with Mars (god of war) to give them courage in battle.
August Birth Flower:
The birth flowers for August are the Gladiolus and the Poppy.
🌿 Gladiolus – The Flower of Strength & Integrity
Meaning: The gladiolus symbolizes strength, integrity, and infatuation.
Appearance: Tall, sword-shaped stems with trumpet-like blooms in vibrant colors like pink, red, yellow, purple, and white.
Fun Fact: Its name comes from the Latin gladius, meaning “sword,” which is why it’s often called the “sword lily.”
🌼 Poppy – The Bloom of Imagination & Remembrance
Meaning: Poppies represent imagination, eternal sleep, and remembrance, depending on the color and culture.
Colors & Symbolism:
Red: Remembrance (especially for fallen soldiers)
White: Peace
Yellow or orange: Positive energy and cheer
Fun Fact: Poppies produce seeds that can remain dormant for years and then suddenly bloom — a beautiful metaphor for resilience.
August Zodiac:
August is consistently ranked among the top three months for birthdays in the U.S. The zodiac signs for August are:
♌ Leo (July 23 – August 22)
Symbol: The Lion
Element: Fire
Traits: Confident, charismatic, generous, bold
Ruled by: The Sun 🌞
Fun Fact: Leos love to be in the spotlight and are natural leaders. They're often drawn to creative pursuits like art, drama, or performance.
♍ Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
Symbol: The Virgin
Element: Earth
Traits: Analytical, practical, detail-oriented, nurturing
Ruled by: Mercury 🪐
Fun Fact: Virgos are often known for their organizational skills and their desire to help others. They're perfectionists with a deep love of knowledge and order.
August Awesomeness:
🌎 It’s a Big Month for Meteor Showers
The Perseid Meteor Shower, one of the most active and brightest meteor showers of the year, peaks in mid-August (usually around August 11–13).
Stargazers and photographers often mark their calendars for this stunning celestial event.
🎓 It's Back-to-School Season
In many parts of the U.S., August signals the return of school.
🌻 It’s National Family Fun Month
Families are encouraged to make lasting summer memories through outings, games, and mini adventures before the fall season sets in
📚 Major Events That Happened in August
August 1, 1981: MTV launched with “Video Killed the Radio Star.”
August 15, 1969: Woodstock Music Festival began.
August 28, 1963: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech.
Even though August doesn’t have an official U.S. federal holiday, August still has some fun and interesting observances.
AUGUST HOLIDAYS AND OBSERVANCES
Monthly Holidays and Observances
American Artist Appreciation Month
Back to School Month
Family Fun Month
Family Meal Month
Get Ready for Kindergarten Month
Happiness Happens Month
National Back To School Month
National Eye Exam Month
National Immunization Awareness Month
National Inventors Month
Black Business Month
National Golf Month
National Peach Month
National Sandwich Month
National Wellness Month
Summer Sun Safety Month
August Daily Holidays and Observances
August 1: U.S. Air Force Day, National Girlfriends Day, Respect for Parents Day, National Mountain Climbing Day, Homemade Pie Day, National Spider-Man Day, National Planner Day, Swiss National Day, World Lung Cancer Day, Lammas Day
August 2: Dinosaurs Day, National Coloring Book Day, National Ice Cream Sandwich Day, International Beer Day* (first Friday), National Water Balloon Day
August 3: National Watermelon Day, Clean Your Floors Day, National Disc Golf Day, Sandcastle Day, National Mustard Day* (first Saturday), National Campfire Day* (first Saturday)
August 4: U.S. Coast Guard Birthday, National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day, Assistance Dog Day, National Friendship Day, National Sisters Day, National White Wine Day, American Family Day* (first Sunday)
August 5: Work Like a Dog Day, National Oyster Day, Blogger Day
August 6: National Root Beer Float Day, Wiggle Your Toes Day, National Fresh Breath Day, Farmworker Appreciation Day, Fiesta de San Salvador
August 7: Sea Serpent Day, National Lighthouse Day, National Raspberries and Cream Day, Purple Heart Day
August 8: International Cat Day, International Infinity Day, National Dollar Day, National Frozen Custard Day, National Mochi Day, National Pickleball Day, Take a Penny, Leave a Penny Day
