Columbus Holidays 2026: Key Dates & Closures

Football Saturdays and the State Fair matter as much as federal holidays here. Here’s the 2026 calendar for Columbus. For statewide holidays, see our Ohio holidays 2026 guide.

What Are the Federal Holidays in Columbus 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 Ohio Observe?

Ohio observes all federal holidays. The day after Thanksgiving is a state holiday for state employees.

Ohio recognizes Columbus Day as both a federal and state holiday. Expect city and state office closures on October 12, 2026.

What Local Events Affect Columbus Schedules in 2026?

Specific 2026 dates for major events are typically announced in late 2025 or early 2026. Check official event websites for confirmed schedules.

• Ohio Expo Center congestion for 12 days – Ohio State Fair (late July–early August) draws over 900,000 visitors. Expect heavy traffic near I-71 and 17th Avenue, and increased hospitality demand.
• Downtown and campus traffic, fall Saturdays – Ohio State football home games create massive traffic around Ohio Stadium. Rivalry games and big matchups have the largest impact.
• Downtown street closures – Columbus Marathon (October) closes High Street and routes through downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. Plan for limited vehicle access in the morning.
• Short North and downtown events – Gallery Hop (first Saturday monthly), Pride Festival (June), and Red, White & Boom (July 3) create periodic downtown congestion.
• Arena District traffic – Blue Jackets games and Nationwide Arena concerts create evening traffic surges, especially when combined with holidays.

When Do Columbus Government Offices Close?

City and Franklin County offices are closed on federal holidays. Friday after Thanksgiving is off. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve usually close early or entirely.

When Are Columbus City Schools Closed in 2026?

These dates close Columbus City 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 (March/April)
• Teacher workdays (dates vary)

The official 2026–2027 CCS calendar releases in early 2026. Confirm specific dates then.

How Do Columbus Holidays Affect Businesses and Staffing?

OSU football Saturdays are basically holidays—plan around them or lose staff to traffic and tailgates. The State Fair in August means families taking random days off. Short North and downtown hospitality stays busy when government shuts down; suburban offices do the opposite.

Summary

Fall Saturdays belong to Ohio State football. The State Fair owns a chunk of August. Columbus Day actually gets celebrated here—it’s the city’s namesake, and people lean into it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I staff around Ohio State football Saturdays?

Treat home games like holidays. OSU draws 100,000+ fans, and traffic around campus is gridlocked for hours. Staff who live near OSU will be late or request off. For businesses near the stadium, game days mean high demand but difficult commutes. Schedule early or expect no-shows.

Does Columbus actually celebrate Columbus Day?

Yes—it’s both a federal and Ohio state holiday. City and state offices close on October 12, 2026. The city hosts a parade and Italian Festival. Banks and post offices close. For a city named Columbus, it’s one of the more observed Columbus Days in the country.

How does the Ohio State Fair affect Columbus businesses?

The Fair runs 12 days in late July–early August and draws over 900,000 visitors. Hotels near I-71 and the Expo Center fill up. Restaurants see increased demand. Expect higher absenteeism as families visit the Fair—it’s an Ohio summer tradition.

Is the Short North busy on holidays?

Very. The Short North stays open on most holidays—it’s a dining and entertainment district, not an office park. Gallery Hop (first Saturday monthly) and holiday weekends bring crowds. If you’re staffing a Short North business, holidays mean higher revenue, not closures.

Related Guides

• Ohio Holidays 2026 – Statewide holiday dates and observances
• Indiana Holidays 2026 – Neighboring state holiday schedule
• Pennsylvania Holidays 2026 – Neighboring state holiday schedule

Sources

• City of Columbus – Holiday Schedule
• U.S. Office of Personnel Management – Federal Holidays
• Columbus City Schools – School Calendar