August 2026 spans 31 days, beginning on Saturday, August 1, 2026, and ending on Monday, August 31, 2026. It is the eighth month of the calendar year, positioned within Q3 2026.
Named after Augustus Caesar by the Roman Senate in 8 BC, August carries no US federal public holidays — making it the only month in the American calendar year without one.
Despite this, it is among the most event-dense months globally, with public holidays across the United Kingdom, Canada, the Philippines, India, and dozens of other nations, alongside a full calendar of national days, awareness campaigns, and significant astronomical events.
Table of Contents
What Is the August 2026 Calendar?
August 2026 starts on a Saturday and contains 31 days, with no US federal holidays. The month bridges peak summer and the back-to-school transition in the Northern Hemisphere, while marking the end of meteorological winter in the Southern Hemisphere.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Month number | 8th month of the year |
| Quarter | Q3 2026 |
| First day | Saturday, August 1, 2026 |
| Last day | Monday, August 31, 2026 |
| Total days | 31 |
| US federal holidays | 0 |
| Full Moon | Friday, August 28, 2026 |
| New Moon | Thursday, August 13, 2026 |
| Zodiac signs | Leo (until August 22) / Virgo (from August 23) |
| Primary birthstone | Peridot |
| Birth flowers | Gladiolus and Poppy |
| Season (Northern Hemisphere) | Late summer |
| Season (Southern Hemisphere) | Late winter |
The “Dog Days” of summer, a period defined astronomically by the heliacal rising of Sirius, officially end on August 11. The sun transitions from Leo season into Virgo season on Saturday, August 23, 2026.
The History and Origin of August
August was originally called Sextilis in the Roman calendar, meaning “sixth month,” before Julius Caesar’s calendar reforms repositioned it as the eighth.
The Roman Senate renamed it in honour of Augustus Caesar in 8 BC, citing his military victories during that month, including the conquest of Egypt and the suppression of the Cantabrian War. Augustus also adjusted the month from 29 to 31 days to match the length of Julius Caesar’s July.
Symbols Associated with August 2026
August carries three official birthstones: Peridot (the primary stone, known as the “gem of the sun” and associated with strength and protection), Spinel, and Sardonyx.
Its birth flowers are the Gladiolus, representing strength of character and integrity, and the Poppy, symbolising remembrance and peace. The zodiac elements governing August are Fire (Leo) and Earth (Virgo).
August 2026 Public Holidays by Country — Global Holiday Calendar
Public holidays in August 2026 vary significantly by country. The United States has no federal observances, while the United Kingdom, Canada, the Philippines, India, and several other nations observe statutory public holidays this month.
United States — No Federal Holidays in August 2026
August 2026 contains zero US federal public holidays. August is the only month in the American calendar year with no federally designated public holiday. The nearest federal holiday is Labour Day, which falls on Monday, September 7, 2026.
This does not mean the month is without official observances at the state level. Several US states designate their own August holidays for government offices and employees.
US State Holidays in August 2026
Four US states observe official August holidays in 2026.
| Holiday | State | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Family Day | Arizona | Sunday, August 2, 2026 | First Sunday of August; state-recognised, encourages family time |
| Victory Day | Rhode Island | Monday, August 10, 2026 | Second Monday of August; marks the end of World War II (V-J Day); state government holiday |
| Hawaii Statehood Day (Admission Day) | Hawaii | Friday, August 21, 2026 | Third Friday of August; commemorates Hawaii’s admission as the 50th US state on August 21, 1959 |
| Lyndon B. Johnson Day | Texas | Thursday, August 27, 2026 | Marks LBJ’s birthday; partial state government closure |
These holidays apply primarily to state government offices and do not affect private sector employees unless specified by employer policy.
United Kingdom — August Bank Holiday 2026
The UK Summer Bank Holiday in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland falls on Monday, August 31, 2026. Scotland observes a separate bank holiday on the first Monday of August — Monday, August 3, 2026 — and does not observe the late August date shared by the rest of Great Britain.
