NATIONAL EAT OUTSIDE DAY
Friends, fresh air, and good food are the focus of National Eat Outside Day every year on August 31. Whether at home, a park, a favorite restaurant or food truck, or the beach, food just tastes better when we eat it under the open sky. #NationalEatOutsideDay
NATIONAL MATCHMAKER DAY
On August 31, National Matchmaker Day honors romantics whose dauntless pursuit of perfect purchase for cupid's arrow results in lasting love stories. #NationalMatchmakerDay
NATIONAL DIATOMACEOUS EARTH DAY
On August 31, National Diatomaceous Earth Day recognizes the diatom and the remarkable mineral it creates. #DiatomaceousEarthDay
NATIONAL TRAIL MIX DAY
Observed annually on August 31, National Trail Mix Day honors the mix developed as a healthy snack for long hikes. #NationalTrailMixDay
NATIONAL SOUTH CAROLINA DAY
On August 31, National South Carolina Day recognizes The Palmetto State and her unique landscapes, bold personalities, and long history. #NationalSouthCarolinaDay
Coming on September 1, 2025
National Days
LABOR DAY
NATIONAL FORGIVENESS DAY
NATIONAL PASTOR'S SPOUSES DAY
NATIONAL BURNT ENDS DAY
NATIONAL ACNE POSITIVITY DAY
NATIONAL HOTEL EMPLOYEE DAY
NATIONAL CHICKEN BOY DAY
NATIONAL NO RHYME (NOR REASON) DAY
Notable Birthdays for August 31
Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin (1842-1924) - Journalist and publisher of the first national newspaper (Woman's Era) published by and for Black American women.
Edward Thorndike (1874-1949) - Considered the "Father of Modern Educational Psychology."
Lizzie Arlington (1877-1919) - The first woman to play professional men's baseball as a pitcher (Reading Coal Heavers).
Paul E Garber (1899-1992) - Founder and first curator of the National Air and Space Museum.
Jerry Allison (1939-2022) - Drummer and songwriter for Buddy Holly and the Crickets.
Richard Gere (1949-Still Living) - Multi-award winning and seasoned actor with lead roles in American Gigolo, An Officer and a Gentleman, Pretty Woman, First Knight, and Chicago.
Memorable Events for August 31
1837 - Author Ralph Waldo Emerson gives his famous The American Scholar speech at Harvard College, declaring American literary independence from Europe.
1842 - Blacksmith Micah Rugg patents a nuts and bolts machine.
1897 - Thomas Edison patents a device that could produce moving pictures (Kinetoscope).
1935 - President Roosevelt signs the Neutrality Act of 1935, prohibiting the export of U.S. arms to belligerent nations.
1955 - The first sun-powered automobile is demonstrated in Chicago, IL.
1960 - The Agricultural Hall of Fame forms to educate and honor those in agriculture in America.
1965 - Congress establishes the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
1987 - The Great Potato Incident occurs when minor league baseball catcher Dave Bresnahan attempts to lure an opposing baserunner off third base using a potato carved to look like a baseball.
