August 20, 2026 celebrates National Bacon Lovers Day, plus 4 more. August 20 is National Bacon Lovers Day on the National Day Calendar. Today we pay tribute to the crispy, chewy, and mouthwatering food we call bacon! If you're a fan of smoky, savory, and a bit salty flavor, this food holiday is for you!
Each year during the third Thursday in August, we raise a glass to National Hazy IPA Day and enjoy the juicy and hoppy flavors found in Hazy IPAs. Once an obscure beer style, Hazy IPAs are now among the most popular craft beers in the country.
English pirate who has been dubbed the King of Pirates. His pirate career was short, lasting only two years. Every disappeared and was never caught for stealing his riches, nor were his riches ever found. Many speculate he changed his name and retired quietly on a tropical island.
1779
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Jöns Jacob Berzelius
Swedish chemist and academic who is considered on the founders of modern chemistry.
1873
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Eliel Saarinen
Finnish architect and academic who co-designed the National Museum of Finland.
1908
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Kingsley Davis
Sociologist and demographer who coined the term "population explosion."
1923
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Jim Reeves
Country music musician fondly remembered as "Gentleman Jim."
1931
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Don King
Boxing promoter easily identified by his "wild" hair.
1947
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James Pankow
Musician and founding member of the rock band Chicago.
1974
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Amy Adams
Award winning actress with lead roles in Enchanted, Julie & Julia, American Hustle and Big Eyes.
Historical Events on August 20
Events that occurred on August 20 throughout history
1308
1308
The Knights Templar were absolved of heresy.
The three papal investigators affirm the Knights Templar were absolved of heresy. The papacy concluded the accused Templars had confessed and had done penance.
1619
1619
The first known slaves land at Virginia.
The first known African captives (slaves) land at Point Comfort, Virginia. The captives were seized from a Portuguese slave ship and traded to colonists in exchange for food and supplies.
1858
1858
Darwin publishes his theory of evolution.
Charles Darwin publishes his theory of evolution through natural selection in The Journal of the Proceedings of the Linnean Society of London.
1866
1866
President Johnson declares the Civil War to be over.
President Andrew Johnson formally declares the American Civil War over. The declaration provided legal order and civil authority were to be restored across the entire country.
1882
1882
Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture debuts in Moscow.
Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture debuts in Moscow, Russia, to commemorate the successful 1812 defense against Napoleon's invading French army.
1920
1920
The first commercial radio station begins operation.
The first commercial radio station begins operation. 8MK, Detroit, Michigan, initially played music and test broadcasts. The station eventually became WWJ.
1938
1938
Lou Gehrig hits his 23rd career grand slam.
Lou Gehrig hits his 23rd career grand slam. The home run set an all-time MLB record that stood for 75 years.
Also Happening This Month
Longer-running observances that include this date.