The August 31 bank holiday creates a three-day weekend for most workers in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Banks, government offices, and many businesses close. This is the final bank holiday before Christmas in England and Wales.
Canada — Civic Holiday Long Weekend, August 2026
Canada’s Civic Holiday falls on Monday, August 3, 2026, the first Monday of August, creating a long weekend. This holiday is not a statutory federal holiday and is not observed uniformly across all provinces.
Provincial names and observance status for the August 2026 long weekend:
| Province / Territory | Holiday Name | Observed |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Simcoe Day (Toronto) / Civic Holiday | Yes |
| Alberta | Heritage Day | Yes |
| British Columbia | British Columbia Day | Yes |
| Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan Day | Yes |
| Manitoba | Terry Fox Day | Yes |
| Ottawa (federal capital) | Colonel By Day | Yes |
| Quebec | Not observed | No |
| Prince Edward Island | Not observed | No |
| Nova Scotia | Not observed | No |
Philippines — National Heroes Day, August 2026
National Heroes Day in the Philippines falls on Monday, August 31, 2026. It is a regular public holiday observed nationwide, honouring Filipino heroes who contributed to the country’s independence and sovereignty. National Heroes Day is always observed on the last Monday of August.
India — Independence Day, August 2026
India’s Independence Day falls on Saturday, August 15, 2026. It is a national public holiday observed across all states and union territories, commemorating India’s independence from British rule on August 15, 1947. Flag-hoisting ceremonies are held at the Red Fort in New Delhi and at government institutions nationwide.
Global Public Holidays in August 2026 — Country Reference Table
| Country | Holiday | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | Swiss National Day | Saturday, August 1, 2026 |
| Jamaica | Independence Day | Thursday, August 6, 2026 |
| Singapore | National Day | Sunday, August 9, 2026 |
| India | Independence Day | Saturday, August 15, 2026 |
| South Korea | Liberation Day (Gwangbokjeol) | Saturday, August 15, 2026 |
| Indonesia | Independence Day | Monday, August 17, 2026 |
| Ukraine | Independence Day | Monday, August 24, 2026 |
| United Kingdom (Scotland) | Summer Bank Holiday | Monday, August 3, 2026 |
| United Kingdom (England, Wales, N. Ireland) | Summer Bank Holiday | Monday, August 31, 2026 |
| Canada | Civic Holiday (provincial) | Monday, August 3, 2026 |
| Philippines | National Heroes Day | Monday, August 31, 2026 |
| Moldova | Independence Day | Tuesday, August 27, 2026 |
| Malaysia | National Day (Hari Merdeka) | Monday, August 31, 2026 |
August 2026 Monthly Awareness Campaigns & Observance Themes
August hosts a concentrated set of month-long awareness campaigns across health, lifestyle, and community sectors. These observances run for the full month of August 2026 and are recognised by national health bodies, nonprofits, and government agencies in the United States and internationally.
Health & Wellness Awareness Months in August 2026
The following health observances are active throughout August 2026.
National Immunization Awareness Month — coordinated by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this campaign targets vaccine-preventable diseases across all age groups, with particular emphasis on back-to-school immunisation requirements for children entering primary and secondary education.
National Wellness Month — promotes self-care routines, stress management practices, and sustainable healthy habits. The National Wellness Institute leads the campaign, targeting burnout prevention heading into the autumn work cycle.
Healthy Aging Month, run by the Healthy Aging Campaign, focuses on the physical, social, mental, and financial dimensions of growing older positively. Targets adults aged 45 and above.
National Eye Exam Month — promoted by the American Optometric Association, encouraging vision check-ups before the academic year begins. Undetected vision problems are a documented contributor to reading and learning difficulties in school-age children.
National Water Quality Month — aligned with the Environmental Protection Agency’s clean water goals, focused on freshwater conservation and awareness around water contamination risks.
