Public Holidays and Observances in Maine 2026
Maine holidays 2026: full list of federal holidays plus Patriots' Day on April 20, one of only two states to observe this Revolutionary War commemoration.
Maine is one of only two states (along with Massachusetts) to observe Patriots’ Day as a state holiday. From Portland’s waterfront businesses to Acadia-area tourism operators, here’s what 2026 holds.
What Are the Federal Holidays in Maine 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 Maine 2026?
| Holiday | Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patriots’ Day | April 20 | Monday | Third Monday in April; commemorates Revolutionary War |
| Day After Thanksgiving | November 27 | Friday | State employees receive this day off |
Maine officially spells it “Patriot’s Day” (with the apostrophe before the “s”), while Massachusetts uses “Patriots’ Day.”
What Are the Major Observances in Maine?
| Observance | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Good Friday | April 3 | Not a state holiday; some businesses close |
| Maine Statehood Day | March 15 | Commemorates 1820 statehood; not a closure |
| Arbor Day | Third full week in May | State observance; tree planting activities |
| Flag Day | June 14 | Observance only; no business closures |
When Do Schools and Businesses Close in Maine?
Government offices close on all federal holidays, Patriots’ Day, and the day after Thanksgiving. State, county, and municipal offices follow this schedule.
School districts set their own calendars. Common closures include:
- Presidents’ Day Week: Many districts close for February break
- Patriots’ Day: April 20, 2026 (statewide closure)
- Spring Break: Often aligned with Patriots’ Day week in April
Check your local school district or the Maine Department of Education for specific dates.
Banks may close on Patriots’ Day since it’s a state holiday, but since it’s not a federal banking holiday, some banks remain open. Check with your specific branch. All banks close on federal holidays. Note that federal offices remain open on Patriots’ Day.
Private businesses in Maine vary by industry. Tourism and hospitality businesses along the coast from Portland to Bar Harbor operate through holidays during peak summer season, using seasonal employees and mandatory overtime. Fishing and lobstering operations adjust schedules around weather and catch seasons. Manufacturing in southern Maine typically follows standard holiday schedules with shift differential pay for weekend and holiday workers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Patriots’ Day in Maine?
Patriots’ Day commemorates the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War on April 19, 1775. Maine is one of only two states (along with Massachusetts) to observe it as a state holiday.
When is Patriots’ Day 2026 in Maine?
Patriots’ Day 2026 in Maine falls on Monday, April 20. It is observed on the third Monday of April each year.
Is the Maine DMV open on Patriots’ Day?
No, Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles offices are closed on Patriots’ Day. This is an official state holiday in Maine, so all state government offices close.
Do Maine schools close for Patriots’ Day?
Yes, Maine public schools close on Patriots’ Day (April 20, 2026). Many districts schedule their spring break around this week, creating an extended vacation.
Is Patriots’ Day a federal holiday?
No, Patriots’ Day is not a federal holiday. It is only observed as a state holiday in Maine and Massachusetts. Federal offices and post offices remain open, but state offices close.
Summary
Maine observes all 11 federal holidays plus Patriots’ Day and the day after Thanksgiving in 2026. Patriots’ Day is unique to Maine and Massachusetts—banks close but federal offices remain open. Plan staffing around summer tourism season and the Patriots’ Day school break in April.
Learn more about US Federal Holidays, floating holiday implementation, and handling time off requests.
