Public Holidays and Observances in Idaho 2026
Idaho holidays 2026: full list of federal holidays and Idaho-specific observances including Idaho Human Rights Day and state employee holiday schedules.
Idaho follows all federal holidays while also recognizing Idaho Human Rights Day and providing state employees additional time off. Whether you’re managing agricultural crews or tech teams in Boise, here’s what to expect in 2026.
What Are the Federal Holidays in Idaho 2026?
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day / Idaho Human 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. Federal and state offices will observe it on Friday, July 3.
What Are the State Holidays in Idaho 2026?
| Holiday | Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho Human Rights Day | January 19 | Monday | Observed with MLK Day; honors civil rights |
| Day After Thanksgiving | November 27 | Friday | State employees receive this day off |
Idaho combines Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Idaho Human Rights Day, making it a single observance on the third Monday of January.
What Are the Major Observances in Idaho?
| Observance | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Day | March 4 | Celebrates Idaho’s statehood (1890); not a closure |
| Good Friday | April 3 | Not a state holiday; some businesses close early |
| Arbor Day | Last Friday in April | State observance; no office closures |
| Flag Day | June 14 | Observance only; no business closures |
| Pioneer Day | July 24 | Some communities observe; not statewide |
When Do Schools and Businesses Close in Idaho?
Government offices close on all federal holidays, Idaho Human Rights Day, and the day after Thanksgiving. State offices in Boise, Idaho Falls, and other cities follow this schedule.
School districts set their own calendars. Common breaks include:
- Presidents’ Day: February 16, 2026 (most districts closed)
- Spring Break: Varies by district, typically late March or early April
- Fall Break: Some districts close the week of Thanksgiving
Check your local school district website for specific dates.
Banks close on federal holidays. Idaho Human Rights Day falls on MLK Day, so banks are closed.
Private businesses in Idaho’s diverse economy vary in their holiday observances. Agricultural operations in the Magic Valley and eastern Idaho often run through holidays during harvest seasons, using staggered shifts to maintain coverage. Tech companies in Boise typically follow federal schedules, while manufacturing facilities may offer holiday pay for essential workers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Idaho Human Rights Day?
Idaho Human Rights Day is observed on the third Monday of January, coinciding with Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Idaho uses this combined name to honor both Dr. King and broader civil rights principles.
Why does Idaho call it Human Rights Day instead of MLK Day?
Idaho adopted the name Idaho Human Rights Day in 2006 as a compromise. The holiday honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while also recognizing broader civil rights and human dignity principles that resonate with the state.
Is the DMV open on Idaho Human Rights Day?
No, Idaho DMV offices are closed on Idaho Human Rights Day (the third Monday of January). This is a state holiday, so all state government offices close.
Do Idaho schools close for state holidays?
Idaho school closures vary by district. Most close for federal holidays like MLK Day and Presidents’ Day, but individual districts set their own calendars for breaks and teacher workdays.
How many paid holidays do Idaho state employees get?
Idaho state employees receive 11 paid holidays per year: the 10 federal holidays plus the day after Thanksgiving. Idaho Human Rights Day coincides with the federal MLK Day.
Summary
Idaho observes all 11 federal holidays plus the day after Thanksgiving in 2026. Idaho Human Rights Day coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Government offices and schools close on these dates, while private businesses vary by industry. Plan staffing around agricultural seasons and federal holiday closures.
Looking for scheduling resources? Check out our US Federal Holidays guide, floating holiday policies, and time off request tips.
