Public Holidays and Observances in Alabama 2026
Alabama holidays 2026: full list of federal holidays, state holidays including Confederate Memorial Day and Jefferson Davis Birthday, plus office closures.
Alabama’s 2026 holiday calendar includes all 11 federal holidays plus four unique state holidays. Manufacturing plants, Gulf Coast tourism businesses, and state agencies each follow different closure patterns—making workforce planning essential for Alabama employers.
What Are the Federal Holidays in Alabama 2026?
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 19 | Monday |
| Presidents’ Day | February 16 | Monday |
| Memorial Day | May 25 | Monday |
| Juneteenth | June 19 | Friday |
| Independence Day | July 4 | Saturday |
| Labor Day | September 7 | Monday |
| Columbus Day | October 12 | Monday |
| Veterans Day | November 11 | Wednesday |
| Thanksgiving Day | November 26 | Thursday |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday |
Note: Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, 2026. State offices observe it on Friday, July 3.
What Are the State Holidays in Alabama 2026?
| Holiday | Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robert E. Lee Day | January 19 | Monday | Combined with MLK Day; state offices closed |
| Mardi Gras | February 17 | Tuesday | State holiday in Mobile and Baldwin counties |
| Confederate Memorial Day | April 27 | Monday | Fourth Monday in April; state offices closed |
| Jefferson Davis Birthday | June 1 | Monday | First Monday in June; state offices closed |
Alabama is unique in observing Confederate Memorial Day and Jefferson Davis Birthday as official state holidays with government office closures.
What Are the Major Observances in Alabama?
| Observance | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mardi Gras | February 17 | Mobile area: parades cause major traffic disruptions |
| Arbor Day | Last Friday in February | No closures; state observance only |
| Tax Day | April 15 | No closures; deadline for state and federal taxes |
| Election Day | November 3 | No state closure; polls open statewide |
When Do Schools and Businesses Close in Alabama?
Government offices close on all federal holidays and Alabama state holidays, including Confederate Memorial Day and Jefferson Davis Birthday. Weekend holidays shift to the nearest weekday.
School districts across Alabama set their own calendars, affecting employee availability. Most districts close for federal holidays and may add closures for:
- Mardi Gras: Schools in Mobile and Baldwin counties close
- Spring Break: Varies by district, typically late March or early April
- Fall Break: Varies by district
Check your local school district calendar for specific dates.
Banks close on federal holidays but remain open on state-only holidays like Confederate Memorial Day.
Private businesses set their own schedules. Alabama’s automotive manufacturing plants (Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Hyundai) typically follow federal holiday schedules with shift differentials for essential workers. Gulf Coast hospitality businesses in Mobile and Baldwin counties stay open during Mardi Gras season, often staffing with seasonal employees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mardi Gras a state holiday in Alabama?
Mardi Gras is an official state holiday only in Mobile and Baldwin counties. In 2026, Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, February 17. Expect major traffic disruptions in the Mobile area due to parades.
Is Confederate Memorial Day a paid holiday in Alabama?
Yes, Confederate Memorial Day is an official paid state holiday in Alabama. State offices close on the fourth Monday in April (April 27, 2026). Federal offices and banks remain open.
Is Jefferson Davis Birthday a state holiday in Alabama?
Yes, Jefferson Davis Birthday is a state holiday on the first Monday in June (June 1, 2026). Alabama is the only state that still observes this holiday. State offices close.
When is Independence Day observed in Alabama 2026?
Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, 2026. State offices observe it on Friday, July 3, 2026.
Summary
Alabama observes all 11 federal holidays plus unique state holidays in 2026, including Confederate Memorial Day, Jefferson Davis Birthday, and Mardi Gras (in coastal counties). School and business closures vary by district and industry. Use this guide to plan staffing, approve time-off requests, and manage schedules around key dates.
For shift-based workforce planning, see our guides on mandatory overtime, skeleton staffing, and absenteeism tracking.
