articles

10 August Events, Holidays Your Family Won't Want to Miss

Celebrating youth, girlfriends, and more in August

By Kara Murphy and Beth Bell July 30, 2021

Those hot days of August are upon us — and we're loving all this time outside with our kiddos! But it also feels like summer is drawing to a close, with the start of a new school year just around the corner. Here are 10 holidays and events you and your family can mark this August.



 Getty Images Signature via Canva

World Breastfeeding Week

World Breastfeeding Week, supported by UNICEF and the World Health Federation in more than 120 countries, was created with the goal to provide support for breastfeeding moms everywhere. Aug. 1-7. Macaroni Kid Roanoke is Excited to Celebrate the Global Latch On at Bellies Babies Tots on Saturday, August 7th. 



Getty Images Pro via Canva

National Girlfriends Day 

Sounds like a good excuse for a night out with your BFFs! Aug. 1.  Roanoke Moms, looking to meet your new Mom BFF?  Meet the Moms Roanoke and Huddle Up Moms events are a great place to look. 



 Getty Images Signature via Canva

National Night Out

National Night Out, observed annually on the first Tuesday of August, is a night for community building. Aug. 3. Several locations in the City of Roanoke are gathering for National Night Out: 

Locations & Activities
Greater Grandview Area Neighborhood Watch: Neighborhood Potluck
Huff Lane Park: Picnic Pavilion, 4412 Huff Lane NW
Games and light refreshments

Mountain View Neighborhood Assoc.: National Night Out Celebration
Few Old Goats Brewery, 515 8th St SW

Old Southwest: OSW National Night Out Celebration
Alexander Gish House, 641 Walnut Ave SW Hot dogs and beverages

Southeast Action Forum, Inc / Belmont Neighborhood Assoc. / StarView Heights Neighborhood Watch / Riverland Walnut Hill Neighbors / Riverdale Farm Neighborhood Assoc.: SE Community Celebration
1566 Carlisle Ave SE (Golden Park shelter)
Enjoy beverages, food, games, and activities as the SE community thanks to our first responders!!

Noble Neighborhood Watch: NNO block party
2000 Colgate St. N E
Chick-Fil-A dinner, hotdogs, refreshments, and games

Old Mountain Road Neighborhood Association: NNO block party
Cup St NE between Pennsylvania Ave NE and Long Acre Dr NE
Refreshments and games

Wasena Neighborhood Picnic in the Park
802 Wiley Dr SW (Green Goat)

Feeding America: Parking lot bash
Solutions Center, 2328 Melrose Ave NW
Fresh produce and goody bags

South Roanoke Neighbors: Bring your picnic to the Village Gree, 2328 Crystal Spring Ave SW, Fire Station 8



 Getty Images via Canva

Chocolate Chip Cookie Day

Today we raise a glass of milk to Ruth Graves Wakefield, the inventor of the chocolate chip cookie. She made the first batch in 1938 by chopping up pieces of a Nestlé semi-sweet chocolate bar and mixing them into her dough. Aug. 4. We'd love to hear who makes the best Chocolate Chip Cookies in the Roanoke Valley. 



 Getty Images via Canva

National S'mores Day

That's right. Give me s’more. We’ve got more than a dozen takes on this ooey, gooey, delicious summertime treat. Check out this idea for a S'mores buffet to help you find your favorite combination! Aug. 10



 Pexels via Canva

International Youth Day

International Youth Day, a day designated by the United Nations, is an opportunity to celebrate the involvement of young people in issues worldwide, ranging from the political to the environmental. Take the opportunity to ask your kids what they think the most pressing issues of today are. You might be surprised by their insights. Aug. 12



Getty Images Pro via Canva

International Elephant Day

Elephants are a threatened species and International Elephant Day is a great chance to talk to your kids not only about this amazing creature, but also other endangered animals and the importance of caring for them and our world. Aug 12



Gemütlichkeit via Canva

Bad Poetry Day

Get the whole family involved by writing bad poetry together — who can come up with the worst verse? Read them out loud and whoever gets the most groans wins. Aug. 18





 Getty Images Signature via Canva

Hawaii Admission Day

Celebrate the anniversary of the Aloha state's admission to our union. Aug. 20



 Pixabay via Canva

Anniversary of 'I Have a Dream' Speech 

Martin Luther King Jr. made his "I Have a Dream” speech on this day in 1963. Today, read the speech in its entirety with your kids and talk about King's message. How far have we come? How far do we have to go? Aug. 28