Iowa Public Holidays

Iowa State Holidays

Searching for the public holidays in Iowa? Most public holidays in Iowa are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Iowa employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Iowa and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.

Iowa, known for its agricultural roots and friendly communities, celebrates a variety of public holidays throughout the year. These holidays, while primarily following national observances, also feature some unique state-specific traditions. From honoring the country’s founding to celebrating local history, these holidays reflect Iowa’s diverse culture, values, and historical significance.

Federal Holidays in Iowa

New Year’s Day (January 1)

New Year’s Day marks the first day of the year and is widely celebrated across Iowa. This day is typically filled with fireworks, parades, family gatherings, and events as residents of Iowa celebrate the start of a new year. People often spend the day reflecting on their achievements and planning for the year ahead. This holiday marks a fresh start, and many take the day off to relax or enjoy time with family and friends.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Most are closed or operate with reduced hours.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Third Monday in January)

Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement who championed racial equality, justice, and nonviolent protest. Iowa celebrates this day with educational programs, community service, and marches, particularly in major cities like Des Moines. The day encourages reflection on social justice issues and the ongoing struggle for equality.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Open in many cases, but some may close for the day.

Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February)

Presidents’ Day is a federal holiday that honors U.S. presidents, especially George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. In Iowa, it is generally observed with educational events about the country’s history, particularly the achievements of Washington and Lincoln. Some schools use this day to discuss presidential leadership, while others enjoy a long weekend, as many families take advantage of the break for travel or leisure.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Open, though many retail businesses hold sales events.

Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)

Memorial Day is a solemn federal holiday dedicated to honoring the military personnel who have died in service to the United States. In Iowa, Memorial Day is marked by ceremonies at local cemeteries, parades, and moments of reflection at war memorials, particularly in larger towns and cities. The day also serves as an unofficial start of summer, with barbecues, family gatherings, and outdoor activities being common.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Open, though some may operate with reduced hours.

Independence Day (July 4)

Independence Day marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and is celebrated as the birth of the United States. In Iowa, this holiday is celebrated with fireworks displays, parades, and outdoor activities. Cities such as Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport host large public celebrations, and many people gather with friends and family for barbecues, picnics, and fireworks shows.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Most are closed or have reduced hours.

Labor Day (First Monday in September)

Labor Day celebrates the contributions of the American workforce and the labor movement. Iowa observes this holiday with parades, festivals, and other community events. The day also marks the unofficial end of summer, and many people enjoy the long weekend with outdoor activities, barbecues, and visits to family members. Many Iowans use this time for a final summer trip before the colder months set in.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Open, but some may close early or operate with reduced hours.

Veterans Day (November 11)

Veterans Day honors military veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Iowa holds ceremonies at local veterans’ memorials, and in cities like Des Moines, there are parades and special recognition events. The day is marked by moments of reflection on the sacrifices made by military personnel. It is a day for people to come together to express gratitude for the service of veterans.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed in some districts.
• Private businesses: Open in most areas, although some may offer special events or recognition.

Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)

Thanksgiving Day is a time for giving thanks for the harvest and the blessings of the past year. It is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Iowa, where families gather for large meals featuring turkey, stuffing, and other traditional dishes. The holiday is also marked by community service, as many people volunteer to help those in need. In addition to family gatherings, the following day—Black Friday—marks the start of the holiday shopping season.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Most are closed, though some open later for Black Friday sales.

Christmas Day (December 25)

Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is widely observed in Iowa. People spend time with family, exchange gifts, and attend religious services. Many cities in Iowa, particularly Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, are known for their festive Christmas lights and public celebrations. While Christmas is traditionally a religious holiday, it has also become a cultural event, with people of various backgrounds participating in holiday traditions.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Most are closed, particularly retail stores and government offices.

State Holidays in Iowa

In addition to the federal holidays, Iowa observes several state-specific holidays that are unique to the state’s culture and history.

