August 2025 calendar: Back-to-school, Pumpkin Spice Latte, college football, more
August is here, which means back-to-school season is in full swing, Pumpkin Spice Lattes are returning, and college football will be back in action!
With no major holidays in August, students across the country can focus on school while still enjoying the last full month of summer.
Millions are also preparing for a long weekend at the end of the month as most people leave for the long Labor Day weekend on the Thursday or Friday before the holiday, which falls on a Monday, according to AAA.
Here's everything you need to know about what August has in store.
Are there any federal holidays in August?
No, there are no federal holidays in August. It is one of only three months, including March and April, in 2025 that do not have a federal holiday.
In total, 2025 has 12 federal holidays across 11 days, according to the Office of Personnel Management. The next one, Labor Day, will fall on Monday, September 1.
When does back-to-school season start?
While some students return to school in late July and September, the vast majority will start in August. Most universities also begin their fall semesters in August, so it's back to class for many colleges and the start of rush season for sororities and fraternities.
Parents and students can do some back-to-school shopping and get deals on specific items that will be tax-free. The following states are holding their sales tax holiday in August:
- Arkansas- Aug. 2 to Aug. 3
- Connecticut- Aug. 17 to Aug. 23
- Florida- Aug. 1 to Aug. 31
- Iowa- Aug.1 to Aug. 2
- Maryland- Aug. 10 to Aug. 16
- Massachusetts- Aug. 9 to Aug. 10
- Missouri- Aug. 1 to Aug. 3
- Ohio- Aug. 1 to Aug. 14
- Oklahoma- Aug. 1 to Aug. 14
- South Carolina- Aug. 1 to Aug. 3
- Texas- Aug. 8 to Aug. 10
- West Virginia- Aug. 1 to Aug. 4
When does the Pumpkin Spice Latte return to Starbucks?
Whether you love it or hate it, the Pumpkin Spice Latte will return to Starbucks' menu on Tuesday, Aug. 26. The return of the "PSL is often seen as the unofficial start to pumpkin spice season when many restaurants, stores, and retailers start offering up pumpkin spice-flavored items.
Start of college football season, US Open
More sports are coming back!
The much-anticipated college football season will return on Saturday, August 23. One of the biggest games that day will be Iowa State vs. Kansas State as they will play in Ireland. Other big matchups for the month include Texas vs. Ohio State, Alabama vs. Florida State, and Notre Dame vs. Miami.
The U.S. Open will also return on August 19 for the Mixed Doubles Day Session at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing, New York.
August religious holidays
Multiple religious holidays happening throughout the month, according to Diversity Resources. They include:
- Lughnasadh- Friday, Aug. 1
- Feast of Assumption- Friday, Aug. 15
- Krishna Janmashtami- Saturday, Aug. 16 to Sunday, Aug. 17
- Start of Paryushana- Thursday, Aug. 21
- Ganesh Chaturthi- Wednesday, Aug. 27
When is the full moon in August? When do the Perseids peak?
August's full moon, the Sturgeon Moon, will peak on Saturday, August 9, at 3:55 a.m. ET, and the new moon will fall on Saturday, August 23, at 2:06 a.m., according to the Farmer's Almanac.
Other astronomy events occurring in August included the peak of the Perseids meteor shower, which occurs the night of Tuesday, August 12 to the morning of Wednesday, Aug 13.
August National Days
August has a few cute and fun national days, according to National Day Calendar. Including the following:
- International Beer Day- Friday, Aug. 1
- National Water Balloon Day- Friday, Aug. 1
- National Sunflower Day- Saturday, Aug. 2
- National Sisters Day- Sunday, Aug. 3
- National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day- Monday, Aug. 4
- National Wiggle Your Toes Day- Wednesday, Aug. 5
- National Lazy Day- Sunday, Aug. 10
- Black Cat Appreciation Day- Sunday, Aug. 17
- National Tooth Fairy Day- Friday, Aug. 22
- Find Your Inner Nerd Day- Saturday, Aug. 23
See August 2025 calendar
Contributing: Betty Lin-Fisher, Paste BN
Julia is a trending reporter for Paste BN. Connect with her on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com