August 2026 Holidays & Events

Complete list of worldwide holidays, observances, and special events in August 2026

August 2026 Holidays Worldwide

Complete list of holidays and observances around the globe

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August 1, 2026 (Saturday)

World Lung Cancer Day

Global

Raises awareness about the causes and treatment of lung cancer and the importance of early detection. The day highlights the fact that lung cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, accounting for nearly one in five cancer deaths.

Health observance, not a public holiday

August 1, 2026 (Saturday)

Emancipation Day

Caribbean countries parts of Canada

Commemorates the abolition of slavery in the British Empire in 1834. The day is observed as a public holiday in many Caribbean countries and territories.

Public holiday in some regions

August 2, 2026 (Sunday)

National Coloring Book Day

United States

Celebrates coloring books and the joy of coloring. The day encourages people of all ages to engage in this creative and relaxing activity.

Observance, not a public holiday

August 7, 2026 (Friday)

International Beer Day

Global

Celebrates beer and the people who brew and serve it. The day encourages people to gather with friends and enjoy beer from all cultures and countries.

Observance, not a public holiday

August 8, 2026 (Saturday)

International Cat Day

Global

Celebrates the companionship cats provide and raises awareness about ways to help and protect cats. The day was created in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare.

Observance, not a public holiday

August 9, 2026 (Sunday)

International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

Global

UN observance that promotes and protects the rights of the world's indigenous population. The date marks the day of the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations in 1982.

UN observance, not a public holiday

August 10, 2026 (Monday)

National S'mores Day

United States

Celebrates the traditional campfire treat consisting of a roasted marshmallow and a layer of chocolate sandwiched between two pieces of graham cracker. The day encourages people to enjoy this sweet treat.

Observance, not a public holiday

August 12, 2026 (Wednesday)

International Youth Day

Global

UN observance that brings youth issues to the attention of the international community and celebrates the potential of youth as partners in today's global society. The day was designated by the UN in 1999.

UN observance, not a public holiday

August 13, 2026 (Thursday)

International Lefthanders Day

Global

Celebrates the uniqueness and differences of left-handed individuals. The day raises awareness about the advantages and disadvantages of being left-handed in a predominantly right-handed world.

Observance, not a public holiday

August 15, 2026 (Saturday)

Assumption of Mary

Many countries especially in Europe and Latin America

Christian feast day that commemorates the bodily taking up of the Virgin Mary into Heaven at the end of her earthly life. It is a public holiday in many countries with significant Catholic populations.

Religious holiday, public holiday in some countries

August 15, 2026 (Saturday)

Indian Independence Day

India

National holiday in India commemorating the nation's independence from the United Kingdom on August 15, 1947. The day is observed with flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades, and cultural events.

National holiday in India

August 17, 2026 (Monday)

Indonesian Independence Day

Indonesia

National holiday in Indonesia commemorating the declaration of independence from the Netherlands on August 17, 1945. The day is celebrated with flag ceremonies, parades, and various competitions.

National holiday in Indonesia

August 19, 2026 (Wednesday)

World Humanitarian Day

Global

UN observance that honors humanitarian workers who have lost their lives or been injured in the course of their work, and recognizes the ongoing work of humanitarian staff around the world. The day was designated by the UN in 2008.

UN observance, not a public holiday

August 21, 2026 (Friday)

World Senior Citizen's Day

Global

Recognizes and honors the contributions of elderly people to society. The day raises awareness of issues affecting older people, such as deterioration of health and elder abuse.

Observance, not a public holiday

August 22, 2026 (Saturday)

International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief

Global

UN observance that condemns continuing violence and acts of terrorism targeting individuals, including persons belonging to religious minorities, on the basis of or in the name of religion or belief.

UN observance, not a public holiday

August 23, 2026 (Sunday)

International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition

Global

UNESCO observance that commemorates the uprising in Santo Domingo (today Haiti and the Dominican Republic) that initiated the abolition of slavery in the Caribbean. The day honors those who worked to end the slave trade and slavery itself.

