US Observed Federal Holidays 2026
In 2026 there is one observed federal holiday: Independence Day. Because July 4 is a Saturday, most federal employees get Friday, July 3 off instead, while July 4 remains the statutory date. Every other 2026 federal holiday falls on a weekday and is not shifted.
Dates in 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 3, 2026 | Friday | Independence Day (observed)Independence Day (Jul 4) falls on a Saturday, so most federal employees observe the holiday on Friday, Jul 3.Substitute holiday | Substitute holiday |
How observed (in-lieu) federal holidays are determined
For most federal employees on a Monday–Friday schedule, a holiday that falls on a Saturday is observed the preceding Friday, and one that falls on a Sunday is observed the following Monday (5 U.S.C. 6103(b) and Executive Order 11582). Only fixed-date holidays — New Year’s Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Veterans Day and Christmas — can shift; the "Monday" holidays such as Memorial Day, Labor Day and Columbus Day never need it.
States and private employers usually follow the same in-lieu rule, but it is not guaranteed — always check your state and employer calendar.
Official sources & data
- Federal Holidays — 2026Visit sourceU.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
- Holidays Work Schedules and PayVisit sourceU.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
Frequently asked questions
Is July 3, 2026 a federal holiday?+
In effect, yes. Because Independence Day (July 4) is a Saturday, most federal employees observe the holiday on Friday, July 3, 2026.
Are there other observed federal holidays in 2026?+
No. July 3 (for Independence Day) is the only observed shift in 2026; all other federal holidays fall on weekdays.
What does “observed” mean for a US federal holiday?+
When a federal holiday falls on a weekend, most federal employees on a Monday–Friday schedule take the nearest weekday off instead: the preceding Friday for a Saturday holiday, the following Monday for a Sunday one.
What is the difference between the actual and the observed holiday date?+
The actual date is set by law — July 4 for Independence Day. The observed date is the weekday federal employees get off when the actual date lands on a weekend. In 2026 the actual date is Saturday, July 4; the observed date is Friday, July 3.
Who follows the observed schedule?+
Federal employees on a Monday–Friday schedule do, under 5 U.S.C. 6103(b). States and private employers usually follow the same in-lieu rule, but it is not guaranteed — check your state and employer calendar.
Is there mail delivery on July 3, 2026?+
No. USPS follows the federal observed schedule, so post offices are closed and there is no regular mail delivery on Friday, July 3, 2026.