US federal holidays in September 2025: September is a time of change for many people in the United States as summer comes to an end. The month is full of important dates that are important to the country and to its culture, even though life moves at a different pace. If you want to plan your calendar, it's important to know about the important federal holidays in September 2025.
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management confirms that federal employees will observe Labor Day on September 1, 2025, but this is just one piece of the puzzle. In addition to federal holidays, September is full of national and state holidays. Check out the full list of US holidays in September to learn about and honor these special days.
How Many Federal Holidays in September 2025 Are There?
Labor Day is the only federal holiday in September 2025. The first Monday of the month is the official day to celebrate it. This year, that day is September 1st. This holiday honors the work of the American labor movement and the good things it has done for the country. It was first suggested in the late 1800s, and in 1894, it became a federal holiday.
Many people see Labor Day as the unofficial end of summer, and they use the long weekend to go to parades, barbecues, and other events. It's a day of rest and celebration for workers nationwide.
First Labor Day in the US, Courtesy - Wikipedia
List of US National and State Holidays in September 2025
Here are the important dates in September, which are going to be observed nationally and state-wise for your reference:
Date in September 2025 | US Holiday/Observance | Type | States/Notes |
September 1 | Labor Day | Federal Holiday | Observed nationwide. |
September 9 | California Admission Day | State Holiday | California only. |
September 11 | Patriot Day | National Observance | Observed nationwide in remembrance of the victims of the 9/11 attacks. |
September 14 | Grandparents' Day | National Observance | Celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day. |
September 15 | National Hispanic Heritage Month begins | National Observance | Continues through October 15. |
September 19 | POW/MIA Recognition Day | National Observance | Observed on the third Friday of the month. |
September 26 | Native American Day | State Holiday/Observance | California and Nevada. |
September 28 | Gold Star Mothers' Day | National Observance | Observed on the last Sunday of the month. |
September 29 | National Coffee Day | Informal Observance | Widely celebrated with promotions and events. |
Labor Day (September 1, 2025)
The first Monday in September is Labor Day, a federal holiday that honors the social and economic achievements of American workers. It honors the work of the labor movement, which was very important in getting workers' rights, a standard workweek, and fair pay. The holiday has its roots in the late 1800s, when industrialization was on the rise. Congress made it a national holiday in 1894. This means that it is one of the few federal holidays that doesn't honor a person or an event in history, but a social movement.
California Admission Day (September 9, 2025)
California Admission Day, which is on September 9th, is the day in 1850 that California became the 31st state in the Union. California celebrates the state's unique path to statehood on this day, which is a state holiday. Following the Mexican-American War and the Gold Rush, a need for a functional government led Californians to seek admission directly as a state, bypassing the territorial phase. This was part of the Compromise of 1850, a series of legislative measures that helped to temporarily resolve the slavery debate.
Patriot Day (September 11, 2025)
Patriot Day is a solemn national observance held on September 11th to commemorate the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the terrorist attacks of 2001. The day honors the victims, including the brave first responders who sacrificed their lives at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. According to a joint resolution passed by Congress in 2001 (Public Law 107-89), all U.S. flags are to be flown at half-staff on this day. Americans are also encouraged to observe a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. EDT, the time the first plane hit the World Trade Center.
Grandparents' Day (September 14, 2025)
Celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day, Grandparents' Day is a national observance dedicated to honoring grandparents and their invaluable role in society. The holiday's purpose, as outlined in the presidential proclamation signed by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, is threefold: to honor grandparents, to give them an opportunity to show love for their children's children, and to help children become aware of the strength, information, and guidance older people can offer. It is a day to celebrate the bond between generations and the wisdom passed down through families.
POW/MIA Recognition Day (September 15, 2025)
National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed on the third Friday of September. This day is a solemn observance dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of U.S. prisoners of war (POW) and those still missing in action (MIA) from past conflicts. It also serves to acknowledge the families who continue to wait for answers. On this day, the POW/MIA flag is flown at federal buildings and military installations across the country, symbolizing America's commitment to accounting for all who have served. This tradition was established by an act of Congress and signed into law by President Jimmy Carter in 1979.
Native American Day (September 26, 2025)
Native American Day is a state holiday or observance that recognizes the cultural contributions of Native American communities. While it is celebrated on different dates in various states, in California and Nevada, it is officially observed on the fourth Friday of September. In some places, the day is a counter-observance of Columbus Day. It honors the history, culture, and strength of Indigenous peoples. It's a day to honor their rich history and remember how they have shaped the country's past.
Gold Star Mother's Day (September 28, 2025)
Gold Star Mother's Day is an annual observance on the last Sunday of September, honoring mothers who have lost a son or daughter in the service of the U.S. Armed Forces. During World War I, families of soldiers who died in battle would hang a service flag with a gold star in their window. This is how the "Gold Star" tradition began. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a proclamation in 1936 that made this day official to honor the great sacrifice of these mothers and their families.
National Coffee Day (September 29, 2025)
National Coffee Day is an unofficial holiday that celebrates one of the most popular drinks in the world. It falls on September 29th. Even though it's not a federal or state holiday, many coffee shops and stores celebrate it by offering special deals and free items. The day honors everything from the coffee bean to the last cup, bringing attention to the global industry and the farmers who make it all possible. For coffee lovers, it's a day to drink their daily cup and think about how important coffee is to their culture.
Did You Read - US August Holidays 2025: Check National and State Observance List (Updated)
September 2025 in the U.S. brings a unique blend of formal and informal observances. While Labor Day provides a nationwide day of rest, the month also encourages remembrance and appreciation through observances like Patriot Day and Gold Star Mothers' Day. Key state holidays such as California Admission Day remind us of regional history, making the month a rich tapestry of American tradition and commemoration.
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