August 9: Book Lovers Day, National Women's Day, International Day of the World’s Indigenous People, National Hand Holding Day, National Rice Pudding Day, International Coworking Day
August 10: Smithsonian Day, National Lazy Day, National Spoil Your Dog Day, National Bowling Day* (second Saturday), Garage Sale Day, National S’mores Day, World Lion Day
August 11: Play in the Sand Day, National Son and Daughter Day, National Face Mask Day, National Hip Hop Day, National Raspberry Bombe Day
August 12: International Youth Day, National Middle Child Day, National Vinyl Record Day, World Elephant Day, Tisha B'Av
August 13: International Left-Handers Day, National Filet Mignon Day, National Prosecco Day
August 14: National Financial Awareness Day, Love Your Bookshop Day, National Creamsicle Day, World Calligraphy Day, World Lizard Day
August 15: National Failures Day, Chant at the Moon Day, National Relaxation Day, National Lemon Meringue Pie Day, National Back To School Prep Day
August 16: Tell a Joke Day, National Roller Coaster Day, National Rum Day, National Authenticity Day, National Hawaiian Shirt Day, National Kool-Aid Day, National Bratwurst Day
August 17: National Black Cat Appreciation Day, International Homeless Animals' Day* (third Saturday), International Geocaching Day, National Nonprofit Day, National Thrift Shop Day, World Honey Bee Day
August 18: Helium Discovery Day, Bad Poetry Day, National Couple's Day, National Fajita Day, National Ice Cream Pie Day, World Breast Cancer Research Day, Tu B'av
August 19: World Photography Day, Orville Wright's Birthday, National Aviation Day, National Potato Day, World Humanitarian Day, International Bow Day, International Orangutan Day
August 20: Virtual Worlds Day, National Lemonade Day, National Radio Day, National Bacon-Lovers Day, National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day
August 21: Poet's Day, National Spumoni Day, National Senior Citizens Day
August 22: International Tongue Twister Day, National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day, National Tooth Fairy Day, National Bao Day, National Burger Day, World Plant Milk Day
August 23: Ride the Wind Day, National Sponge Cake Day, Buttered Corn Day, Hug Your Sweetheart Day, International Blind Dog Day, National Cuban Sandwich Day
August 24: Strange Music Day, Vesuvius Day, National Waffle Day, Pluto Demoted Day
National Peach Pie Day
August 25: National Banana Split Day, National Whiskey Sour Day, National Kiss and Make-Up Day,
National Park Service Day, National Secondhand Wardrobe Day
August 26: National Dog Day, National Women's Equality Day, National Cherry Popsicle Day
August 27: National Just Because Day, International Lottery Day, National Banana Lovers Day, World Rock Paper Scissors Day
August 28: National Red Wine Day, National Bow Tie Day, National Cherry Turnover Day, Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day
August 29: Individual Rights Day, National Chop Suey Day, Lemon Juice Day
More Herbs, Less Salt Day
August 30: National Beach Day, National Grief Awareness Day, National Toasted Marshmallow Day, International Whale Shark Day, National Holistic Pet Day
August 31: National Trail Mix Day, National Matchmaker Day, Eat Outside Day, National Zoo Awareness Day, World Distance Learning Day, International Overdose Awareness Day
Weekly Holidays and Observances
International Clown Week (1-7)
International Assistance Dog Week (4-10)
National Farmers Market Week (4-10)
Exercise with Your Child Week (4-10)
National Video Game Week (first week)
National Scrabble Week (first week)
National Fraud Awareness Week (first week)
National Simplify Your Life Week (5-11)
National Smile Week (second week)
Elvis Week (9-17)
Bargain Hunting Week (12-18)
Friendship Week (third week)
Aviation Week (19-25)
World Water Week (23-27)
Be Kind to Humankind Week (25-31)
Never Miss a Reason to Celebrate!
✨ Fun holiday ideas delivered weekly
🎁 Exclusive gift guides & printables
📅 Monthly calendars packed with quirky observances
👉 Subscribe now and turn every day into a celebration!
Download your monthly calendar and join the Daily Holiday Hub mailing list to get: