2026: Labor Day is a Federal Holiday, Monday, September 7 (Plan Ahead: Expect Traffic, Higher Fares and Hotel Rates)NEW

Labor Day 2026
Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday of September each year. It honors the contributions and achievements of American workers and the labor movement.

The holiday began in the late 19th century when unions and workers’ rights advocates pushed for fair wages, safer working conditions, and reasonable hours. After a series of strikes and labor unrest, President Grover Cleveland signed a law on June 28, 1894, making Labor Day an official holiday.

Today, Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer and is often celebrated with parades, barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. Many businesses and government offices close, giving workers a chance to rest and spend time with loved ones. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of workers’ rights and the progress of the labor movement.

Date
• Monday, September 7, 2026

Details
• Honors American workers and the labor movement
• First Monday in September each year
• Often celebrated with parades, barbecues, and family gatherings
• Marks the unofficial end of summer
• Expect higher travel costs and crowds - plan ahead

U.S. Federal Holidays - 2026

January
• January 1: New Year’s Day - Celebrates the first day of the year
• January 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Honors the civil rights leader’s life and legacy

February
• February 16: Presidents’ Day - Honors all U.S. presidents, especially George Washington and Abraham Lincoln

May
• May 25: Memorial Day - Honors military personnel who died in service to the United States

June
• June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day - Commemorates the end of slavery in the United States

July
• July 4: Independence Day - Celebrates the nation’s founding and the Declaration of Independence

September
• September 7: Labor Day - Honors American workers and the labor movement

October
• October 12: Columbus Day - Marks Christopher Columbus’s 1492 landing; also recognized by many as Indigenous Peoples’ Day

November
• November 11: Veterans Day - Honors all U.S. military veterans
• November 26: Thanksgiving Day - Day of gratitude, family gatherings, and feasting

December
• December 25: Christmas Day - Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ; widely observed as a cultural holiday