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National Coloring Book Day

Color your way to happiness this National Coloring Book Day - grab your favorite coloring book and some crayons and let the creative fun begin!

Sunday

August 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAugust 2

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYHobbies

SUBCATEGORYArts & Crafts

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get your crayons ready and celebrate National Coloring Book Day on August 2! This special day was created to commemorate the invention of the modern-day coloring book in 1879. It's a great time to break out those old coloring books that have been collecting dust for years or try out some new ones. Whether you prefer complex designs or simpler images, there is something for everyone to enjoy on this day!

TIMELINE

National Coloring Book Day Timeline

First Coloring Book

The first coloring book, "The Little Folks' Painting Book" was published by the McLoughlin Brothers in New York.

Disney Coloring Books

Disney started producing coloring books featuring their popular characters, offering children a chance to bring their favorite characters to life.

Popularity Surge

Coloring books surged in popularity, leading to an increase in published works and rise in market share.

Adult Coloring Books

The trend of adult coloring books, marketed for their stress-relieving benefits, began to take off.

National Coloring Book Day

The first National Coloring Book Day was celebrated, and has been celebrated annually on August 2 ever since.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Coloring Book Day

Organize a coloring book swap

Throw a party and invite your friends to bring their favorite coloring books. Exchange them, get creative, and enjoy being creative together.

CREATE

Create your own coloring book

Grab some markers, pens, and pencils and draw your own coloring pages. Invite friends over for a coloring party and share your creations.

COLOR

Color with food

Use food items such as blueberries, red peppers, and carrots to color in a mandala or other intricate designs using natural pigments.

MAKE

Make a coloring book mural

Gather up all of your old coloring books and create a mural on an empty wall or large piece of paper. Cut out pictures from the books to create an amazing work of art.

BUY

Buy yourself a gift

Head to your local store or online shop and purchase yourself a new adult coloring book! Pick one that is filled with intricate designs or something calming like nature scenes. Enjoy getting lost in the details.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Coloring Book Day

Coloring books bring people together

Grabbing some colorful pens and getting lost in the art of coloring can be a great family or team bonding activity. You don't need any special skills or art supplies, just your creativity! So if you're looking for a fun group activity that everyone can enjoy, try creating some unique artwork with a good old fashioned coloring book.

Coloring books are fun and relaxing

Coloring is a great way to de-stress and unwind after a long day. The act of coloring helps to slow down the mind and focus on a simple task, allowing us to relax. It's also just plain fun - there's something magical about filling in an intricate design with vibrant colors!

Coloring books can take you on artistic adventures

From mystical forests to underwater cities, coloring books offer up a whole world of possibilities. With each page you color, your imagination will take you to faraway lands and unexpected places. Plus, it's never too late to start learning how to draw - coloring is an excellent way for beginners to get familiar with the basics!

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Hobbies

National Coloring Day

Get creative this National Coloring Day! Dive into a world of colors and creativity - pick up your favorite coloring book today!

National Doodle Day

Get creative and join in on National Doodle Day - unleash your inner artist with doodles, sketches, drawings, and more!

National Crayon Day

A fun observance on March 31 celebrating crayons, coloring, childhood creativity, and the history of this beloved art tool.

Children’s Picture Book Day

Get ready to dive into a world of imagination and wonder on Children's Picture Book Day - the perfect day to share stories and create memories with your little ones!

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