Baltimore Holidays 2026: Key Dates & Closures

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

What Are the Federal Holidays in Baltimore 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 Maryland Observe?

Maryland observes the day after Thanksgiving (November 27, 2026) as a state holiday. State offices close.

Note: Maryland Day (March 25) is an official observance but not a public holiday—state offices remain open. Schools and organizations may hold commemorative events.

What Local Events Affect Baltimore Schedules in 2026?

• Pimlico Race Course area traffic – Preakness Stakes (May 16, 2026) is the second jewel of the Triple Crown. Expect heavy traffic in northwest Baltimore and increased citywide hospitality demand.
• Mount Royal/Station North street closures – Artscape (July 2026) closes streets for America’s largest free arts festival. Three days of street closures and heavy pedestrian traffic.
• Inner Harbor events – Baltimore Pride (June), Light City festival, and July 4th celebrations affect Inner Harbor access and parking.
• Camden Yards area traffic – Orioles MLB games and Ravens NFL games create localized traffic. Plan alternate routes on game days.
• Maryland State Fair traffic – The fair (late August–early September) creates traffic near the Timonium Fairgrounds in Baltimore County.

When Do Baltimore Government Offices Close?

City of Baltimore offices close on all federal holidays and the day after Thanksgiving. Christmas Eve often has reduced hours.

When Are City Schools Closed in 2026?

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

• All federal holidays
• Day after Thanksgiving (November 27)
• Winter break (late December through early January)
• Spring break (April)

Baltimore City Public Schools posts the academic calendar each spring. Verify 2026–2027 dates on the district website when released.

How Do Baltimore Holidays Affect Businesses and Staffing?

Retail, hospitality, healthcare, and service businesses typically stay open on holidays and during major events. Preakness week and Artscape increase tourism and hospitality staffing demand.

Holiday weekends and school closures increase time-off requests. Baltimore’s proximity to Washington, D.C. means many residents also observe federal government closures. Staff accordingly.

Summary

The highest-impact dates for 2026: federal holidays close city offices; the day after Thanksgiving closes state offices; Preakness Stakes creates May traffic disruption; Artscape closes streets in July.

Use this list to build shift schedules, approve time-off requests, and avoid staffing gaps.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

Is MTA Maryland transit running on Thanksgiving and Christmas 2026?

MTA Maryland runs on reduced holiday schedules on Thanksgiving (November 26) and Christmas (December 25). Light Rail, Metro, and bus routes operate less frequently. Check MTA Maryland for specific route schedules.

How does the Preakness Stakes affect Baltimore traffic?

Preakness Stakes (third Saturday in May, May 16, 2026) creates significant traffic around Pimlico Race Course in northwest Baltimore. The event draws over 100,000 attendees. Plan alternate routes and expect congestion throughout the day.

What is Artscape and how does it affect downtown Baltimore?

Artscape (July 2026) is America’s largest free arts festival. It closes streets in the Mount Royal/Station North area for three days. Expect significant traffic disruption and increased demand for parking and hospitality services.

Does Baltimore observe any holidays that Washington, D.C. doesn’t?

Maryland observes the day after Thanksgiving (November 27, 2026) as a state holiday when state offices close. Federal offices in D.C. remain open that day (though many federal employees use leave). Maryland Day (March 25) is an observance, not a closure day.

Related Guides

• Maryland Holidays 2026 – Statewide holiday dates and observances
• Philadelphia Holidays 2026 – Nearby metro holiday schedule
• New York City Holidays 2026 – Compare East Coast metro holiday schedules

Sources

• City of Baltimore – Government Services
• U.S. Office of Personnel Management – 2026 Federal Holidays
• Baltimore City Public Schools – Academic Calendar
• Maryland Transit Administration