Autoinflammatory Awareness Month — raises awareness for rare autoinflammatory diseases, including Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), CAPS, and TRAPS. Led by the Autoinflammatory Alliance.
Lifestyle & Community Observances in August 2026
National Back to School Month — the dominant cultural observance of August, reflecting the return to formal education for students across the United States and many Commonwealth countries. The National Retail Federation reports back-to-school spending as one of the two largest retail events of the American calendar year.
National Dog Month — one of August’s most shared awareness themes across social media. Tied to National Dog Day on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, and aligned with adoption awareness campaigns run by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
Family Fun Month — promotes intentional family activities during the summer wind-down period, targeting families with school-age children before the academic routine resumes.
National Golf Month — recognised by the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) of America to encourage golf participation, particularly among youth and beginners.
National Peach Month — celebrates peak peach harvest season in the southeastern United States, particularly Georgia, South Carolina, and California. Supported by the National Peach Council.
National Sandwich Month — observed since 1992, covering the cultural breadth of the sandwich across American culinary history.
National Days in August 2026 — Week by Week
August 2026 contains over 100 national and international observance days. The following week-by-week breakdown covers the most widely recognised and most-searched observances for each date.
August 1–7, 2026 — National Days & Appreciation Days
Saturday, August 1, 2026
- National Girlfriends Day — celebrates platonic female friendships
- Respect for Parents Day — encourages adults to honour their parents
- National Play Outside Day — observed on the first Saturday of every month; promotes outdoor activity
- Swiss National Day — public holiday in Switzerland; marks the Federal Charter of 1291
- World Beer Day — global celebration of beer culture and craft brewing
Sunday, August 2, 2026
- National Ice Cream Sandwich Day — widely observed across US food and restaurant brands
- National Sisters Day — first Sunday of August; celebrates sisterhood, both biological and chosen
- Friendship Day — first Sunday of August; recognised by the United Nations as International Day of Friendship on July 30, though August observances persist culturally
- International Forgiveness Day — first Sunday of August
- American Family Day — Arizona state holiday
Monday, August 3, 2026
- National Watermelon Day — celebrates one of summer’s highest-consumption fruits; the US Department of Agriculture reports per capita watermelon consumption at approximately 15 pounds per year
- Canada Civic Holiday / Provincial Day — public holiday across most Canadian provinces
- Scotland August Bank Holiday — public holiday in Scotland
Tuesday, August 4, 2026
- National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day — the chocolate chip cookie was invented in 1938 by Ruth Wakefield at the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts
- National Coast Guard Day (US) — marks the founding of the US Coast Guard on August 4, 1790
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
- National Work Like a Dog Day — recognises dedicated effort and work ethic
- National Underwear Day — originated in New York in 2003 by Freshpair as a promotional event
- National Oyster Day — celebrates the oyster, which is both a culinary staple and a critical marine filtration organism
Thursday, August 6, 2026
- National Root Beer Float Day — the root beer float was created by Frank J. Wisner in Colorado in 1893
- Jamaica Independence Day — public holiday; Jamaica gained independence from the United Kingdom on August 6, 1962
- National Fresh Breath Day — promotes oral hygiene awareness
Friday, August 7, 2026
- Purple Heart Day (US) — marks the anniversary of the Purple Heart military decoration, established by George Washington on August 7, 1782
- National Lighthouse Day — commemorates the US Lighthouse Establishment Act signed on August 7, 1789
- International Beer Day — first Friday of August; a separate observance from World Beer Day on August 1
- National Water Balloon Day — first Friday of August
August 8–14, 2026 — National Days & Appreciation Days
Saturday, August 8, 2026
- International Cat Day — founded in 2002 by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW); consistently ranks among the highest-engagement animal observance days on social media globally
- National Happiness Happens Day — promoted by the Secret Society of Happy People since 1999
- National Pickleball Day — pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the United States, with the Sports & Fitness Industry Association reporting over 36 million players as of 2023
- National Dollar Day — marks the establishment of the US dollar system by Congress on August 8, 1786
