National IPA Day honors the beer known as India Pale Ale on the first Thursday in August. National IPA Day is observed to raise awareness about one of the most popular types of craft beer in the world; the India Pale Ale, or I.P.A.

The IPA is a full-bodied, bold, and bitter beer made with hops and pale malts. It contains more alcohol than the average beer and is brewed with a variety of hop strains. Through several IPA tasting events, festivals, and other activities, I.P.A. Day brings together large and small breweries, as well as beer lovers and connoisseurs.