National days, ongoing national weeks and months, and global observances for August 18, 2026. Plus historical events and birthdays.
August 18, 2026 celebrates National Fajita Day, plus 3 more. On August 18, National Fajita Day recognizes the sizzling deliciousness of the savory Tex-Mex flavor found in fajitas.
Read the full story →People born on August 18
Lead explorer of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
The 23rd President of the U.S., serving from 1889 to 1893.
Founded of department store chain Marshall Field's.
The last MLB pitcher to officially throw the spitball.
Adventurist who is considered the "Grandmother of the Conservation Movement."
Events that occurred on August 18 throughout history
John White, the governor of the Roanoke Colony, returns from a supply trip to England and finds his settlement deserted. He discovered no signs of a struggle or violence. The only clue he found was the word "CROATOAN" carved into a post.
The American Society of Dental Surgeons is founded. The organization was the first national dental organization in the U.S. to set professional standards and advance dental education.
French astronomer Pierre Janssen discovers helium while viewing a solar eclipse.
Aaron Montgomery Ward of Montgomery Wards issues the first mail-order catalog. The catalog was printed as a single 8x12-inch sheet of paper and featured 163 products with ordering instructions. The catalog was intended to serve rural and farming communities by cutting out middlemen.
The Anti-Cigarette League of America forms in Chicago, Illinois. Created by Lucy Page Gaston, the organization campaigned against tobacco use by youth. the movement used the slogan "A Smokeless America by 1925" before losing momentum after World War I.
Elvis Presley's Hound Dog and Don't Be Cruel reach #1 in the charts. Both hits spent a total of 11 weeks on the charts and sold over 4 million copies by the end of the year. By 1961, copies sold surpassed 6 million.
James Meredith becomes the first Black student to graduate from the University of Mississippi. President John F. Kennedy sent U.S. Marshals enforce the law and protect him during his time at the University. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science.
The FDA approves Minoxidil as a hair loss treatment. The product was specifically designed to treat androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness) in men and women. It was first approved as a treatment for men in 1988, with approval for women years following.
Longer-running observances that include this date.
National Wellness Month
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National Dog Month
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National Back To School Month
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Happiness Happens Month
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National Golf Month
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National Sandwich Month
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International Peace Month
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Romance Awareness Month
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Family Fun Month
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National Crayon Collection Month
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National Water Quality Month
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National Eye Exam Month
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Showing the first 12 — See all months for August.
