Fresno Holidays 2026: Key Dates & Closures

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

What Are the Federal Holidays in Fresno for 2026?

Holiday	Date	Day
New Year’s Day	January 1	Thursday
Martin Luther King Jr. 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

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 California Observe?

California observes Cesar Chavez Day (March 31, 2026) as a state holiday. State offices close. This holiday is especially significant in the Central Valley due to the region’s agricultural heritage and Chavez’s legacy in the farmworker movement.

California also observes the day after Thanksgiving (November 27, 2026) as a state holiday.

What Local Events Affect Fresno Schedules in 2026?

Fresno Fairgrounds traffic – The Big Fresno Fair (October) is one of California’s largest county fairs. Expect heavy traffic near the fairgrounds for about 2 weeks.
Downtown events – Fresno Grizzlies baseball games at Chukchansi Park create localized downtown traffic during the season (April–September).
Fresno State events – Fresno State Bulldogs football games and other university events create traffic near campus on game days.
Agricultural events – The World Ag Expo in nearby Tulare (February) draws significant traffic through Fresno. Many agricultural industry workers take time off.
Mardi Gras Fresno – This February event affects downtown Fulton Street area.

When Do Fresno Government Offices Close?

City of Fresno offices close on all federal holidays, Cesar Chavez Day, and the day after Thanksgiving. Christmas Eve often has reduced hours.

Fresno County offices follow a similar schedule.

When Are FUSD Schools Closed in 2026?

These dates close Fresno Unified School District. Plan for childcare gaps and potential staffing shortages:

All federal holidays
Cesar Chavez Day (March 31)
Day after Thanksgiving (November 27)
Fall break (November)
Winter break (late December through early January)
Spring break (April)

Fresno Unified adopts the academic calendar each spring. Check the district website for the finalized 2026–2027 schedule.

How Do Fresno Holidays Affect Businesses and Staffing?

Retail, hospitality, healthcare, and service businesses typically stay open on holidays and during major events. The agricultural industry is a major employer in the region—seasonal demands affect staffing patterns throughout the year.

The Big Fresno Fair creates peak hospitality demand in October. Holiday weekends and school closures increase time-off requests.

Summary

The highest-impact dates for 2026: federal holidays close city offices; Cesar Chavez Day closes state offices and many schools; the Big Fresno Fair creates October traffic congestion; the day after Thanksgiving is a state holiday.

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 Fresno holidays in 2026?

Banks and post offices close on all federal holidays. They remain open on California state holidays like Cesar Chavez Day. Check individual bank hours for day-after-Thanksgiving closures.

Is FAX transit running on Thanksgiving and Christmas 2026?

FAX (Fresno Area Express) runs on reduced holiday schedules on Thanksgiving (November 26) and Christmas (December 25). Some routes may not operate. Check FAX for specific route information.

How does the Big Fresno Fair affect traffic?

The Big Fresno Fair (October 2026) runs for about 2 weeks at the Fresno Fairgrounds. Expect heavy traffic on Kings Canyon Road and Chance Avenue. Many schools schedule field trips during the fair. This is one of the largest county fairs in California.

Does California observe Cesar Chavez Day?

Yes. Cesar Chavez Day (March 31, 2026) is a California state holiday. State offices close. Some school districts observe it as a holiday. Federal offices and banks remain open. This holiday is particularly significant in the Central Valley.

How does agricultural season affect Fresno staffing?

Fresno is in California’s Central Valley agricultural heartland. Harvest seasons (varying by crop, but often summer through fall) create high demand for agricultural workers. Non-agricultural employers may see increased competition for workers during peak harvest periods.