Louisville Holidays 2026: Key Dates & Closures

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

What Are the Federal Holidays in Louisville 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 Kentucky Observe?

Kentucky observes Good Friday (April 3, 2026) as a half-day state holiday. State offices close at noon; many county offices follow. Private employers are not required to observe it.

What Local Events Affect Louisville Schedules in 2026?

Churchill Downs area and citywide impact – Kentucky Derby (May 2, 2026) is the single biggest event in Louisville. The two-week Derby Festival includes Thunder Over Louisville, the Pegasus Parade, and multiple events that close streets and create maximum hospitality demand.
Waterfront and downtown closures – Thunder Over Louisville (April 2026) closes the entire waterfront and downtown for the nation’s largest annual fireworks display. Plan for no downtown access the day of the event.
Downtown street closures – Pegasus Parade (Derby Eve, May 1, 2026) closes downtown streets. Hundreds of thousands line the route.
Kentucky State Fair traffic – The Kentucky State Fair (August) creates heavy traffic near the Kentucky Exposition Center for 11 days.
Forecastle Festival – This waterfront music festival (July) closes areas along the Ohio River. Expect traffic and parking impacts.

When Do Louisville Government Offices Close?

Louisville Metro Government offices close on all federal holidays and Good Friday. The day after Thanksgiving is typically a closure. Christmas Eve often has reduced hours.

When Are JCPS Schools Closed in 2026?

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

All federal holidays
Good Friday (April 3)
Derby Day (May 2, observed as Oaks Day in schools)
Fall break (October)
Winter break (late December through early January)
Spring break (April)

Jefferson County Public Schools adopts the calendar each spring. Look for the official 2026–2027 schedule on the district website.

How Do Louisville Holidays Affect Businesses and Staffing?

The Kentucky Derby Festival (late April through first Saturday in May) is Louisville’s peak season. Hospitality, retail, and service businesses require maximum staffing during this period. Many employers treat Derby Day as an informal holiday.

Retail, hospitality, healthcare, and service businesses typically stay open on federal holidays. Holiday weekends and school closures increase time-off requests. Staff accordingly.

Summary

The highest-impact dates for 2026: federal holidays close city offices; Good Friday closes state offices; Kentucky Derby Festival (late April–early May) creates the year’s biggest staffing and traffic demands; Thunder Over Louisville shuts down the waterfront.

Use this list to build shift schedules, approve time-off requests, and plan for peak demand during Derby season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are banks and post offices open on Louisville holidays in 2026?

Banks and post offices close on all federal holidays. Check individual bank hours for day-after-Thanksgiving closures.

Is TARC transit running on Thanksgiving and Christmas 2026?

TARC (Transit Authority of River City) runs on reduced holiday schedules on Thanksgiving (November 26) and Christmas (December 25). Some routes may not operate. Check TARC for specific route information.

How does the Kentucky Derby affect Louisville traffic and staffing?

Kentucky Derby (first Saturday in May, May 2, 2026) is the biggest event of the year in Louisville. The entire Derby Festival spans two weeks. Expect major traffic disruption around Churchill Downs, downtown closures for the Pegasus Parade, and maximum hospitality staffing requirements.

What is Thunder Over Louisville?

Thunder Over Louisville (April 2026) is the largest annual fireworks display in North America and kicks off the Kentucky Derby Festival. The event closes the waterfront and downtown areas. Expect hundreds of thousands of attendees and significant traffic disruption.

Is Oaks Day a holiday in Louisville?

Oaks Day (the Friday before Derby, May 1, 2026) is not an official holiday, but many Louisville employers treat it as one. JCPS schools are closed. Expect significant traffic around Churchill Downs and reduced productivity across the metro. Some call it “Louisville’s actual holiday.”