Seattle Holidays 2026: Key Dates & Closures

Tech companies set their own schedules, but everyone watches the Blue Angels. Here’s Seattle’s 2026 calendar. For statewide holidays, see our Washington holidays 2026 guide.

What Are the Federal Holidays in Seattle 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 Washington Observe?

Washington recognizes Indigenous Peoples’ Day (October 12, 2026) instead of Columbus Day. State offices close.

The day after Thanksgiving is a state holiday. State and many local government offices close on November 27, 2026.

What Local Events Affect Seattle Schedules in 2026?

Specific 2026 dates for major events are typically announced in late 2025 or early 2026. Check official event websites for confirmed schedules.

• Lake Washington and I-90 traffic, multiple weekends – Seafair (July–August) includes hydroplane races, the Blue Angels, and the Torchlight Parade. The final weekend creates extreme traffic near Lake Washington and Genesee Park.
• Downtown street closures – Seafair Torchlight Parade (August) closes downtown streets on Saturday evening. Heavy foot traffic and limited downtown access.
• Seattle Center congestion – Major events at Seattle Center including concerts and festivals create periodic traffic around Lower Queen Anne.
• Stadium District traffic – Seahawks, Sounders, and Mariners games create heavy traffic around SoDo. Sunday NFL games and weekend baseball compound with holiday schedules.
• Capitol Hill events – Seattle Pride Parade (June) closes Broadway and Capitol Hill streets. Expect heavy foot traffic and limited neighborhood access.

When Do Seattle Government Offices Close?

City and King County offices close for federal holidays. The day after Thanksgiving (Native American Heritage Day in Washington) is off. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve are usually early closures.

When Are Seattle Public Schools Closed in 2026?

These dates close Seattle 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)
• Mid-winter break (February)
• Spring break (April)

The official 2026–2027 SPS calendar releases in early 2026. Confirm specific dates then.

How Do Seattle Holidays Affect Businesses and Staffing?

Tech dominates here, and tech makes its own rules—Amazon and Microsoft don’t follow the same calendar, and neither do the startups. Seafair weekend (late July) packs Lake Washington and backs up I-90. Cruise season (May–September) keeps the waterfront busy even when offices close.

Summary

Seafair (late July) is the local event that actually affects staffing. Tech companies do whatever they want with holidays. Indigenous Peoples’ Day closes state offices in October—Washington calls it that, not Columbus Day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Seattle tech companies have standard holiday schedules?

Rarely. Amazon, Microsoft, and most tech employers set their own schedules. Many offer unlimited PTO or floating holidays. Some close the last week of December; others don’t. If you work with Seattle tech companies, confirm their schedules directly—don’t assume federal holidays apply.

How does Seafair weekend affect Seattle businesses?

The Seafair weekend (late July) brings the Blue Angels and hydroplane races. Lake Washington traffic is brutal. I-90 slows to a crawl. Employees who live on the Eastside may be late or request off. For waterfront businesses, it’s a peak revenue weekend—staff accordingly.

What’s the difference between Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Columbus Day in Seattle?

Washington state observes Indigenous Peoples’ Day (October 12, 2026), so state offices close. Federal offices still call it Columbus Day but also close. Banks close. The practical impact is the same—it’s a day off—but the name matters for communications and cultural awareness.

Do cruise ship arrivals affect Seattle staffing?

If you’re near the waterfront or Pioneer Square, yes. Alaska cruise season runs May–September, with ships arriving and departing most days. Saturdays and Sundays see the heaviest traffic. Plan for congestion near the cruise terminal and increased tourist foot traffic downtown.

Related Guides

• Washington Holidays 2026 – Statewide holiday dates and observances
• Oregon Holidays 2026 – Neighboring state holiday schedule
• San Francisco Holidays 2026 – West Coast metro holiday schedule

Sources

• City of Seattle – Holiday Schedule
• U.S. Office of Personnel Management – Federal Holidays
• Seattle Public Schools – School Calendar