Indianapolis Holidays 2026: Key Dates & Closures

The Month of May is a bigger deal than most holidays here. Here’s what to plan around in Indianapolis for 2026. For statewide holidays, see our Indiana holidays 2026 guide.

What Are the Federal Holidays in Indianapolis 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 Indiana Observe?

Indiana observes all federal holidays plus Good Friday (April 3, 2026) as an optional state holiday. Primary Election Day (May 5, 2026) is a state holiday for state employees.

The day after Thanksgiving is typically observed by state and local government offices.

What Local Events Affect Indianapolis Schedules in 2026?

The Indianapolis 500 is always held on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. Other event dates are typically announced in late 2025 or early 2026.

Citywide impact, Memorial Day weekend – Indianapolis 500 (May 24) draws 300,000+ fans to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The entire month of May includes qualifying, practice, and events. Expect extreme traffic and high hospitality demand.
Downtown street closures – 500 Festival Parade (May 23) closes downtown streets the day before the race. Heavy foot traffic and limited downtown access.
State Fairgrounds congestion for over two weeks – Indiana State Fair (August) draws over a million visitors. Expect heavy traffic near 38th Street and Fall Creek Parkway.
Downtown events – Circle of Lights (November) and other Monument Circle events create periodic downtown congestion during the holiday season.
Convention traffic – Gen Con (August) and other major conventions at the Indiana Convention Center create downtown hotel shortages and traffic.

When Do Indianapolis Government Offices Close?

City-County Building and Marion County offices close on federal holidays. Friday after Thanksgiving is off. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve typically close early.

When Are IPS Schools Closed in 2026?

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

All federal holidays
Good Friday (April 3)
Day after Thanksgiving (November 27)
Winter break (late December through early January)
Spring break (March/April)

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

How Do Indianapolis Holidays Affect Businesses and Staffing?

May isn’t a month here—it’s a season. The entire city revolves around the 500, and hospitality runs at full throttle. August brings the State Fair and Gen Con back-to-back, which means downtown hotels are impossible and families are distracted. Federal holidays feel quieter by comparison.

Summary

The 500 (Memorial Day weekend) and the Month of May that leads up to it dominate the calendar. August is a double hit: State Fair plus Gen Con. Good Friday closes schools—it’s an Indiana thing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I staff for the entire Month of May in Indianapolis?

May is a month-long event, not just race day. Qualifying weekends, the parade, Carb Day, and the 500 itself all create staffing challenges. Time-off requests spike. Hotels book solid. If you’re in hospitality or service, treat the whole month as peak season—not just Memorial Day weekend.

Is the Indy 500 a holiday for Indianapolis employers?

Not officially, but effectively yes for many. Some employers close or offer half-days on race day (Sunday of Memorial Day weekend). Others see 20-30% absenteeism. If you need full staffing on May 24, 2026, communicate expectations early and consider incentive pay.

How does Gen Con affect downtown Indianapolis?

Gen Con (August) fills every downtown hotel and most within 30 miles. 70,000+ attendees pack the Convention Center area Thursday through Sunday. Restaurants see massive demand. If your business is downtown, expect higher foot traffic but possible staff commute delays.

Does the Indiana State Fair cause employee absenteeism?

Yes, especially for employees with kids. The Fair runs more than two weeks in August, and families make multiple visits. Expect informal absenteeism—half-days, late arrivals, early departures. It’s not a formal holiday, but plan for reduced productivity in August.