Iowa Statehood Day (December 28)

Iowa Statehood Day commemorates the day Iowa became the 29th state to join the United States on December 28, 1846. It is a day to reflect on the state’s journey from its origins as a territory to its eventual statehood. The day is celebrated with educational programs, special events, and activities that highlight Iowa’s history and contributions to the development of the nation.

Observance:

• Government employees: May have the day off in some sectors.
• Schools: Observed in some districts.
• Private businesses: Generally open.

Emancipation Day (January 1)

Emancipation Day in Iowa commemorates the day when the last enslaved people were freed following the Civil War, officially marking the end of slavery in the state. Iowa was a free state, and the holiday serves as a reminder of the importance of freedom, equality, and human rights. The day is marked by reflection on the struggles of African Americans during the time of slavery and a celebration of their resilience and contributions to American society.

Observance:

• Government employees: Not an official public holiday in all sectors, but may be observed in some areas.
• Schools: Varies by district.
• Private businesses: Open.

Flag Day (June 14)

Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the U.S. flag on June 14, 1777. It is a day to honor the American flag and what it represents—freedom, democracy, and unity. Iowa observes this day with educational programs, parades, and ceremonies, particularly in schools and civic organizations. It is a day to reflect on the country’s history and the meaning behind the flag.

Observance:

• Government employees: Not an official holiday, but many will observe the day in some manner.
• Schools: Typically observe with educational programs.
• Private businesses: Open.

Holidays Observed by Specific Groups

Some holidays are observed by specific communities or religious groups in Iowa. These holidays reflect the state’s diverse cultural and religious makeup.

Good Friday (Date Varies)

Good Friday is a Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Many Christian communities in Iowa observe Good Friday with church services, processions, and fasting. While it is not a public holiday, some businesses—particularly those in the religious and educational sectors—may operate on reduced hours.

Observance:

• Government employees: Not observed.
• Schools: Closed in some districts.
• Private businesses: Closed in some sectors.

Easter Sunday (Date Varies)

Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is widely observed across Iowa, particularly in Christian communities. While Easter is not a public holiday, it is an important day for many, filled with religious services, family gatherings, and celebrations. Many schools will observe Easter Sunday as part of a longer spring break.

Observance:

• Government employees: Not observed.
• Schools: Closed in many areas.
• Private businesses: Closed in some sectors.

Native American Day (Second Monday in October)

Native American Day is a holiday that recognizes the contributions of Native American communities. In Iowa, it is a day to reflect on the history and culture of Iowa’s indigenous peoples. Many schools and organizations hold educational events to learn about Native American history and traditions. Though not an official state holiday, it is increasingly recognized as a day of education and reflection.

Observance:

• Government employees: Not observed.
• Schools: Observed in some districts.
• Private businesses: Open.

Summary Table of Public Holidays and Observances in Iowa

Holiday	Date	Government Employees	Schools	Private Businesses
New Year’s Day	January 1	Yes	Closed	Varies
Martin Luther King Jr. Day	Third Monday in January	Yes	Closed	Varies
Presidents’ Day	Third Monday in February	Yes	Closed	Varies
Memorial Day	Last Monday in May	Yes	Closed	Varies
Independence Day	July 4	Yes	Closed	Varies
Labor Day	First Monday in September	Yes	Closed	Varies
Veterans Day	November 11	Yes	Varies	Open
Thanksgiving Day	Fourth Thursday in November	Yes	Closed	Varies
Christmas Day	December 25	Yes	Closed	Varies
Iowa Statehood Day	December 28	Yes (in some areas)	Varies	Open
Emancipation Day	January 1	Varies	Varies	Open
Flag Day	June 14	Not official	Varies	Open
Good Friday	Varies	Not observed	Varies	Varies
Easter Sunday	Varies	Not observed	Varies	Varies
Native American Day	Second Monday in October	Not observed	Varies	Open