California
2026 California state holidays
A list of 2026 California holidays including federal and state-specific observed dates.
| Date | Holiday | Type | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, January 1, 2026 | New Year's Day | Federal | – |
| Monday, January 19, 2026 | Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. | Federal | – |
| Monday, February 16, 2026 | Washington's Birthday | Federal | – |
| Tuesday, March 31, 2026 | Cesar Chavez Day | State | Observed on March 31 for state employees. |
| Monday, May 25, 2026 | Memorial Day | Federal | – |
| Friday, June 19, 2026 | Juneteenth National Independence Day | Federal | – |
| Friday, July 3, 2026 | Independence Day observed | Federal | July 4 falls on a Saturday in 2026. |
| Monday, September 7, 2026 | Labor Day | Federal | – |
| Friday, September 25, 2026 | Native American Day | State | Fourth Friday in September. |
| Monday, October 12, 2026 | Columbus Day | Federal | – |
| Wednesday, November 11, 2026 | Veterans Day | Federal | – |
| Thursday, November 26, 2026 | Thanksgiving Day | Federal | – |
| Friday, December 25, 2026 | Christmas Day | Federal | – |
State holidays source: California Department of Human Resources. Federal holidays source: US Office of Personnel Management. Last updated: June 2026.
California note: California state holidays apply to state employees. Private-sector employers are not required to observe state-specific holidays like Cesar Chavez Day or Native American Day, though some choose to.
Disclaimer: Holiday dates shown are based on official government sources. State holiday observance may vary by agency, employer or locality. Always verify important legal, payroll or travel dates with the relevant authority.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Cesar Chavez Day in California?
- Cesar Chavez Day is observed on March 31 each year to honor the labor leader and civil rights activist. It is a state employee holiday in California, meaning state offices are closed. Private-sector observance varies by employer.
- When is Native American Day in California?
- Native American Day is observed on the fourth Friday in September. It became an official state holiday in California in 2023, replacing Columbus Day as a paid state holiday.
- Are California state holidays days off for all employees?
- No. State holidays like Cesar Chavez Day and Native American Day apply to California state employees. Private-sector employers are not required to observe them, though some choose to. Federal holidays (like New Year’s Day and Independence Day) apply more broadly.