Public Holidays and Observances in Montana 2026
Montana holidays 2026: full list of federal holidays, MT state holidays including Election Day and state-specific observances, plus dates and office closures.
Montana’s holiday laws have some quirks you won’t find elsewhere. Every Sunday is a legal holiday under state law. Election Day is an official holiday in even years. And the state calls the February holiday “Lincoln’s and Washington’s Birthdays” rather than Presidents’ Day. For employers operating in Big Sky Country, here’s what 2026 looks like.
What Are the Federal Holidays in Montana in 2026?
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 19 | Monday |
| Lincoln’s & Washington’s Birthdays | 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 |
Since Independence Day lands on Saturday, July 4, 2026, state offices observe it the preceding Friday (July 3).
What Are the State Holidays in Montana in 2026?
| Holiday | Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| State General Election Day | November 3 | Tuesday | Legal holiday for state general elections |
| Each Sunday | Weekly | Sunday | All Sundays are legal holidays under Montana law |
The Sunday provision is largely symbolic—most businesses that close on Sundays do so by tradition, not legal requirement. Election Day as a state holiday, however, means state offices close in even-numbered years.
What Are the Major Observances in Montana?
| Observance | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Good Friday | April 3 | Not a state holiday; some businesses on reduced hours |
| Arbor Day | Last Friday in April | No closures; state observance only |
| Day After Thanksgiving | November 27 | Holiday for Montana University System employees |
When Do Schools and Businesses Close in Montana?
State offices: Closed for federal holidays and Election Day (November 3, 2026). Weekend holiday rules apply—Friday for Saturday holidays, Monday for Sunday holidays.
Montana University System: A quirk worth noting—MUS employees swap Columbus Day for the day after Thanksgiving per Board of Regents Policy 801.5. Regular state employees don’t get this swap.
Public schools: Districts set their own schedules. Common closures include MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, and Thanksgiving week. Contact your local district for specifics.
Banks: Federal holiday schedule. Election Day and other state-only designations don’t affect banking hours.
Private sector: Montana imposes no holiday requirements on private employers. Businesses choose whether to close and whether to offer premium pay or holiday pay for those working holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Election Day a state holiday in Montana?
Yes, state general election day is an official legal holiday in Montana. State offices close to allow employees to vote. In 2026, Election Day falls on Tuesday, November 3.
How does Montana observe Presidents’ Day?
Montana observes the third Monday of February as Lincoln’s and Washington’s Birthdays combined, rather than using the federal “Presidents’ Day” name. In 2026, this holiday falls on Monday, February 16.
Do Montana University System employees get Columbus Day off?
Montana University System employees receive the Friday after Thanksgiving as a holiday in exchange for Columbus Day, per Board of Regents Policy 801.5. This swap does not apply to other state employees.
When is Independence Day observed in Montana in 2026?
Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Montana state offices will observe it on Friday, July 3, 2026.
Does Montana observe Juneteenth as a state holiday?
Juneteenth (June 19) is a federal holiday. Federal offices in Montana close on this day. State government observance may vary. In 2026, Juneteenth falls on Friday, June 19.
How Should Employers Plan for Montana Holidays?
Montana’s holiday calendar mostly mirrors federal holidays, with Election Day (November 3, 2026) as the main state addition. The MUS Columbus Day swap only affects university system employees, so private employers shouldn’t assume it applies broadly.
Explore our US holiday guide for federal dates, and see our floating holiday and time-off request resources for policy ideas.
