Dotdigital blog

August 2025 social media calendar

Discover marketing opportunities for August, with information on important dates and innovative content ideas for everything from World Humanitarian Day to International Dog Day.
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Editor’s Note:

Hey there! I’m Layla, Content Producer and your go-to for all things social media here at Dotdigital. August is packed with fun, quirky, and seasonal days that are perfect for creating scroll-stopping content. Video content is best to spark engagement, but if you’re posting static images or carousels, make them bright, playful and eye catching and you’ll still enjoy some great social success. 

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box with interactive ideas like polls, quizzes or ‘add yours in the comments’ conversation starters. And if you’re keen to go further than just key dates, my recommendations for meme-tastic social posts this month are to lean into peak summer shows and cultural moments such as The Summer I Turned Pretty, Love Island and We Were Liars which some brands have already been tapping into. Use this calendar as your guide, but make sure to experiment, test, and have fun!

This month is packed with opportunities to spark creativity, engage your audience, and bring fresh ideas to your content strategy.

This guide will walk you through key themes and observances to help you plan your August social media calendar. We’ve included ideas to inspire not only your social media posts but also your email and SMS marketing campaigns too.

Important social media calendar dates in August

Themes for the month

  • National Immunization Awareness Month
  • Black Business Month

Let’s delve into specific ideas for each date to help you create successful campaigns this August.

August 1 – National Girlfriends Day

August kicks off with National Girlfriend Day, From thoughtful gestures to meaningful gifts, it’s a day that inspires people to go the extra mile for their partner. Brands often get involved with special promotions, curated gift guides, or social campaigns that highlight ways to make the day memorable. It’s the perfect chance to connect with audiences looking for inspiration on how to show their appreciation.

Angara, National Girlfriends Day email marketing campaign.

Image source: MailCharts

August 3 – Watermelon Day

Nothing says summer quite like fresh, juicy watermelon and August 3rd is the perfect excuse to spotlight one of summer’s most iconic fruits. Brands can lean into that seasonal energy with limited-edition flavors, themed packaging, or playful social content that taps into summer nostalgia. It’s a fun opportunity to add a splash of color and creativity to your campaigns.

Colourpop, Watermelon Day email marketing campaign. 

Image source: MailCharts

August 9 – National Bowling Day

August 9th celebrates one of the most classic group activities, bowling. It’s a day that brings people together for a mix of fun, friendly competition. For brands, it’s an opportunity to lean into themes of community, connection, and lighthearted entertainment. From spotlighting local bowling alleys to running playful campaigns that capture the spirit of a night out with friends, this day offers plenty of creative ways to strike up engagement.

Lucky x strike, National Bowling Day email marketing campaign. 

Image source: MailCharts

August 12 – World Elephant Day

This day is dedicated to raising awareness about one of the planet’s most endangered animals. World Elephant Day encourages people to learn more about conservation, celebrate the beauty of elephants, and take action to protect their future. It also gives brands a meaningful way to align with sustainability, spotlight eco-friendly practices, or support wildlife organizations. By tying campaigns to a cause, you can spark genuine engagement and build stronger connections with your audience.

GreaterGood, World Elephant Day email marketing campaign.

Image source: MailCharts

August 15 – Relaxation Day

Life moves fast, and Relaxation Day is a reminder to slow down and recharge. Whether it’s taking a quiet moment with a book, enjoying a spa treatment, or simply unplugging from screens, this day celebrates the importance of rest and self-care. For brands, it’s the perfect moment to promote products, services, or ideas that help people unwind and find balance. By leaning into calm and comfort, you can create content that resonates with audiences looking for a little breathing room.

Casper, National Relaxation Day email marketing campaign. 

Image source: MailCharts

August 16 – Tell a Joke Day

Laughter really is the best medicine, and Tell a Joke Day is all about sharing a smile. It’s a chance for brands to show a more light hearted side, whether through witty copy, pun-filled posts, or interactive content that invites audiences to join in on the fun. 

LaffyTaffy, Tell a Joke Day social media campaign.

Image source: Instagram

August 18 – National Fajita Day

The sound of sizzling peppers and onions is enough to make anyone’s mouth water, and that’s exactly what National Fajita Day is all about. This day celebrates the bold flavors and colorful ingredients that make the dish a favorite in restaurants and home kitchens. For brands, it’s a chance to tap into food culture by sharing recipes, spotlighting restaurants, or running promotions that highlight the fresh, vibrant flavors.

Chilli’s, National Fajita Day SMS message.

Image source: MailCharts

August 26 – International Dog Day

Dogs have a way of stealing hearts, and International Dog Day is all about celebrating our four-legged best friends. It’s a day that recognizes the joy and comfort they bring into everyday life. For brands, it’s a golden opportunity to spotlight pet-friendly products, partner with shelters or rescues, or encourage audiences to share photos of their own dogs. With the universal love for dogs, this day practically guarantees high engagement.

Pet Supermarket, International Dog Day email marketing campaign. 

Image source: MailCharts

August subject line ideas

Crafting compelling subject lines is essential for capturing your audience’s attention and driving email engagement. To help you create standout subject lines, we’ve analyzed top-performing email campaigns from August.

August inspired subject line ideas

Using these insights, here are some August-themed subject line ideas to inspire your campaigns:

National Girlfriends Day: The perfect way to wow your girlfriend this August 💖
International Beer Day: Raise a glass: Beer day specials inside 🍺
Watermelon Day: Celebrate watermelon day with sweet savings🍉
International Cat Day: Purr-fect deals for cat lovers 🐱
National Bowling Day: Strike big savings this bowling day 🎳
Book Lovers Day: For the love of books: Today’s all about you📚
Relaxation Day: Treat yourself – Relaxation day specials inside 🛀
Tell a Joke Day: Knock knock… Who’s there? Deals you can’t miss! 👀
Sponge Cake Day: Celebrate sponge cake day with a big slice of savings!🍰
Banana Split Day: Go bananas: Banana split specials all week 🍌🍦
International Dog Day: Paws up! Dog day treats for your pup 🐶
National Beach Day: Life’s a beach – Essentials Up to 30% Off 🏖️
Eat Outside Day: Your outdoor feast starts here — Shop now 🍛

While these ideas provide a solid starting point, it’s important to adapt them to reflect your brand’s unique voice. Feel free to experiment with emojis, playful wording, or a sense of urgency to grab your audience’s attention.

For an added creative spark, you can also use AI-powered generative tools like Dotdigital’s WinstonAI to brainstorm new ideas, adjust the tone, or refine the length of your subject lines.

Spark engagement with your August marketing campaigns

August is packed with opportunities to connect, celebrate, and have a little fun on social media. From indulging in summer flavors on National Watermelon Day, or celebrating our furry friends on International Dog Day, there’s something for every brand to engage with. Use these moments to experiment with creative content, run themed promotions, and spark conversations that resonate with your audience. 

Remember, the key to success is knowing your audience and shaping your message to resonate with them. Bring the energy of summer into your campaigns, and don’t hesitate to try different content formats,  from social media posts and email newsletters to SMS updates, each channel offers unique ways to connect.

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