August 4: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign
While many celebrate with a glass of champagne—a sparkling tradition linked to this date—August 4 also marks the birth of a global fashion icon and several world-changing political milestones.
Quick Facts for August 4
- Zodiac sign: Leo
- Day of year: 216
About August 4
For those born under the Leo sign, August 4 often feels as grand as the historical figures born on this day. We see the legacy of Louis Vuitton, whose name became synonymous with luxury travel and fashion, and the rise of Barack Obama, whose political journey reshaped the American landscape. These figures, much like the Leo spirit, command attention and leave lasting marks on the world.
History on this day is often defined by shifts in power and sudden change. From the 16th-century succession crisis in Portugal following the Battle of Al Kasr al Kebir to the 18th-century abolition of feudalism in France, August 4 has served as a turning point for entire nations. Even the science of celebration is tied to this date, with 1693 being the year traditionally associated with the refinement of champagne techniques by Dom Perignon.
Holidays & Observances on August 4
- Coast Guard Day (United States)
- Constitution Day (Cook Islands); first Monday in August
- Matica slovenská Day (Slovakia)
- Barack Obama Day in Illinois in the United States
- 2020 Beirut explosion commemoration day in Lebanon
Fun & National Days on August 4
- National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day — Treat yourself to a warm, gooey batch of your favorite chocolate chip cookies!
- National White Wine Day — Pour a chilled glass of your favorite crisp white wine to celebrate.
- Assistance Dog Day — Show some extra love to the hard-working service animals that help people every day.
- Hooray for Kids Day — Celebrate the joy and energy that children bring to our lives every single day.
- National Night Out
- Single Working Women's Day
- U.S. Coast Guard Day
On This Day in History
- 598 — Emperor Wéndi of Sui launched a massive land and sea campaign to conquer the Korean kingdom of Goguryeo.
- 1265 — During the Second Barons' War, Prince Edward secured a decisive victory at the Battle of Evesham.
- 1578 — The death of King Sebastian at the Battle of Al Kasr al Kebir triggered a major Portuguese succession crisis.
- 1693 — Dom Perignon is traditionally credited with developing the innovative techniques used to create sparkling champagne.
- 1783 — A violent eruption of Mount Asama in Japan caused massive loss of life and a subsequent famine.
- 1789 — The French National Constituent Assembly officially moved to abolish the feudal system within the nation.
- 1790 — The United States Revenue Cutter Service, the predecessor to the Coast Guard, was established via a new tariff act.
- 1821 — The very first edition of the weekly newspaper, The Saturday Evening Post, was published.
- 1914 — Following the German invasion of Belgium, the British Empire declared war on Germany, starting World War I.
- 1944 — Anne Frank and her family were discovered and arrested by the Gestapo in an Amsterdam warehouse.
- 2007 — NASA successfully launched the Phoenix lander, a mission designed to explore the surface of Mars.
- 2020 — A massive explosion involving ammonium nitrate at the Beirut port caused devastating destruction and loss of life.
Famous Birthdays on August 4
- 1792 — Percy Bysshe Shelley, A renowned English poet and playwright who became a central figure of the Romantic movement.
- 1821 — Louis Vuitton, The legendary French designer who established one of the world's most prestigious luxury fashion houses.
- 1834 — John Venn, An influential English mathematician famous for creating the diagrams used to illustrate logical sets.
- 1900 — Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, A beloved and iconic figure within the British Royal Family.
- 1901 — Louis Armstrong, An incomparable American musician who transformed jazz through his trumpet playing and vocals.
- 1912 — Raoul Wallenberg, A courageous Swedish diplomat who saved thousands of lives during the Holocaust.
- 1961 — Barack Obama, The 44th President of the United States and a Nobel Peace Prize recipient.
- 1981 — Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, A prominent American media personality and member of the British Royal Family.