US Federal Holidays 2026 (Updated List): Which Public Holiday is Observed in September 2026?

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has set the official schedule for US federal holidays in 2026. This gives both public sector workers and private industry professionals a clear plan for the new year. There are 11 federal holidays in the US, and 2026 is a good year to bridge holidays and add more time off. Several major public holidays in 2026 fall on Mondays or Fridays, creating natural three-day breaks. 

According to historical AAA data, these breaks usually see a 15% increase in domestic travel. If you want to keep up with bank closures or plan a family vacation, it's important to keep up with this year's holiday calendar so you can get the most out of your work-life balance and deal with federal service interruptions.

List of US Federal Holidays 2026 Dates and Days

The following dates are established by U.S. Code (5 U.S.C. 6103) as legal public holidays in the United States. For 2026, most holidays fall on their traditional calendar dates, though ‘observed’ rules apply when a holiday falls on a weekend.

US Federal holidays in 2026 

Federal Holidays in January 2026

The month of January 2026 begins with the occurrence of two significant events which have implications for the federal workings and banking services in the country. The first day of the year being a Thursday, there may be instances where employees decide to bridge their leave until the end of the week and enjoy a four-day weekend. On the other hand, Martin Luther King Day will also fall on a Monday.

• New Year’s Day: Thursday, January 1, 2026

• Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.: Monday, January 19, 2026

What is the Holiday Schedule for February 2026?

February features a single long weekend anchored by Washington’s Birthday, popularly known as Presidents' Day, on Monday, February 16. The Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 permanently moved the date to the third Monday in February, to give workers a long weekend every year. Washington was born on February 22, and the holiday was originally created in 1879 to honor him on that date.

How Many Days Off are in May 2026?

Spring concludes with Memorial Day on Monday, May 25. Serving as the unofficial start of the American summer, this poignant day traces its roots back to the post-Civil War era when it was known as Decoration Day. Today, it stands as a solemn occasion to honor military personnel who died in the line of duty.

Is Juneteenth a Federal Holiday in June 2026?

Yes, Juneteenth National Independence Day is celebrated on Friday, June 19, creating an immediate three-day summer weekend. Commemorating June 19, 1865, the day Union soldiers brought news of freedom to enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, it became the newest addition to the federal calendar when President Joe Biden signed the holiday act into law in 2021.

Why is Independence Day Observed on July 3?

For the Fourth of July holiday calendar in 2026, there will be an unusual scheduling arrangement that is rare to see in any previous year's holiday schedule. Because the Fourth of July falls on a Saturday in 2026, the Federal Reserve, stock market, and other non-essential branches of government will celebrate it on Friday, July 3.

When is Labor Day in September 2026?

The summer’s end tradition known as Labor Day in 2026 is celebrated on Monday, September 7 in the US. This is a federal public holiday that was made official by President Grover Cleveland in 1894 to recognize the contributions made by workers in America.

Which Federal Holidays in the US Create Long Weekends?

Strategic planning is the key to 2026. Because many of these dates are designated to fall on Mondays, "weekend warriors" can expect at least six guaranteed three-day weekends.

• The Winter Break: MLK Jr. Day (Jan 19) and Presidents' Day (Feb 16) provide early-year relief.

• Summer Kickoff: Memorial Day on May 25 remains the quintessential start to the travel season.

• The Mid-Year Split: With Juneteenth falling on a Friday, many federal employees will enjoy a three-day break mid-June.

• The July 4th Shift: Since Independence Day falls on a Saturday, the legal "observed" holiday moves to Friday, July 3, 2026, creating a major summer holiday weekend.

Who Gets Paid Off on Federal Holidays in the US?

The OPM requires these closures for federal employees who don't have to be there, but the private sector is different. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that approximately 91% of full-time civilian workers receive paid time off for Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

However, that number drops a lot for holidays like Veterans Day and Columbus Day. If you work for the Federal Reserve or the United States Postal Service, you should expect to be closed on all 11 of the dates listed above. These organizations follow the federal calendar very closely.

Mapping out your US federal holidays 2026 early ensures you can secure travel deals before peak pricing kicks in. As the year progresses, keep an eye on local state-level holiday variations, which may add additional days off to this federal baseline. Start your 2026 countdown by marking these essential dates today.