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TueAug 27

National Just Because Day – August 27, 2024

On August 27, you won’t need a reason to celebrate. All you need is National Just Because Day. Why? Well, just because. If you want to make spaghetti for breakfast wearing last year’s Halloween costume, more power to you. If you want to climb a tree as an adult, take the risk. It’s a day to stop worrying about the whys.

Just Because Day has also become a great way to spread random acts of kindness. Send a thoughtful card to a friend, just because. Give your grandparents a call, just because. Pick up the trash from your neighbor’s yard, just because.

When is National Just Because Day 2024?

National Just Because Day is on August 27. Why this date? Well, you know … just, because.

History of National Just Because Day

The original version of Just Because Day may be a movable holiday called Because Day that was first celebrated on the third Wednesday in May. It was invented in the late fifties or early sixties, by Joseph J. Goodwin of Los Gatos, California. He turned the gift of a transistor radio for his wife into their own family holiday. For the Goodwin’s, It wasn’t so much about a radio as it was about celebrating life, free afternoons, and family. And so, what began as a wholesome family holiday celebrating the beauty of spontaneity in life, grew into an annual celebration across the United States.

As we grow up and assimilate into the world, we tend to fall in line with always doing what is expected of us. And for many people, that might get a little boring. On this very special day, these unspoken rules society hath paved before us no longer apply. This day is your golden opportunity to do whatever it is your heart desires. This day is to encourage you to march at the beat of your own drum. Your chance to do something with no rhyme or reason. Whether you want to drink milk wearing a cow onesie, going on an impromptu road trip anywhere, or surprise a friend with flowers. This day is your chance to add a little spontaneity to your life. It’s also a golden opportunity to spread some positivity to others! Pay a tab for the table next to you. Leave a nice note on someone’s desk. The possibilities are endless and the only thing holding you back is you!

National Just Because Day timeline

1920s
Pole-Sitting; it's a Thing

Right before the Great Depression, a fascinating fad hits the streets — pole-sitting becomes a strange, yet popular test of endurance.

1950s
Phone Booth-Stuffing is All the Rage

It's exactly what it sounds like — people cram themselves into phone booths to see how many of them can fit — the standing record is 25.

1985
In the Name of Rock

The Red Hot Chili Peppers perform at the Kit Kat Club wearing nothing but socks on their intimate parts and flaming hats on their heads.

2000s
Planking Strikes the U.S.

In a true display of spontaneity, in tandem with anti-establishment, planking sweeps teenagers by storm on any and every surface imaginable.

2014
Starbucks Launches 'Pay It Forward' Campaign

Capturing the true essence of the random acts of kindness that inspire Just Because Day, Starbucks launches its Pay It Forward campaign.

Traditions of the Day

On Just Because Day, feel free to do something without any rhyme or reason. That’s the tradition. Why does everything need to have some logic behind it anyway? Some things are done just because.

Just because actions or activities usually stem from a “what if I” train of thought, or an impulse. The results are enjoyable and the more uncommon the activity, the better. The most random of random thoughts that first come to our minds upon seeing something are acted upon.  

Some suggestions are: taking a short or long trip just because, dropping a visit at someone’s house who you haven’t seen in a while just because, walking backward just because, smacking the object to your right just because, or having dessert before dinner just because. 

National Just Because Day FAQs

What National holiday is it today?

Want to keep up with all of the daily holidays that normally pass you by? Check out our homepage to see what holiday today brings!

What holiday is on August 27?

Not only is August 27 the random and spontaneous National Just Because Day, but it is also International Lottery Day. So go ahead and buy that lottery ticket, just because.

How many national holidays are there?

We have over 1,500 holidays on our list and there are more being discovered and added each day.

National Just Because Day Activities

  1. Give a gift to a friend

    Surprising a friend with a thoughtful gift, just because, won’t only brighten their day, it could create a positive ripple effect for everyone they meet. After teaching your friend about Just Because Day, you can encourage them to spread the good news. Be the bearer of good vibes, just because!

  2. Make some noise about it on social media

    National Just Because Day encourages random acts of kindness. Do your part to share the holiday by posting or commenting with the hashtag #justbecauseday.

  3. Make it a point to answer with “just because”

    At some point in your day, make it your goal to elicit from someone a question along the lines of “But why?” Then, you can tell them nonchalantly, “just because.” This will further spread awareness about this unusual holiday. Your "just because" response also indicates that you are an adventurous soul who follows your own mind, just because.

5 Fun Facts Just Because

  1. Eccentric Pets

    Salvador Dali walked around Paris with an ant-eater on a leash

  2. Bathed in Gold

    Mike Tyson owned a solid gold bathtub.

  3. Double Trouble

    Mike Tyson deserves to be on this list twice because he also owned three Royal Bengal Tigers.

  4. Air Baths

    Benjamin Franklin would write his essays naked in cold rooms while claiming they were “air baths.”

  5. Mr. Deeds

    Keanu Reeves has been donating millions of dollars to children’s hospitals for years

Why We Love National Just Because Day

  1. It breaks up the norm

    Sometimes falling into a rut is a vicious cycle, and breaking from that routine seems more difficult every day. With Just Because Day, you can throw a massive wrench into any plan, shake things up, and start anew.

  2. It encourages spontaneity

    While spontaneous decision-making should be kept to a minimum, some of life’s best memories come from the freedom of not overthinking. Calling in sick to drive to a new beach with your best friends hopefully won’t do any long-term damage but it will certainly give you a lasting memory. Say “just because” when someone asks you why you did it. (Of course, if the boss finds out the REAL reason for your absence and docks your pay; if you ask why, take it like the man or woman you are when the boss replies, "just because!")

  3. It’s a reminder to take care of ourselves

    It’s easy to lose track of yourself in the fast pace of today’s world. But now, you have a license to treat yourself to whatever it is you need. Maybe it’s as simple as buying the sugary cereal you swore off a year ago or as big as taking a risk at work or in your personal life. Remember, this is your self-care day, just because.

National Just Because Day dates

YearDateDay
2024August 27Tuesday
2025August 27Wednesday
2026August 27Thursday
2027August 27Friday
2028August 27Sunday

Get Social 

Here are some special hashtags for the day.

#JustBecause #NationalJustBecauseDay #JustBecauseDay #JustBecauseICan #RandomIdeas #Randomness

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