Minneapolis Holidays 2026: Key Dates & Closures

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

What Are the Federal Holidays in Minneapolis for 2026?

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 Minnesota Observe?

Minnesota observes the day after Thanksgiving (November 27, 2026) as a state holiday. State offices close.

Note: Minnesota does not observe Columbus Day (October 12) as a state holiday. State offices remain open; federal offices close.

What Local Events Affect Minneapolis Schedules in 2026?

• Falcon Heights and I-94 traffic – The Minnesota State Fair (late August–Labor Day) runs for 12 days. This is one of the largest state fairs in the country, drawing nearly 2 million visitors. Expect severe traffic on I-94, Snelling Avenue, and Como Avenue.
• Downtown traffic – Minnesota Vikings NFL games at U.S. Bank Stadium create major downtown traffic. The stadium hosts Super Bowl-level events as well.
• Aquatennial – Minneapolis Aquatennial (July) includes a downtown parade and fireworks. Expect street closures and waterfront congestion.
• Target Center and Target Field events – Twins MLB games, Timberwolves NBA games, Lynx WNBA games, and Wild NHL games (at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul) create localized traffic.
• University of Minnesota events – Gophers football games at Huntington Bank Stadium affect Dinkytown and campus area traffic.

When Do Minneapolis Government Offices Close?

City of Minneapolis offices close on all federal holidays. The day after Thanksgiving is typically a closure. Christmas Eve often has reduced hours.

Hennepin County offices follow a similar schedule.

When Are MPS Schools Closed in 2026?

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

• All federal holidays
• Day after Thanksgiving (November 27)
• Winter break (late December through early January)
• Spring break (March/April)
• Various conference and professional development days

Minneapolis Public Schools typically finalizes the calendar in spring. Check the MPS website for the approved 2026–2027 schedule.

How Do Minneapolis Holidays Affect Businesses and Staffing?

Retail, hospitality, healthcare, and service businesses typically stay open on holidays and during major events. The Minnesota State Fair creates peak hospitality demand in late August through Labor Day.

The Twin Cities have a strong corporate presence—many large employers observe extended holiday closures around Christmas and New Year’s. Holiday weekends and school closures increase time-off requests.

Summary

The highest-impact dates for 2026: federal holidays close city offices; the Minnesota State Fair creates 12 days of late August/early September traffic congestion; Vikings games affect downtown traffic; the day after Thanksgiving closes state offices.

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 Minneapolis holidays in 2026?

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

Is Metro Transit running on Thanksgiving and Christmas 2026?

Metro Transit runs on reduced holiday schedules on Thanksgiving (November 26) and Christmas (December 25). Light rail and bus routes operate less frequently. Check Metro Transit for specific route schedules.

How does the Minnesota State Fair affect Minneapolis traffic?

The Minnesota State Fair (late August–Labor Day 2026) runs for 12 days in Falcon Heights, between Minneapolis and St. Paul. Expect heavy traffic on I-94, Snelling Avenue, and Como Avenue. This is one of the largest state fairs in the country, drawing nearly 2 million visitors.

How do Vikings games affect Minneapolis traffic?

Minnesota Vikings NFL games at U.S. Bank Stadium create major downtown Minneapolis traffic. Sunday games and Monday Night Football have the biggest impact. Plan for extended travel times before and after games. The stadium is connected to the light rail, which helps manage some traffic.

How large is the Minnesota State Fair compared to other fairs?

The Minnesota State Fair is one of the largest in the United States, typically drawing nearly 2 million visitors over 12 days. For context, this is comparable to the Texas State Fair. The fair runs from late August through Labor Day, creating significant staffing and traffic demands for employers in the metro.

Related Guides

• Minnesota Holidays 2026 – Statewide holiday dates and observances
• Milwaukee Holidays 2026 – Nearby metro holiday schedule
• Chicago Holidays 2026 – Compare Midwest metro holiday schedules

Sources

• City of Minneapolis – Government Services
• U.S. Office of Personnel Management – 2026 Federal Holidays
• Minneapolis Public Schools – Academic Calendar
• Metro Transit – Minneapolis-St. Paul