Denver Holidays 2026: Key Dates & Closures

Ski traffic and the Stock Show affect schedules as much as holidays do. Here’s Denver’s 2026 calendar. For statewide holidays, see our Colorado holidays 2026 guide.

What Are the Federal Holidays in Denver 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 Colorado Observe?

Colorado observes Frances Xavier Cabrini Day (October 5, 2026) instead of Columbus Day. State offices close on the first Monday of October.

Colorado also observes Juneteenth (June 19) as a state holiday alongside the federal observance.

What Local Events Affect Denver 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.

• National Western Complex congestion for 16 days – National Western Stock Show (January) is one of the largest stock shows in the country. Expect heavy traffic near I-70 and Brighton Boulevard, and increased hospitality demand.
• Downtown and Civic Center closures – Denver PrideFest (June) closes Civic Center Park and surrounding streets. Heavy foot traffic and limited downtown access.
• Coors Field and LoDo traffic – Rockies home games create heavy traffic in Lower Downtown. Summer evening games and weekend series compound with holiday schedules.
• Cherry Creek and downtown events – Cherry Creek Arts Festival (July 4 weekend) closes streets in Cherry Creek North. Expect heavy traffic and parking shortages.
• Ski traffic – Winter weekends see heavy I-70 traffic to mountain resorts. Holiday weekends create extreme congestion westbound Saturday mornings and eastbound Sunday afternoons.

When Do Denver Government Offices Close?

Denver is a consolidated city-county, so one schedule covers both. Federal holidays are off, plus the Friday after Thanksgiving. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve usually close early.

When Are DPS Schools Closed in 2026?

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

• All federal holidays
• Cabrini Day (October 5)
• Day after Thanksgiving (November 27)
• Winter break (late December through early January)
• Spring break (March)

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

How Do Denver Holidays Affect Businesses and Staffing?

Ski season is the wildcard. Employees who live in mountain towns—or just love powder days—will be late on winter Mondays or request remote work. The Stock Show in January is a 16-day cultural event that causes random absences. Holiday weekends plus ski traffic means I-70 turns into a parking lot.

Summary

Winter weekends are harder to staff than most holidays because of ski traffic. The Stock Show (January) affects attendance for two weeks. Colorado celebrates Cabrini Day in October instead of Columbus Day—state offices close on a different Monday than federal ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does ski traffic affect Denver employee commutes?

I-70 traffic is brutal on winter weekends—especially holiday weekends. Employees who live in mountain communities may be late Monday mornings. Some commute from Summit County or Eagle County daily. Factor in weather delays November through April, and expect more remote work requests during ski season.

What is Cabrini Day and do Denver businesses close?

Cabrini Day (first Monday of October) replaced Columbus Day in Colorado. State offices close on October 5, 2026. Federal offices close on Columbus Day (October 12). Banks follow the federal schedule. Most private employers don’t close for either—but check your specific policy.

Does the National Western Stock Show cause absenteeism?

Yes. The Stock Show runs 16 days in January and is a major cultural event. Expect employees to request time off, especially for rodeo nights and the parade. Schools schedule field trips. If you’re near the National Western Complex or I-70, plan for traffic delays too.

Is the week between Christmas and New Year’s slow in Denver?

For offices, yes—many close entirely or operate with skeleton crews. For ski resorts and mountain businesses, it’s peak season. For Denver retail and restaurants, it depends on location. Downtown sees less office traffic but more tourist activity. Know your customer base.

Related Guides

• Colorado Holidays 2026 – Statewide holiday dates and observances
• Utah Holidays 2026 – Neighboring state holiday schedule
• New Mexico Holidays 2026 – Neighboring state holiday schedule

Sources

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