Sunday, August 9, 2026
- National Book Lovers Day — celebrates reading and literacy; promotes independent bookshops
- Singapore National Day — public holiday; Singapore became an independent nation on August 9, 1965
- National Passion Fruit Day — celebrates the passion fruit, native to South America and widely cultivated across tropical regions
Monday, August 10, 2026
- National Lazy Day — encourages rest and deliberate inactivity
- National S’mores Day — the s’more recipe first appeared in a 1927 Girl Scouts handbook titled Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts
- World Lion Day — founded in 2013 by Big Cat Rescue; the African lion (Panthera leo) is currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List
- Rhode Island Victory Day — state public holiday; second Monday of August
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
- Dog Days of Summer End — astronomical marker; the heliacal rising of Sirius ends on August 11 in the Northern Hemisphere
- National Son’s and Daughter’s Day — encourages quality time between parents and children
- National Presidential Joke Day — tied to a 1984 off-air remark by President Ronald Reagan
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
- International Youth Day (United Nations) — established by the UN General Assembly in 1999 (Resolution 54/120); observed globally to highlight issues facing young people
- World Elephant Day — founded in 2012 by filmmaker Patricia Sims; both the African elephant (Loxodonta africana) and Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) are currently listed as Vulnerable and Endangered, respectively, on the IUCN Red List
- National Middle Child Day — recognised since 1986
- National Vinyl Record Day — marks the anniversary of Thomas Edison’s invention of the phonograph on August 12, 1877
Thursday, August 13, 2026
- International Left-Handers Day — established in 1976 by the Left-Handers Club (UK); left-handedness occurs in approximately 10% of the global population
- National Prosecco Day — celebrates the Italian DOC sparkling wine produced in the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions
- National Filet Mignon Day — recognises the tenderloin cut, sourced from the small end of the psoas major muscle
Friday, August 14, 2026
- National Creamsicle Day — the Creamsicle was patented by Frank Epperson, who also created the Popsicle, in the 1920s
- National Navajo Code Talkers Day — marks the anniversary of the day declared by President Reagan in 1982, honouring Navajo Marines who used their language as an unbroken military cipher during World War II
- World Lizard Day — over 6,000 species of lizards exist, comprising the majority of the order Squamata
August 15–21, 2026 — National Days & Appreciation Days
Saturday, August 15, 2026
- India Independence Day — national public holiday; marks independence from British rule on August 15, 1947
- South Korea Liberation Day (Gwangbokjeol) — public holiday; marks liberation from Japanese colonial rule on August 15, 1945
- National Relaxation Day (US) — emphasises stress reduction; the American Psychological Association reports that chronic stress is linked to 6 of the leading causes of death in the United States
- National Lemon Meringue Pie Day
- International Homeless Animals Day — third Saturday of August; coordinated by the International Society for Animal Rights
Sunday, August 16, 2026
- National Tell a Joke Day
- National Roller Coaster Day — marks the patent of the first American roller coaster by LaMarcus Adna Thompson on August 16, 1878
- National Rum Day — rum is the third most consumed spirit worldwide, behind vodka and whisky
Monday, August 17, 2026
- Indonesia Independence Day — national public holiday; Indonesia declared independence from Dutch colonial rule on August 17, 1945
- National Thrift Shop Day — promotes secondhand and sustainable retail
- National Nonprofit Day — marks the US Revenue Act of August 1894, which first established tax-exempt status for nonprofit organisations
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
- National Fajita Day — the fajita was first documented as a commercial restaurant dish in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas in the early 1970s
- National Ice Cream Pie Day
- National Pinot Noir Day — Pinot Noir (Vitis vinifera) is one of the oldest cultivated grape varieties, originating in Burgundy, France
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
- World Photography Day — marks the announcement of the daguerreotype process to the world on August 19, 1839; one of the highest-engagement themed days on Instagram globally
- World Humanitarian Day (United Nations) — established in 2009 to mark the anniversary of the 2003 Canal Hotel bombing in Baghdad, which killed 22 humanitarian workers
- National Aviation Day (US) — established by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939; marks Orville Wright’s birthday on August 19, 1871
Thursday, August 20, 2026
- National Bacon Lovers Day
- National Radio Day — marks the widespread cultural impact of radio since the first licensed US commercial radio broadcast in 1920 (KDKA, Pittsburgh)
