

Maine’s public holidays reflect a state that keeps its calendar practical and closely tied to civic function. The state observes the federal schedule closely, ensuring consistency across all administrative, judicial and other public services. A small number of state-level choices that reflect its own legal history and priorities rather than cultural symbolism are added to the main federal list that all states follow.
One of the most visible of these is Patriots’ Day, which Maine observes as a state holiday in April along with Massachusetts. It commemorates the start of the American Revolutionary war with the battles of Lexington and Concord, honoring colonial bravery.
The state has also formally replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a change that applies to state government operations and reflects an explicit policy decision rather than informal practice. It aims to honor the resilience, culture and historical contributions of all Native Americans and indigenous populations worldwide. These inclusions are followed beside the standard federal holidays and shape when state offices and courts are open.
When federal courts pause operations, local services often adjust their hours accordingly. While banks generally adhere to the federal holiday schedule, it is important to note that private employers are not obligated to follow state calendars- they typically observe only major federal holidays unless their specific company policies provide additional paid days off.
List of National and State Holidays in Maine for 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Holiday Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 01 | Thursday | New Year's Day | Federal |
| Jan 19 | Monday | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Federal |
| Apr 20 | Monday | Patriots' Day | State |
| May 25 | Monday | Memorial Day | Federal |
| Jun 19 | Friday | Juneteenth National Independence Day | Federal |
| Jul 03 | Friday | Independence Day (Observed) | Federal |
| Sep 07 | Monday | Labor Day | Federal |
| Oct 12 | Monday | Indigenous Peoples' Day | State |
| Nov 11 | Wednesday | Veterans Day | Federal |
| Nov 26 | Thursday | Thanksgiving Day | Federal |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Federal |
Maine state offices generally observe holidays that fall on weekends on the nearest weekday, in line with standard state practice.
For Those Living or Working in Maine
Only those as part of state-run administration, judiciary and public concerns, follow the calendar. Municipalities often align with the state schedule, though school districts may vary. Banks and financial institutions follow the federal holiday calendar, not state-only holidays such as Patriots’ Day or Election Day. In effect, they will remain open on those holidays too.
Private employers set their own holiday policies. Most observe major federal holidays, while state-specific observances are optional unless included in employment contracts or workplace policy.
FAQs
Does Maine observe any holidays that are not federal holidays?
Yes. Maine observes Patriots’ Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day as its own specific holidays. Election Day is also recognised for state government operations when it is part of the democratic process ever so once in a while.
Are state offices closed on Election Day in Maine?
Yes. Election Day is observed as a state holiday for Maine government offices.
Do banks close on Maine state holidays?
Banks generally follow only the federal holiday calendar and do not automatically close on state-only holidays.
Are private employers required to follow Maine’s holiday list?
Not at all. Private employers are not legally required to observe the state holiday calendar and determine holidays independently.

