Iowa state holidays 2026
The Iowa state holidays for 2026 give Iowa state employees 9 days off, starting with New Year's Day on . A holiday that falls on a Saturday is observed the Friday before; one that falls on a Sunday is observed the following Monday.
Last verified: October 16, 2026Sources & methodologyFound an error? Tell us
| Holiday | Date | Day off | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Same day | Iowa Code § 1C.2official | computed | |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Same day | Iowa Code § 1C.2official | computed | |
| Memorial Day | Same day | Iowa Code § 1C.2official | computed | |
| Independence Day | Iowa Code § 1C.2official | computed | ||
| Labor Day | Same day | Iowa Code § 1C.2official | computed | |
| Veterans Day | Same day | Iowa Code § 1C.2official | computed | |
| Thanksgiving Day | Same day | Iowa Code § 1C.2official | computed | |
| Friday after Thanksgiving | Same day | Iowa Code § 1C.2official | computed | |
| Christmas Day | Same day | Iowa Code § 1C.2official | computed |
How Iowa sets its holidays
These are the days off for Iowa state government employees (executive branch). They come from Iowa Code §§ 1C.1, 1C.2. Private employers, banks and schools in Iowa may follow their own schedules.
Weekend rule
A holiday that falls on a Saturday is observed the Friday before; one that falls on a Sunday is observed the following Monday.
In 2026, one holiday is observed on a different day because of the weekend: Independence Day.
Compared with the federal calendar
Iowa adds a holiday that the federal calendar does not have: Friday after Thanksgiving.
It does not list these federal holidays: Presidents' Day, Juneteenth National Independence Day, and Columbus Day. State offices are open on those days unless another rule applies.
Employees also get 2 paid leave days added to vacation each year (§ 1C.2(2)(a)).
Legal holidays without a day off
Iowa law also names these days, but they are not days off for state employees, so offices are open:
- Lincoln's Birthday:
- Washington's Birthday:
Sources
Every date above is labeled official (confirmed on Iowa's own calendar for that year), computed (calculated from statute or written policy) or projected (based on recent official lists). How we check each source: Sources & methodology. Banks in Iowa follow the Federal Reserve holiday schedule, not the state calendar.
More for Iowa
- Iowa holidays 2027
- Is today a business day in Iowa?
- Days until the next Iowa holiday
- US federal holidays 2026
- Bank holidays 2026
- Business days calculator
- Indiana holidays 2026
- Kansas holidays 2026
- All states
Frequently asked questions
How many paid holidays do Iowa state employees get in 2026?
9 holidays with a day off.
Is Presidents' Day a holiday in Iowa?
Not for Iowa state offices. Iowa's state calendar does not list Presidents' Day, so Iowa state offices are open on Monday, February 16, 2026 unless another rule applies. Federal offices are closed that day.
What happens when a Iowa holiday falls on a weekend?
A holiday that falls on a Saturday is observed the Friday before; one that falls on a Sunday is observed the following Monday.
Are Iowa bank holidays the same as state holidays?
No. Banks in Iowa follow the Federal Reserve holiday schedule, which closes on 10 days in 2026 and does not move Saturday holidays. See the bank holidays 2026 page.