Albuquerque Holidays 2026: Key Dates & Closures

This guide covers the 2026 dates that close schools, shut city offices, disrupt transit, or require adjusted staffing in Albuquerque. Use it to plan schedules and time-off requests. For statewide holidays, see our New Mexico holidays 2026 guide.

What Are the Federal Holidays in Albuquerque for 2026?

Independence Day falls on Saturday. Most city offices and federal agencies will close Friday, July 3 instead.

City offices, courts, and most government services close on all dates above. Many private employers follow the same schedule.

What State Holidays Does New Mexico Observe?

New Mexico observes the same holidays as the federal government. The day after Thanksgiving is not an official state holiday, though many employers choose to close.

Note: Columbus Day is observed as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in New Mexico.

What Local Events Affect Albuquerque Schedules in 2026?

• Balloon Fiesta Park and I-25 traffic – The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (October 2026) is the world’s largest hot air balloon event. Nine days of events draw nearly 1 million visitors. Expect severe traffic congestion on I-25 and roads near Balloon Fiesta Park, especially during early morning mass ascensions.
• Expo New Mexico traffic – The New Mexico State Fair (September) runs for 17 days. Expect heavy traffic on Central Avenue and San Pedro.
• Old Town and downtown events – Various festivals and events affect Old Town access throughout the year. Gathering of Nations Powwow (April) draws large crowds.
• UNM events – University of New Mexico football games and events create localized traffic near the university.
• Summerfest and local festivals – Various neighborhood festivals affect local traffic throughout summer.

When Do Albuquerque Government Offices Close?

City of Albuquerque offices close on all federal holidays. The day after Thanksgiving is typically a closure. Christmas Eve often has reduced hours.

Bernalillo County offices follow a similar schedule.

When Are APS Schools Closed in 2026?

These dates close Albuquerque Public Schools. Plan for childcare gaps and potential staffing shortages:

• All federal holidays
• Fall break (October – often coincides with Balloon Fiesta)
• Winter break (late December through early January)
• Spring break (March)

Albuquerque Public Schools finalizes the calendar each spring. Monitor the APS website for the approved 2026–2027 schedule.

How Do Albuquerque Holidays Affect Businesses and Staffing?

Retail, hospitality, healthcare, and service businesses typically stay open on holidays and during major events. Balloon Fiesta is the single largest tourism event of the year—hospitality businesses require maximum staffing during October.

Holiday weekends and school closures increase time-off requests. The State Fair (September) and Balloon Fiesta (October) create back-to-back peak tourism periods. Staff accordingly.

Summary

The highest-impact dates for 2026: federal holidays close city offices; Balloon Fiesta creates 9 days of peak tourism demand and severe traffic in October; the State Fair affects September traffic and staffing.

Use this list to build shift schedules, approve time-off requests, and plan for peak demand during fall event season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are banks and post offices open on Albuquerque holidays in 2026?

Banks and post offices close on all federal holidays. Check individual bank hours for day-after-Thanksgiving closures.

Is ABQ RIDE transit running on Thanksgiving and Christmas 2026?

ABQ RIDE does not operate on Thanksgiving (November 26), Christmas (December 25), or New Year’s Day. Plan for alternative transportation on these dates.

How does the Balloon Fiesta affect Albuquerque traffic and staffing?

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (October 2026) is a 9-day event that draws nearly 1 million visitors. Expect severe traffic congestion on I-25 and surrounding roads, especially during morning mass ascensions. Hotels and hospitality require maximum staffing.

When is the New Mexico State Fair in 2026?

The New Mexico State Fair runs for 17 days in September 2026 at Expo New Mexico. Expect heavy traffic on Central Avenue and surrounding roads. Many schools schedule field trips during the fair.

Why is Balloon Fiesta so significant for Albuquerque staffing?

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the city’s largest economic event, generating over $180 million annually. Hotels sell out a year in advance. The 9-day event (early October 2026) requires nearly every hospitality worker in the city. Many employers outside hospitality see increased time-off requests during this period.

Related Guides

• New Mexico Holidays 2026 – Statewide holiday dates and observances
• Phoenix Holidays 2026 – Nearby metro holiday schedule
• Las Vegas Holidays 2026 – Compare Southwest metro holiday schedules

Sources

• City of Albuquerque – Government Services
• U.S. Office of Personnel Management – 2026 Federal Holidays
• Albuquerque Public Schools – Academic Calendar
• ABQ RIDE – Transit Services