US Bank Holidays 2026 and 2027 — Complete Calendar

If you're planning time off in 2026 and 2027, here’s a complete list of US bank holidays for those years. Plus, some tips on stretching your vacation days, top events to check out, and budget-friendly ideas to enjoy your breaks.

Key Dates for US Bank Holidays in 2026 and 2027

In 2026, federal offices, banks, and financial markets will close on these official holidays. Knowing these dates early can help you plan vacations, family gatherings, or just enjoy a well-deserved break.

• New Year’s Day: Thursday, January 1, 2026. Kick off the year with a day off to recover from New Year’s Eve celebrations or start fresh on Friday if you want a long weekend.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Monday, January 19, 2026. This holiday honors the civil rights leader and always falls on a Monday, giving a perfect three-day weekend.
• Washington’s Birthday (President's Day): Monday, February 16, 2026. Another Monday holiday that often is a mid-winter break for many workers and students.
• Memorial Day: Monday, May 25, 2026. Marks the unofficial start of summer. Many use this long weekend for vacations or family barbecues.
• Juneteenth National Independence Day: Friday, June 19, 2026. A federal holiday celebrating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Falling on a Friday, it’s a great kickoff to a long weekend.
• Independence Day (Observed): Friday, July 3, 2026. Since July 4 falls on a Saturday, the federal holiday is observed on Friday, giving a three-day weekend to celebrate America’s birthday.
• Labor Day: Monday, September 7, 2026. The traditional end of summer holiday, perfect for last-minute trips or relaxing at home.
• Columbus Day: Monday, October 12, 2026. A Monday holiday that’s often associated with fall festivals and sales events.
• Veterans Day: Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Midweek holiday honoring military veterans. Some businesses may close, others stay open.
• Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 26, 2026. A major family holiday with many taking Friday off to create a four-day weekend.
• Christmas Day: Friday, December 25, 2026. A federal holiday celebrated nationwide, often combined with winter vacations.

Looking ahead to 2027, New Year’s Day falls on Friday, January 1, offering a ready-made long weekend. While the other federal holidays in 2027 follow similar patterns, it’s wise to check official announcements as dates approach. For example, Memorial Day will be observed on Monday, May 31, 2027, and Thanksgiving will fall on Thursday, November 25, 2027.

Top Events and Locations to Enjoy Around Bank Holidays

Bank holidays are perfect for catching some big shows or planning a getaway. Here are some highlights lined up especially in 2026 and early 2027 to inspire your plans.

• Broadway in Atlanta 2026-2027 Season at the Fox Theatre features the hit musical HAMILTON from September 2 to 20, 2026. This critically acclaimed show tells the story of Alexander Hamilton with hip-hop and jazz influences. It’s won 11 Tony Awards and continues to draw audiences nationwide. Ticket prices range from about $100 for upper balcony seats to $250 for premium orchestra locations. The timing overlaps with Labor Day weekend, so it’s a great excuse to visit Atlanta for culture and sunshine.
• Buena Vista Social Club™ hits the Fox Theatre October 27 to November 1, 2026. This musical celebrates Cuban music and culture, bringing vibrant rhythms and storytelling to life. The show has won five Tony Awards and tickets typically cost between $80 to $180. This runs just after Columbus Day, making it a prime chance to enjoy a cultural event during the fall bank holiday period.
• Thanksgiving Parades and Festivities happen nationwide on November 26, 2026. Cities like New York host the famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which attracts thousands of visitors annually. Many cities also have local parades and holiday markets, perfect for family outings during the long weekend.
• Holiday Light Shows and Winter Markets kick off after Thanksgiving and run through December in many cities. For instance, Chicago’s Magnificent Mile Lights Festival typically starts in late November, featuring dazzling light displays, live music, and holiday shopping events.

Using bank holidays to plan events can really make your weekends stand out. Whether you want to enjoy theater, music, or festive events, these dates offer plenty of options.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Bank Holidays

Want to get more out of your vacation days in 2026 and 2027? Here are some practical tips:

• Combine Weekends and Holidays: Since many bank holidays land on Mondays or Fridays, taking an extra day off next to them can give you a four-day weekend without burning too many vacation days.
• Use Midweek Holidays Wisely: Veterans Day in 2026 is on a Wednesday. If Veterans Day falls midweek, taking Monday and Tuesday or Thursday and Friday off can stretch your break to five days while only using three vacation days.
• Book Early: Popular events like HAMILTON or the Buena Vista Social Club™ sell out quickly. Secure tickets months in advance, especially if traveling to major cities like Atlanta.
• Plan Budget-Friendly Trips: Try to find travel deals during off-peak times around bank holidays. Traveling just before or after a holiday weekend often means cheaper flights and hotels.
• Check Local Observances: Some states or cities observe additional holidays or have unique local events. For instance, some areas celebrate Cesar Chavez Day or Patriots’ Day. These can offer additional day-off opportunities.
• Use Public Transportation: During busy holiday weekends, airports and highways can be congested. Consider trains or buses to avoid traffic and reduce travel stress.
• Combine Bank Holidays with Seasonal Events: Plan your breaks around local festivals, fairs, or seasonal attractions to get more from your time off. Fall foliage tours in October or beach trips around Memorial Day are popular examples.

Budget Planning for Your 2026 and 2027 Bank Holiday Trips

Bank holidays are great for breaks but can also mean pricier travel and accommodations. Here’s how to keep costs manageable:

• Set a Clear Budget: Decide how much you want to spend on travel, lodging, meals, and entertainment before booking.
• Book Early Discounts: Airlines and hotels offer early booking discounts. For example, booking flights at least 60 days in advance for holiday weekends can save 20-30%.
• Consider Alternative Accommodations: Look into vacation rentals, hostels, or budget hotels. Sometimes suburbs or smaller towns near major cities offer cheaper stays.
• Use Reward Points: If you have credit card or airline points, bank holidays are a good time to redeem them and offset costs.
• Plan Meals Smartly: Eating out during holidays can add up. Try picnics, local markets, or cooking your own meals if staying in rentals.
• Look for Free and Low-Cost Activities: Many cities offer free museum days, outdoor concerts, or holiday light displays during bank holiday weekends.
• Travel Insurance: Consider travel insurance for peace of mind, especially if you’re booking non-refundable deals for busy holiday periods.

With a bit of planning, you can enjoy memorable holiday trips in 2026 and 2027 without breaking the bank.

Mark your calendars for these key bank holidays in 2026 and 2027. Whether you want to catch a major Broadway show, explore new travel spots, or simply get a longer break without using too many vacation days, these dates and tips will help you plan well ahead.