Washington state holidays 2026
The Washington state holidays for 2026 give Washington state employees 11 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 | RCW 1.16.050official | computed | |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Same day | RCW 1.16.050official | computed | |
| Presidents' Day | Same day | RCW 1.16.050official | computed | |
| Memorial Day | Same day | RCW 1.16.050official | computed | |
| Juneteenth | Same day | RCW 1.16.050official | computed | |
| Independence Day | RCW 1.16.050official | computed | ||
| Labor Day | Same day | RCW 1.16.050official | computed | |
| Veterans Day | Same day | RCW 1.16.050official | computed | |
| Thanksgiving Day | Same day | RCW 1.16.050official | computed | |
| Native American Heritage Day | Same day | RCW 1.16.050official | computed | |
| Christmas Day | Same day | RCW 1.16.050official | computed |
How Washington sets its holidays
These are the days off for Washington state government employees (executive branch). They come from RCW 1.16.050. Private employers, banks and schools in Washington 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
Washington adds a holiday that the federal calendar does not have: Native American Heritage Day.
It does not list this federal holiday: Columbus Day. State offices are open on that day unless another rule applies.
Listed under a Washington name: Juneteenth National Independence Day as “Juneteenth”.
Employees also get 1 paid personal holiday and 2 unpaid faith or conscience days per year (RCW 1.16.050(2)-(3)); they have no fixed date.
Sources
- RCW 1.16.050 (legal holidays), text reproduced in HB 2709 (2026)official
- Washington Department of Licensing 2026 holiday closuresofficial
Every date above is labeled official (confirmed on Washington'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 Washington follow the Federal Reserve holiday schedule, not the state calendar.
More for Washington
- Washington holidays 2027
- Is today a business day in Washington?
- Days until the next Washington holiday
- US federal holidays 2026
- Bank holidays 2026
- Business days calculator
- Virginia holidays 2026
- West Virginia holidays 2026
- All states
Frequently asked questions
How many paid holidays do Washington state employees get in 2026?
11 holidays with a day off.
Is Columbus Day a holiday in Washington?
Not for Washington state offices. Washington's state calendar does not list Columbus Day, so Washington state offices are open on Monday, October 12, 2026 unless another rule applies. Federal offices are closed that day.
What happens when a Washington 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 Washington bank holidays the same as state holidays?
No. Banks in Washington 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.