Public Holidays and Observances in Iowa 2026
Iowa holidays 2026: full list of federal holidays plus Iowa state observances including Lincoln's Birthday and the day after Thanksgiving.
Iowa follows all federal holidays and provides state employees with additional time off for the day after Thanksgiving. For managers in Des Moines offices and rural processing facilities alike, here’s the 2026 calendar breakdown.
What Are the Federal Holidays in Iowa 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 |
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 Iowa 2026?
| Holiday | Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln’s Birthday | February 12 | Friday | Recognized but not a paid state holiday |
| Day After Thanksgiving | November 27 | Friday | Paid holiday for state employees |
Iowa recognizes Lincoln’s Birthday as a state holiday, but it is not a paid day off for state employees. The day after Thanksgiving is a paid holiday for state workers.
What Are the Major Observances in Iowa?
| Observance | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Good Friday | April 3 | Not a state holiday; some businesses close early |
| Arbor Day | Last Friday in April | State observance; tree planting events |
| Iowa State Fair | August 13–23, 2026 | Major event in Des Moines; staffing considerations |
| Flag Day | June 14 | Observance only; no business closures |
When Do Schools and Businesses Close in Iowa?
Government offices close on all federal holidays and the day after Thanksgiving. Iowa DOT, county courthouses, and state agencies follow this schedule.
School districts set their own calendars. Common patterns include:
- Presidents’ Day: February 16, 2026 (most districts closed)
- Spring Break: Varies by district, typically late March
- Fall Break: Some districts close the week of Thanksgiving
Check the Iowa Department of Education or your local district website for specific dates.
Banks close on federal holidays only. Lincoln’s Birthday and the day after Thanksgiving are not federal holidays, so banks remain open.
Private businesses in Iowa’s agricultural economy often work through holidays during planting (April–May) and harvest (September–November) seasons. Food processing plants in Sioux City, Waterloo, and the Quad Cities run continuous operations with 4-on-4-off shift patterns and mandatory overtime during peak production. Insurance and financial services companies in Des Moines typically follow federal holiday schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Iowa DOT open on Black Friday?
No, Iowa DOT offices are closed on the day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday). This is an official state holiday in Iowa, so all state government offices close.
Do Iowa state employees get Black Friday off?
Yes, Iowa state employees receive the day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday) as a paid holiday, creating a four-day Thanksgiving weekend.
Are Iowa schools closed during the Iowa State Fair?
Iowa school closures during the State Fair (August 13–23, 2026) vary by district. Most schools are still on summer break in mid-August, but districts with earlier start dates may schedule around fair activities.
Does Iowa have any unique state holidays?
Iowa closely follows the federal holiday schedule with one addition: the day after Thanksgiving is a paid state holiday. Lincoln’s Birthday is recognized but not a paid day off for state workers.
Are Iowa banks open on the day after Thanksgiving?
Yes, Iowa banks remain open on the day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday) since it is not a federal banking holiday. Banks only close on the 11 federal holidays.
Summary
Iowa observes all 11 federal holidays plus the day after Thanksgiving in 2026. Lincoln’s Birthday is recognized but not a paid state holiday. Government offices close on designated holidays, while private businesses vary by industry. Plan staffing around agricultural seasons and major events like the Iowa State Fair.
Want more scheduling tips? Read our US Federal Holidays guide, explore floating holiday options, or review time off request workflows.