- World Mosquito Day — marks British physician Ronald Ross’s discovery on August 20, 1897, that female Anopheles mosquitoes transmit malaria; the WHO reports malaria killed approximately 608,000 people in 2022
Friday, August 21, 2026
- Hawaii Statehood Day (Admission Day) — Hawaii state public holiday; third Friday of August; marks Hawaii’s admission as the 50th US state on August 21, 1959
- National Senior Citizens Day (US) — proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan on August 19, 1988; adults aged 65 and above represent approximately 17% of the US population as of 2024
- National Fantasy Football Draft Day marks the unofficial start of the American fantasy football season
August 22–31, 2026 — National Days & Appreciation Days
Saturday, August 22, 2026
- National Be an Angel Day — encourages acts of service and kindness toward others
- National Tooth Fairy Day — one of two annual Tooth Fairy observances (the second falls on February 28)
- Never Bean Better Day — celebrates legumes and bean-based foods
Sunday, August 23, 2026
- Sun Enters Virgo — the zodiac transitions from Leo to Virgo on August 23, 2026; Virgo is an Earth sign ruled by Mercury
- Find Your Inner Nerd Day — celebrates intellectual curiosity and niche interests
- National Cuban Sandwich Day — the Cuban sandwich (Cubano) originated in Florida’s Cuban immigrant communities in the late 19th century
Monday, August 24, 2026
- National Waffle Day — marks the anniversary of the first US waffle iron patent, issued to Cornelius Swarthout on August 24, 1869
- Ukraine Independence Day — national public holiday; Ukraine declared independence from the Soviet Union on August 24, 1991
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
- National Park Service Founders Day (US) — the National Park Service was established on August 25, 1916, by President Woodrow Wilson; the NPS currently manages 63 national parks covering more than 85 million acres
- National Banana Split Day — the banana split was created by pharmacist David Strickler in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, in 1904
- National Women’s Equality Day — marks the certification of the 19th Amendment on August 26, 1920 (observed August 25–26); granted women the right to vote in the United States
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
- National Dog Day — founded by animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige in 2004; one of the most widely shared animal observances on social media globally; aligned with ASPCA adoption campaigns
- National Women’s Equality Day (US) — the 19th Amendment was certified on August 26, 1920
- National Cherry Popsicle Day
Thursday, August 27, 2026
- LBJ Day (Texas state holiday) — marks Lyndon B. Johnson’s birthday on August 27, 1908; partial state government closure in Texas
- National Just Because Day — encourages unplanned acts of generosity or celebration
- National Peach Day — distinct from National Peach Month; celebrates the peach as a specific fruit (Prunus persica)
Friday, August 28, 2026
- Full Moon — Sturgeon Moon — the Full Moon on Friday, August 28, 2026, is known as the Sturgeon Moon, named by Algonquin tribes for the abundance of lake sturgeon in the Great Lakes during late summer
- Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day — founded in 2015; for those who have lost companion animals; named after the “Rainbow Bridge” poem
- National Red Wine Day
- National Bow Tie Day — the bow tie has been a staple of Western formal dress since the 17th century, evolving from the Croatian cravat
Saturday, August 29, 2026
- National Chop Suey Day — chop suey emerged in Chinese-American restaurants in the late 19th century
- According to Hoyle Day — marks the birthday of Edmond Hoyle (August 29, 1672), the English writer who codified the rules of card games and whose name became synonymous with formal rules of play
- National Sport Sampling Day — encourages trying new physical activities
Sunday, August 30, 2026
- National Beach Day — the late-summer observance aligns with the final weeks of peak coastal tourism season in the Northern Hemisphere
- National Grief Awareness Day — founded by Angie Cartwright in 2014; acknowledges all forms of grief, not solely bereavement
- National Toasted Marshmallow Day
Monday, August 31, 2026
- UK Summer Bank Holiday — public holiday in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland; the final bank holiday before Christmas in those regions
- National Heroes Day (Philippines) — national public holiday
- Malaysia National Day (Hari Merdeka) — marks Malaysia’s independence from British colonial rule on August 31, 1957
- National Eat Outside Day
- National Trail Mix Day — trail mix was popularised in the United States during the 1960s outdoor recreation movement
- National South Carolina Day
Astronomical Events in August 2026
August 2026 contains several significant astronomical events, including the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, a total solar eclipse, a Full Moon, and a New Moon.
