Public Holidays and Observances in Arizona 2026
Arizona holidays 2026: full list of federal holidays, state holidays including Martin Luther King Jr. / Civil Rights Day, plus office closures.
Arizona’s 2026 holiday calendar follows all 11 federal holidays with a few naming variations. Since most of Arizona doesn’t observe Daylight Saving Time, employers coordinating with out-of-state teams face unique scheduling challenges—especially during seasonal tourism peaks in destinations like Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Sedona.
What Are the Federal Holidays in Arizona 2026?
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday |
| Martin Luther King Jr. / Civil Rights Day | January 19 | Monday |
| Presidents’ Day | February 16 | Monday |
| Memorial Day | May 25 | Monday |
| Juneteenth | June 19 | Friday |
| Independence Day | July 4 | Saturday |
| Labor Day | September 7 | Monday |
| Columbus Day | October 12 | Monday |
| Veterans Day | November 11 | Wednesday |
| Thanksgiving Day | November 26 | Thursday |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday |
Note: Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, 2026. State offices observe it on Friday, July 3.
What Are the State Holidays in Arizona 2026?
| Holiday | Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Martin Luther King Jr. / Civil Rights Day | January 19 | Monday | Combined observance; state offices closed |
| Lincoln / Washington Day | February 16 | Monday | Arizona’s name for Presidents’ Day |
Arizona follows the federal holiday calendar with minor naming differences. The state does not have additional unique state holidays beyond the federal list.
What Are the Major Observances in Arizona?
| Observance | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Statehood Day | February 14 | Commemorates 1912 statehood; no closures |
| Cesar Chavez Day | March 31 | Some schools/offices observe; no statewide closure |
| Navajo Nation Holidays | Various | Observed on Navajo Nation lands only |
| Election Day | November 3 | No state closure; polls open statewide |
When Do Schools and Businesses Close in Arizona?
Government offices close on all federal holidays. Weekend holidays shift to the nearest weekday.
School districts across Arizona set their own calendars, affecting employee availability. Most districts close for federal holidays plus:
- Fall Break: Varies by district, often October
- Winter Break: Typically two weeks around Christmas/New Year
- Spring Break: Varies by district, often mid-March
Check your local school district calendar for specific dates.
Banks close on all federal holidays.
Private businesses set their own schedules. Arizona’s winter tourism season (November–April) drives high staffing demand at resorts, golf courses, and hospitality venues. Healthcare facilities serving the state’s large retiree population maintain skeleton crews on holidays. Construction and outdoor trades often shift to early morning schedules during summer to avoid peak heat.
Time zone note: Most of Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time, which affects scheduling coordination with businesses in other states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Arizona observe Daylight Saving Time?
Most of Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time, except for the Navajo Nation. Arizona stays on Mountain Standard Time year-round. This affects scheduling with businesses in other states during DST periods.
What is Martin Luther King Jr. / Civil Rights Day in Arizona?
Arizona combines Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Civil Rights Day, observed on the third Monday in January. In 2026, it falls on January 19. State offices close.
Does Arizona observe Columbus Day?
Arizona recognizes Columbus Day as a state holiday on the second Monday in October (October 12, 2026). Some cities, including Phoenix, observe Indigenous Peoples Day instead.
When is Independence Day observed in Arizona 2026?
Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, 2026. State offices observe it on Friday, July 3, 2026.
Summary
Arizona observes all 11 federal holidays in 2026 with some naming variations, such as Martin Luther King Jr. / Civil Rights Day. The state has no additional unique holidays beyond the federal list. School and business closures vary by district and industry. Use this guide to plan staffing, approve time-off requests, and manage schedules around key dates.
For hospitality workforce planning, see our guides on seasonal employment, part-time scheduling, and employee roster management.
