Kansas City Holidays 2026: Key Dates & Closures
Kansas City holidays 2026: federal holidays, Missouri state holidays, plus local observances like the American Royal, Chiefs games, and school closures that affect schedules.
This guide covers the 2026 dates that close schools, shut city offices, disrupt transit, or require adjusted staffing in Kansas City. Use it to plan schedules and time-off requests. For statewide holidays, see our Missouri holidays 2026 guide.
What Are the Federal Holidays in Kansas City 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 Missouri Observe?
Missouri observes Truman Day (May 8, 2026) as a state holiday honoring President Harry S. Truman, who was from nearby Independence. State offices close.
Note: Kansas City straddles the Missouri-Kansas state line. Kansas state offices observe different holidays than Missouri state offices.
What Local Events Affect Kansas City Schedules in 2026?
- Arrowhead Stadium traffic – Kansas City Chiefs NFL games create major traffic on I-70 and I-435. Sunday games and playoff games have the biggest impact. Plan for 2+ hour delays.
- American Royal complex events – The American Royal (fall) includes the world’s largest barbecue competition. Multiple days of events create traffic near the Kemper Arena area.
- Plaza Lighting Ceremony – Thanksgiving evening (November 26) on the Country Club Plaza creates significant traffic in the Midtown area.
- Kauffman Stadium traffic – Kansas City Royals MLB games affect traffic near the Truman Sports Complex (April–September).
- Power & Light District events – Downtown concerts and events create localized traffic and parking impacts.
When Do Kansas City Government Offices Close?
City of Kansas City, Missouri offices close on all federal holidays. The day after Thanksgiving is typically a closure. Christmas Eve often has reduced hours.
Jackson County offices follow a similar schedule. Wyandotte County (Kansas side) may observe different holidays.
When Are KCPS Schools Closed in 2026?
These dates close Kansas City Public Schools. Plan for childcare gaps and potential staffing shortages:
- All federal holidays
- Fall break (October)
- Winter break (late December through early January)
- Spring break (March)
Kansas City Public Schools adopts the calendar each spring. Note that districts on the Kansas side (e.g., Shawnee Mission, Olathe) follow different schedules.
How Do Kansas City Holidays Affect Businesses and Staffing?
Retail, hospitality, healthcare, and service businesses typically stay open on holidays and during major events. Chiefs game days and the American Royal create peak demand for hospitality and retail staffing.
Kansas City spans two states—be aware that Missouri and Kansas state holidays differ. Holiday weekends and school closures increase time-off requests.
Summary
The highest-impact dates for 2026: federal holidays close city offices; Chiefs game days create major traffic; Truman Day closes Missouri state offices; the American Royal and Plaza Lighting create fall event impacts.
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 Kansas City holidays in 2026?
Banks and post offices close on all federal holidays. They remain open on Missouri state holidays like Truman Day. Check individual bank hours for day-after-Thanksgiving closures.
Is RideKC transit running on Thanksgiving and Christmas 2026?
RideKC runs on reduced holiday schedules on Thanksgiving (November 26) and Christmas (December 25). Some routes may not operate. Check RideKC for specific route information.
How do Chiefs games affect Kansas City traffic?
Kansas City Chiefs NFL games at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium create major traffic on I-70, I-435, and surrounding roads. Games draw 75,000+ fans. Plan for extended travel times before and after games, especially for Sunday home games.
What is Truman Day and does it affect Kansas City?
Truman Day (May 8, 2026) honors President Harry S. Truman, who was from nearby Independence, Missouri. It is a Missouri state holiday. State offices close. Most city offices and private employers remain open. Truman Day is observed on the first Monday after May 8 if it falls on a weekend.
Do Kansas and Missouri have different holidays?
Yes. Kansas City spans two states with different holiday schedules. Missouri observes Truman Day (May 8); Kansas does not. Employers with operations on both sides should be aware that state offices follow different calendars. School districts in Kansas (Shawnee Mission, Olathe, etc.) have different break schedules than KCPS.
Related Guides
- Missouri Holidays 2026 – Statewide holiday dates and observances
- Kansas Holidays 2026 – Kansas state holiday schedule (for the Kansas side of KC)
- Oklahoma City Holidays 2026 – Nearby metro holiday schedule