August 2026 Moon Phases
| Moon Phase | Date |
|---|---|
| New Moon | Thursday, August 13, 2026 |
| First Quarter | Thursday, August 20, 2026 |
| Full Moon (Sturgeon Moon) | Friday, August 28, 2026 |
The Full Moon on Friday, August 28, 2026, is the Sturgeon Moon, named by Algonquin-speaking peoples of North America after the lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) that were historically abundant in the Great Lakes during late summer. The moon rising near the end of August produces extended bright evenings heading into the first days of September.
The New Moon on Thursday, August 13, 2026, occurs near the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, producing near-ideal dark sky conditions for observation — one of the best Perseid viewing years in the current decade.
Total Solar Eclipse — August 12, 2026
A total solar eclipse occurs on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, making it the most significant astronomical event of the month and one of the most anticipated eclipses of the decade. The path of totality passes over Greenland, Iceland, Spain (including Madrid and Valencia), and the Balearic Islands, before sweeping across northern Africa, including Tunisia and Libya.
Partial eclipse visibility extends across most of Europe, the North Atlantic, and northern Africa. In Spain, totality lasts approximately 2 minutes and 18 seconds at maximum. The eclipse begins at approximately 17:06 UTC, and the maximum eclipse occurs at approximately 18:47 UTC.
This eclipse belongs to Saros Series 126. The previous eclipse in this series occurred on August 1, 2008.
Perseid Meteor Shower — Peak August 11–13, 2026
The Perseid meteor shower peaks on the night of Tuesday, August 11, through Thursday, August 13, 2026, coinciding with the New Moon on August 13. This overlap creates exceptional viewing conditions, with minimal light pollution from moonlight.
The Perseids are produced by Earth passing through the debris trail of Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, which last reached perihelion in 1992 and has an orbital period of approximately 130 years.
At peak, the Perseids produce 50–100 meteors per hour under ideal conditions. Best viewing: Northern Hemisphere, after local midnight, looking northeast toward the Perseus constellation. Meteors can appear across the entire sky.
The Perseids are consistently ranked among the three most active annual meteor showers, alongside the Geminids and Leonids.
Cultural & Religious Observances in August 2026
Hindu Calendar — August 2026 Observances
August 2026 spans two Hindu lunar months: Shravana (which ends in mid-August) and Bhadrapada (which begins in mid-August). The exact calendar boundaries depend on the regional Panchang (Hindu almanac) followed — South Indian calendars and North Indian calendars may differ by one day.
