Phoenix Holidays 2026: Key Dates & Closures

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

What Are the Federal Holidays in Phoenix 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 Arizona Observe?

Arizona does not observe Columbus Day. Instead, the state recognizes Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the same date (October 12, 2026).

Lincoln’s Birthday and Washington’s Birthday are combined into Presidents’ Day in Arizona. State offices close on Presidents’ Day.

What Local Events Affect Phoenix Schedules in 2026?

• Glendale and West Valley traffic surge – Fiesta Bowl events (late December/early January) draw large crowds to State Farm Stadium. Expect heavy traffic and increased hotel/service demand.
• State Fairgrounds area congestion – Arizona State Fair (October–November) runs for several weeks. Expect traffic near 19th Avenue and increased weekend absenteeism.
• Downtown street closures – Phoenix Pride Festival and Parade (October/November) affects downtown access.
• Tempe traffic and closures – Tempe Town Lake events including New Year’s Eve celebrations cause bridge and street closures.
• Marathon route closures – Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon (January) closes streets in downtown Phoenix and Tempe.

When Do Phoenix Government Offices Close?

City offices close on all federal holidays. The day after Thanksgiving is typically a closure. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve often have reduced hours.

Maricopa County offices follow a similar schedule.

When Are Phoenix-Area Schools Closed in 2026?

Major school districts (Phoenix Union, Mesa, Scottsdale, Chandler) close on these dates. Plan for childcare gaps and potential staffing shortages:

• All federal holidays
• Fall break (October—typically one week)
• Winter break (late December through early January)
• Spring break (March)

Arizona school districts set their own calendars. The official 2026–2027 calendars release in early 2026. Confirm specific dates with your district.

How Do Phoenix Holidays Affect Businesses and Staffing?

Retail, hospitality, healthcare, and service businesses typically stay open on holidays and during major events. Holiday weekends and school closures increase time-off requests. Fiesta Bowl week and the State Fair create staffing challenges for hospitality and service industries.

Staff accordingly. Build coverage plans around these dates.

Summary

The highest-impact dates for 2026: federal holidays close city offices; Arizona’s fall break (October) closes schools for a full week—a date many employers overlook; Fiesta Bowl events create year-end staffing and traffic challenges. Indigenous Peoples’ Day replaces Columbus Day in Arizona.

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 Phoenix holidays in 2026?

Banks and post offices close on all federal holidays. They remain open on Arizona-specific observances. Columbus Day (October 12) is a federal holiday even though Arizona calls it Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Check individual bank hours for day-after-Thanksgiving closures.

Is Valley Metro running on Thanksgiving and Christmas 2026?

Yes. Valley Metro buses and light rail run on Thanksgiving (November 26) and Christmas (December 25), but with reduced Sunday/holiday schedules. Expect longer wait times.

How long is fall break for Phoenix-area schools in 2026?

Arizona school districts typically have fall break in early October, lasting one full week. This is a major childcare gap that many employers overlook. Specific dates vary by district—check with Phoenix Union, Mesa, Scottsdale, or Chandler districts.

Do Arizona employers have to give time off for Indigenous Peoples’ Day?

Arizona recognizes Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of Columbus Day (October 12, 2026). Federal offices close since Columbus Day is still a federal holiday. Private employers are not required to close, but many follow the federal schedule.

Related Guides

• Arizona Holidays 2026 – Statewide holiday dates and observances
• Nevada Holidays 2026 – Neighboring state holiday schedule
• Los Angeles Holidays 2026 – Compare Southwest metro holiday schedules

Sources

• City of Phoenix – Holiday Schedule
• U.S. Office of Personnel Management – Federal Holidays
• Phoenix Union High School District – School Calendar