List of Holidays in Colorado 2026

Colorado’s holiday calendar follows a predictable pattern of federal + state, and that’s kind of the point! It’s shaped less by spectacle and more by how the state actually works day to day, which includes strong civic participation, a long labour history, and a preference for practical observances rather than an excess of symbolism.

You won’t find an overloaded list of state-only holidays here, but the ones Colorado does recognise tend to say something meaningful about voting rights, worker representation, and the state’s identity beyond just tourism slogans and mountain postcards.

Holidays primarily matter in the context of state government offices, courts, and public services, all of which follow the official state calendar. Private employers will not be legally required to close on state holidays. It is federal holidays that are mainly observed, and state-specific days are selectively adopted depending on what the industry follows and requires operationally.

The distinct emphasis of the state on civic participation and social history is highlighted through holidays like César Chávez Day, Patriots’ Day, and Election Day, underscoring labour movements, democratic values, and the state’s political culture. Many special events commemorate such holidays involving a wide section of Colorado’s society, which take part enthusiastically.

List of National and State Holidays in Colorado for 2026

As with most U.S. states, Colorado observes weekend holidays on the nearest weekday for state operations, particularly when they fall on a Saturday.

FAQs

1. Does Colorado follow the federal calendar to the T?

Yes. Colorado observes all U.S. federal holidays, ensuring consistency with nationwide closures for federal agencies, banks, and many private employers.

2. What is César Chávez Day?

César Chávez was the head of the civil rights and labor movement activities of the United Farm Workers (UFW) organisation, of which he was also a co-founder. He played a crucial role in the movement for securing the rights of farm workers. This is the core focus of the celebrations.

The Colorado celebration is a throwback to the support of labor history and the right to non-violent self-expression that the state has historically had.

3. Is Election Day a state holiday in Colorado?

Having Election Day as a state holiday can be considered an encouraging factor because it removes some obstacles for state employees to exercise their right to vote. This is also key for healthy democratic functioning and ensuring healthier voter turnouts for the exercise.

4. Is Colorado Day important?

Colorado Day commemorates the state’s admission to the Union on August 1, 1876. While it is an official state observance, not all public offices close, and private employers do not uniformly observe it as a paid holiday either.

5. Are banks closed on Colorado state holidays?

Banks generally follow the federal holiday schedule. State-only holidays such as César Chávez Day, Patriots’ Day, or Election Day may not apply unless the institution opts in.

6. Do private employers follow Colorado’s state holiday list?

The holidays that private companies observe vary depending on their policies, even though they also observe national holidays and holidays that pertain to their respective states.