Key Hindu observances expected in August 2026 include the following. Exact dates are subject to regional calendar confirmation.
| Observance | Description | Approximate Date |
|---|---|---|
| Nag Panchami | Worship of serpent deities; offerings of milk at snake shrines | Early August 2026 |
| Raksha Bandhan | Sibling bond celebration; sisters tie rakhi threads on brothers’ wrists | Mid-August 2026 |
| Krishna Janmashtami | Birth of Lord Krishna; midnight fasts and temple celebrations | Late August 2026 |
Raksha Bandhan and Krishna Janmashtami are among the most widely observed festivals across India’s Hindu population, which numbers approximately 1.2 billion people as of 2024 (Pew Research Center). Exact dates vary by regional calendar — the Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil, and Gujarati (Kalnirnay) almanacs each produce slightly different observance timings.
Islamic Calendar — August 2026
The Islamic Hijri calendar is purely lunar, with each year approximately 10–11 days shorter than the Gregorian year. As a result, Islamic observances shift earlier each Gregorian year.
August 2026 falls within Safar 1448 AH, the second month of the Islamic calendar year. No major Islamic holidays (Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, or Mawlid an-Nabi) are expected to fall within August 2026, though this should be verified against confirmed moon sighting announcements closer to the date.
Jewish Calendar — August 2026
August 2026 falls across two months of the Hebrew calendar: Av (Menahem Av) and Elul. Two notable observances fall within this period.
Tisha B’Av — a major Jewish fast day mourning the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem, along with other national tragedies. It falls on the ninth day of Av.
Tu B’Av — the fifteenth of Av, observed as a minor Jewish holiday associated with love and matchmaking, sometimes compared culturally to Valentine’s Day. The exact Gregorian dates for these observances in August 2026 should be confirmed against the Hebrew calendar.
Back-to-School Season — August 2026 Calendar Context
August is the primary back-to-school month for the United States. The National Retail Federation’s 2023 Back-to-School survey reported total back-to-school spending at approximately $41.5 billion annually, making it the second-largest retail event of the American year after the winter holiday season.
When Does School Start in August 2026?
Most US states begin the academic year between early and late August 2026, with the exact start date varying by state and school district. The following regional pattern reflects the general US back-to-school calendar.
| Region | Typical School Start Window |
|---|---|
| Southern States (TX, GA, FL, AL, MS, SC) | Early August — first or second week |
| Midwestern States (OH, IN, MI, MN, MO) | Mid-to-late August |
| Northeastern States (NY, MA, CT, PA) | Late August or after Labour Day (September 7) |
| Western States (CA, WA, OR, CO) | Late August |
Teacher preparation and staff development days typically begin 5–10 calendar days before the first day of student attendance.
New York State Regents Examinations — a series of standardised tests administered by the New York State Education Department — have a scheduled August session. The August Regents session typically takes place in the third week of August. Exact dates are published by the New York State Education Department and should be confirmed on the NYSED official calendar.
Historical Events That Occurred in August
Several of the most significant events in 20th-century global history occurred in August, and many August national days directly commemorate these dates.
| Date | Event | Current Observance |
|---|---|---|
| August 4, 1790 | US Coast Guard founded | National Coast Guard Day (August 4) |
| August 6, 1945 | Atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima | Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony (Japan, August 6) |
| August 7, 1782 | Purple Heart military decoration established by George Washington | Purple Heart Day (August 7) |
| August 9, 1945 | Atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki | Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Anniversary (Japan, August 9) |
| August 9, 1965 | Singapore independence | Singapore National Day (August 9) |
| August 15, 1947 | India gains independence from British rule | India Independence Day (August 15) |
| August 15, 1945 | South Korea liberated from Japanese colonial rule | Gwangbokjeol / Liberation Day (August 15) |
| August 17, 1945 | Indonesia declares independence | Indonesia Independence Day (August 17) |
| August 19, 1839 | Daguerreotype announced publicly | World Photography Day (August 19) |
| August 20, 1897 | Ronald Ross identifies malaria-mosquito link | World Mosquito Day (August 20) |
| August 21, 1959 | Hawaii admitted as the 50th US state | Hawaii Statehood Day (August 21) |
| August 24, 1991 | Ukraine declares independence from the USSR | Ukraine Independence Day (August 24) |
| August 25, 1916 | US National Park Service established | NPS Founders Day (August 25) |
| August 26, 1920 | 19th Amendment certified; women gain right to vote in the US | National Women’s Equality Day (August 26) |
| August 28, 1963 | Martin Luther King Jr. delivers “I Have a Dream” speech at the March on Washington | — |
| August 31, 1957 | Malaysia gains independence from Britain | Malaysia National Day / Hari Merdeka (August 31) |
| August 31, 1962 | Trinidad and Tobago gains independence | Trinidad and Tobago Independence Day (August 31) |
Frequently Asked Questions About the August 2026 Calendar
What day does August 2026 start on?