UNESCO observance, not a public holiday

August 26, 2026 (Wednesday)

Women's Equality Day

United States

Commemorates the 1920 adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which prohibits the states and the federal government from denying the right to vote to citizens of the United States on the basis of sex.

Observance, not a public holiday

August 26, 2026 (Wednesday)

National Dog Day

United States

Celebrates all breeds of dogs and aims to encourage dog ownership of mixed breed and purebred dogs. The day raises awareness about the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year.

Observance, not a public holiday

August 29, 2026 (Saturday)

International Day Against Nuclear Tests

Global

UN observance that raises awareness about the effects of nuclear weapon test explosions and the need for their cessation. The day was established in 2009 to commemorate the closure of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site in Kazakhstan in 1991.

UN observance, not a public holiday

August 30, 2026 (Sunday)

International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances

Global

UN observance that draws attention to the fate of individuals imprisoned at places unknown to their relatives and/or legal representatives. The day was established by the UN in 2010.

UN observance, not a public holiday

August 31, 2026 (Monday)

Malaysia National Day

Malaysia

National holiday in Malaysia commemorating the independence of the Federation of Malaya from British colonial rule in 1957. The day is celebrated with parades, cultural events, and fireworks.

National holiday in Malaysia

August Monthly Observances

Month-long awareness campaigns and celebrations

National Immunization Awareness Month

Highlights the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. The month raises awareness about the role vaccines play in preventing serious, sometimes deadly, diseases.

National Water Quality Month

Emphasizes the importance of clean water and encourages actions to protect water sources. The month raises awareness about water pollution and conservation efforts.

National Wellness Month

Focuses on self-care, stress management, and promoting healthy routines. The month encourages people to create healthy habits and practices that improve their overall well-being.

Black Business Month

Celebrates and supports Black-owned businesses across the United States. The month encourages consumers to recognize and patronize these businesses.

National Peach Month

Celebrates peaches, which are at their peak season in August in many parts of the United States. The month promotes the nutritional benefits and versatility of peaches.

National Golf Month

Promotes the sport of golf and encourages people of all ages to take up the game. The month coincides with ideal weather for golfing in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere.

National Eye Exam Month

Encourages people to get their eyes checked and raises awareness about eye health. The month promotes the importance of regular eye examinations for early detection of eye problems.

Family Fun Month

Encourages families to spend time together before the school year begins. The month promotes activities that families can enjoy together during the last full month of summer vacation.

August Weekly Observances

Special weeks celebrated during August

National Farmers Market Week (First Week)

Celebrates farmers markets and the important role they play in the food system. The week highlights the direct connection between farmers and consumers that farmers markets provide.

National Smile Week (Second Week)

Encourages people to smile more often and spread happiness. The week promotes the benefits of smiling for both mental and physical health.

National Aviation Week (Third Week)

Celebrates the development and advancement of aviation. The week coincides with the birthday of Orville Wright, who, along with his brother Wilbur, made the first successful powered flight.

Be Kind to Humankind Week (Last Week)

Encourages people to spread kindness and compassion. The week promotes acts of kindness and consideration towards others to create a more positive and harmonious world.

Holidays for other month:

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August 2026 Calendar Downloads

Free printable August calendars with holidays

Calendar August 2026 with Holidays

August 2026 Calendar with Holidays

Standard monthly calendar with all major holidays and observances marked. Perfect for planning your month.

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August 2026 Printable Monthly Calendar

August 2026 Printable Calendar with Notes

Monthly calendar with extra space for notes and reminders. Ideal for tracking appointments and tasks.

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August 2026 Landscape Calendar with notes

August 2026 Calendar Landscape

Horizontal layout calendar with holidays. Great for desk planning or wall display.

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Need a Custom August Calendar?

Create a personalized August 2026 calendar with your own events, holidays, and design preferences.