The holiday schedule in Iowa appears simple, but there is a catch: one detail affects the whole year’s schedule perceptibly. Like in Indiana, Iowa’s schedule is very similar to the federal schedule. What is not similar is the state’s addition of Election Day, a holiday in Iowa but not in Indiana.
The Iowa calendar has a federal core. Federal offices also close on these days in Iowa: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas. Such days are fixed and similar in all agencies in Iowa.
The exception is election day. The state of Iowa has closed its government offices on that Tuesday of every year in an effort to facilitate citizen participation in voting. This is not symbolic talk; offices are closed, courts do not operate, and deadlines change for administrative affairs. The purpose of this holiday is to facilitate voting and not commemorate it.
Other than election days, the state of Iowa stays clear of state-specific days of observation in the state. There are no renamed federal holidays, no historical days of remembrance, nor are any religious celebrations incorporated into the schedule of closure days.
Juneteenth is included as a federal obligatory holiday, and the state follows the same.
Following is the list of holidays observed by Iowa.
Official State Holidays in Iowa for 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 01 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | Federal |
| Jan 19 | Monday | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Federal |
| Feb 16 | Monday | Presidents’ Day | Federal |
| May 25 | Monday | Memorial Day | Federal |
| Jun 19 | Friday | Juneteenth | Federal |
| Jul 03 | Friday | Independence Day (Observed) | Federal |
| Sep 07 | Monday | Labor Day | Federal |
| Nov 03 | Tuesday | Election Day | State |
| Nov 11 | Wednesday | Veterans Day | Federal |
| Nov 26 | Thursday | Thanksgiving Day | Federal |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Federal |
How Holidays Work in Iowa
On every date listed above, state offices in Iowa are closed throughout. Election Day is the exception, as it is not a federal requirement but receives equal treatment in administrative circles locally.
Banks observe the federal banking calendar. They do not close on Election Day. Employers can provide a voting leave, but no closure is mandatory.
Iowa does not recognize Good Friday, Columbus Day, or any other commemorative days as days that the government is closed for.
FAQs
1. Is Election Day a public holiday in Iowa?
Yes. Iowa state government offices close statewide.
2. Why does Iowa close offices on Election Day?
To reduce barriers to voting and civic participation.
3. Is Juneteenth a state holiday in Iowa?
It is federal in origin and observed accordingly.
4. Are courts closed on Election Day?
Yes. Iowa courts follow the state government holiday calendar.
5. Do local governments follow this list exactly?
Not always. This list applies to state government offices.