August 1, 2026, falls on a Saturday. The month contains 31 days and ends on Monday, August 31, 2026. Week 31 of 2026 begins on the first day of August.
Are there any federal holidays in August 2026?
No. August is the only month in the US calendar year with zero federal public holidays. The nearest preceding federal holiday is Independence Day on Saturday, July 4, 2026. The nearest following federal holiday is Labour Day on Monday, September 7, 2026. State-level holidays — including Victory Day in Rhode Island, Admission Day in Hawaii, American Family Day in Arizona, and LBJ Day in Texas — do apply within those states.
What is the UK bank holiday in August 2026?
The UK Summer Bank Holiday falls on Monday, August 31, 2026, in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Scotland observes a separate August bank holiday on Monday, August 3, 2026. The two dates do not coincide. The August 31 bank holiday is the last public holiday in England and Wales before Christmas Day on Friday, December 25, 2026.
Is there a long weekend in August 2026 in Canada?
Yes. Canada’s Civic Holiday creates a long weekend on Monday, August 3, 2026, the first Monday of August. The holiday is observed in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the federal capital region, under different provincial names. It is not observed in Quebec, Prince Edward Island, or Nova Scotia.
What is the full moon date in August 2026?
The Full Moon in August 2026 falls on Friday, August 28, 2026. This full moon is traditionally called the Sturgeon Moon. The New Moon falls on Thursday, August 13, 2026.
What are August’s three birthstones?
August has three birthstones: Peridot, Spinel, and Sardonyx. Peridot is the primary birthstone, formed deep in the Earth’s mantle and brought to the surface through volcanic activity. It is one of only two gemstones (the other being diamond) that form in the mantle rather than the crust.
What zodiac signs cover August 2026?
Leo governs August 1 through August 22, 2026. Virgo begins on Sunday, August 23, 2026, and continues through September 22. Leo is a Fire sign ruled by the Sun. Virgo is an Earth sign ruled by Mercury.
Is there a solar eclipse in August 2026?
Yes. A total solar eclipse occurs on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The path of totality crosses Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and northern Africa. Partial eclipse visibility covers most of Europe. Maximum totality lasts approximately 2 minutes and 18 seconds over Spain. This is one of the most geographically accessible total solar eclipses for European observers in the current decade.
What is the Perseid meteor shower peak in August 2026?
The Perseids peak on the night of Tuesday–Wednesday, August 11–12, 2026, with activity continuing through August 13. The New Moon on August 13 creates near-ideal dark sky conditions. At peak, the shower produces 50–100 meteors per hour. Best viewing is from the Northern Hemisphere, after midnight, with the radiant point in the Perseus constellation.
What is National Dog Day in August 2026?
National Dog Day is observed on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. Founded by Colleen Paige in 2004, it celebrates dogs and raises awareness for dog adoption from shelters and rescues. It is observed alongside National Women’s Equality Day on the same date.
Explore More 2026 Monthly Calendars
The August 2026 calendar sits within a broader series of monthly guides covering 2026 public holidays, events, and observances. Related monthly content includes the July 2026 Calendar covering events and national days in the preceding month, the September 2026 Calendar covering the first full month of meteorological autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, and the full 2026 Yearly Calendar covering all public holidays and key dates across the complete calendar year.
