Arkansas Public Holidays
Arkansas State Holidays
Searching for the public holidays in Arkansas? Most public holidays in Arkansas are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Arkansas employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Arkansas and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Arkansas, known for its scenic beauty, diverse culture, and Southern hospitality, observes a number of public holidays throughout the year. These holidays are an essential part of the state’s cultural and social fabric. The state follows federal holidays, along with a few state-specific holidays, and recognizes certain days to commemorate historical events or honor individuals important to Arkansas’ history.
Federal Public Holidays in Arkansas
Federal holidays are recognized across the United States, including in Arkansas. These days are mandated by the U.S. government and apply to federal employees. While private employers are not required to observe these holidays, many do offer employees time off. Below is a list of the major federal holidays.
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Description:
New Year’s Day marks the first day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. It is a day to celebrate the start of a new year and to reflect on the past one. In Arkansas, like across the U.S., this day is a public holiday with many businesses closed.
Day off for:
Federal and state employees, schools, and most businesses.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday in January)
Description:
Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the life and legacy of the civil rights leader who played a pivotal role in the American Civil Rights Movement. This day is dedicated to the memory of Dr. King’s contributions toward ending racial segregation and inequality in the U.S.
Day off for:
Federal and state employees, schools, and most businesses.
Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February)
Description:
Presidents’ Day, also known as Washington’s Birthday, originally celebrated George Washington’s birthday but has come to honor all U.S. presidents. The day is observed on the third Monday in February and serves as a reminder of the leadership and history of the country.
Day off for:
Federal employees, state employees, and most schools and businesses.
Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
Description:
Memorial Day honors the men and women who died in military service to the country. Originally called Decoration Day, the holiday involves ceremonies, parades, and moments of silence at military cemeteries.
Day off for:
Federal and state employees, schools, and businesses.
Independence Day (July 4)
Description:
Independence Day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, marking the United States’ independence from Great Britain. It is celebrated with fireworks, barbecues, parades, and gatherings.
Day off for:
Federal employees, state employees, and most businesses (some businesses may operate on limited hours).
Labor Day (First Monday in September)
Description:
Labor Day honors the American labor movement and the works of laborers who have contributed to the country’s development and prosperity. It is often seen as a time to mark the end of summer, with many people enjoying picnics, barbecues, and outdoor activities.
Day off for:
Federal and state employees, schools, and most businesses.
Veterans Day (November 11)
Description:
Veterans Day honors military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Unlike Memorial Day, which honors those who died in service, Veterans Day recognizes all U.S. veterans.
Day off for:
Federal employees, schools, and many businesses (though some remain open).
Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)
Description:
Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year. Traditionally, families gather for large meals, often including turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. The day is rooted in historical events that took place in Plymouth in the 17th century.
Day off for:
Federal and state employees, schools, and most businesses (some may close early).
Christmas Day (December 25)
Description:
Christmas is a religious and cultural holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. In addition to its religious significance, it is a widely celebrated holiday in the U.S., with Christmas trees, decorations, and family gatherings.
Day off for:
Federal employees, state employees, schools, and most businesses (though some retail and hospitality businesses remain open).
State-Specific Holidays in Arkansas
In addition to federal holidays, Arkansas observes a few state-specific holidays. These holidays celebrate significant events, historical figures, or particular observances that are unique to the state.
Daisy Gatson Bates Day (Third Monday in February)
Description:
Daisy Gatson Bates Day celebrates the life and legacy of Daisy Gatson Bates, a civil rights activist and leader of the Little Rock Nine during the desegregation of Central High School in 1957. Bates’ work was instrumental in challenging racial segregation in Arkansas and the U.S.
Day off for:
State employees and schools.
Arkansas Statehood Day (June 15)
Description:
Arkansas Statehood Day commemorates the date Arkansas became the 25th state in the Union on June 15, 1836. While the day is recognized as a state holiday, it is not observed as a day off for most people, except for state employees.
Day off for:
State employees.
Thanksgiving (November – 4th Thursday)
Description:
In Arkansas, Thanksgiving is not just a federal holiday; the state has its own recognition of the event, encouraging families to gather and reflect on their blessings.
Day off for:
Federal employees, state employees, schools, and businesses.
Religious Holidays in Arkansas
While not officially recognized as public holidays in Arkansas, certain religious holidays may see observances and closures, particularly for those who follow those faiths.
Good Friday (Friday before Easter Sunday)
Description:
Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary. It is observed by many Christian communities, and some businesses and schools may close in observance of the day.
Day off for:
Mainly religious groups and some businesses or schools may observe this day.
Easter Sunday (Date varies in March or April)
Description:
Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, a foundational event in Christianity. Although not an official public holiday, it is widely celebrated by Christians in Arkansas, and many schools and businesses close for the day.
Day off for:
Religious observance primarily, but not an official state holiday.
Other Notable Observances in Arkansas
Some holidays and observances are not recognized as public holidays but may still be celebrated within the state.
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Day (October 27)
Description:
This day recognizes the contributions of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette newspaper. While not a public holiday, it acknowledges the important role media plays in keeping the public informed.
Day off for:
Not an official holiday, but recognized by the media and some community groups.
Public Holiday Table in Arkansas
Below is a table showing the various public holidays in Arkansas and which groups typically observe these days off:
| Holiday | Date | Federal Employees | State Employees | Schools | Private Businesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Third Monday in January | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Presidents’ Day | Third Monday in February | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Independence Day | July 4 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Veterans Day | November 11 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Thanksgiving Day | Fourth Thursday in November | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Daisy Gatson Bates Day | Third Monday in February | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Arkansas Statehood Day | June 15 | No | Yes | No | No |
| Good Friday | Friday before Easter | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Easter Sunday | Date varies (March or April) | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Day | October 27 | No | No | No | No |
