Kentucky Public Holidays

Kentucky State Holidays

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

Kentucky, known for its picturesque landscapes, thoroughbred horse racing, and historical significance, celebrates a variety of public holidays throughout the year. These holidays reflect both federal traditions and state-specific observances, honoring the state’s rich cultural heritage and history. From nationwide observances like Independence Day to Kentucky-specific holidays that celebrate local history and culture, these public holidays offer residents opportunities to reflect, celebrate, and connect with one another.

Federal Holidays in Kentucky

New Year’s Day (January 1)

New Year’s Day marks the first day of the year and is celebrated across Kentucky with a mix of quiet reflection and festive gatherings. People often celebrate with family and friends, reflecting on the past year and looking forward to the future. In cities like Louisville and Lexington, there are New Year’s Eve parties that carry over into the early hours of January 1, with fireworks displays and other community events. For many, New Year’s Day is also a time to relax and enjoy time off from work or school.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Most are closed, though some tourist attractions may remain open.

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. In Kentucky, this day is observed with various events aimed at celebrating Dr. King’s contributions to racial equality and justice. In cities like Louisville, there are parades, community service projects, and educational programs that emphasize the importance of nonviolent protest and the continued fight for civil rights.

Observance:

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

Presidents’ Day (Third Monday in February)

Presidents’ Day is a federal holiday that honors the birthdays of U.S. presidents, especially George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Kentucky, a state with a rich historical connection to Abraham Lincoln (the 16th president, born in Hodgenville, Kentucky), places particular importance on this day. Presidents’ Day is celebrated with educational programs about Washington and Lincoln, with local museums and historical sites offering special events. In addition, the holiday coincides with many retail sales events.

Observance:

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

Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)

Memorial Day honors U.S. military personnel who have died in service to their country. This holiday is especially significant in Kentucky, a state with a deep military history. Many communities across the state, including Louisville and Lexington, observe Memorial Day with parades, ceremonies, and visits to veterans’ memorials. The day also serves as an unofficial start to summer, with many families enjoying picnics, barbecues, and outdoor activities in the state’s parks.

Observance:

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

Independence Day (July 4)

Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July, celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Kentucky celebrates this holiday with fireworks displays, parades, and family gatherings. The largest celebrations are in cities like Louisville, where the annual Kentucky Derby Festival fireworks show attracts thousands. Kentucky’s agricultural roots are also reflected in Independence Day festivities, with farm-related events and fairs taking place across the state.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed.
• Private businesses: Most are closed, though some tourist areas remain open.

Labor Day (First Monday in September)

Labor Day honors the contributions of workers and the labor movement. In Kentucky, the day is celebrated with community events, picnics, and parades. It marks the unofficial end of summer, and many people use the long weekend to enjoy outdoor activities, visit family, or attend local festivals. Labor Day also serves as an opportunity to reflect on the labor history of the state, especially in cities like Louisville, where industrial work has played a significant role.

Observance:

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

Veterans Day (November 11)

Veterans Day honors all U.S. military veterans who have served in the Armed Forces. Kentucky, with a large veteran population, observes this day with ceremonies, parades, and educational programs. The state’s veterans’ memorials, including those in Lexington and Louisville, hold events to recognize the sacrifices of service members. Schools and government institutions participate in the day by hosting programs to teach about military service and honor veterans.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Closed in some districts.
• Private businesses: Open in most areas, although some hold special events to recognize veterans.

Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday in November)

Thanksgiving Day is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Kentucky, where families gather to give thanks for the harvest and the blessings of the past year. The holiday is marked by large meals, often including turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. Kentucky is known for its bourbon and horse racing traditions, and many families incorporate these into their Thanksgiving celebrations. The day is also a time for charity, with many people volunteering at food banks or serving meals to those less fortunate.

Observance:

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

Christmas Day (December 25)

Christmas Day celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is widely observed across Kentucky. People gather with their families, exchange gifts, and attend religious services. Kentucky’s small towns and large cities are known for their festive holiday lights and Christmas markets. In Louisville, the “Lights Under Louisville” event at the Mega Cavern is a unique attraction that draws visitors from all over the region.

Observance:

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

State Holidays in Kentucky

In addition to federal holidays, Kentucky has several state-specific holidays that reflect its rich history, culture, and traditions.

Kentucky Day (June 1)

Kentucky Day is a state holiday that commemorates the day Kentucky became the 15th state to join the United States, on June 1, 1792. It is a time to reflect on Kentucky’s history, cultural significance, and state pride. The day is celebrated with educational programs and public events, focusing on Kentucky’s role in American history. The holiday is observed in some schools and by local government institutions, though it is not widely recognized as a public holiday.

Observance:

• Government employees: May have the day off in some sectors.
• Schools: Observed with educational activities.
• Private businesses: Open.

Emancipation Day (August 8)

Emancipation Day commemorates the day in 1865 when slavery was abolished in Kentucky, following the passage of the Emancipation Proclamation. While Kentucky was a slave state during the Civil War, it was also one of the first states to enact emancipation measures. The holiday is a time to reflect on Kentucky’s history in relation to the abolition of slavery and to honor the fight for civil rights. Many schools, community organizations, and churches hold special programs or educational activities on this day.

Observance:

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

Holidays Observed by Specific Groups

Some holidays are observed by specific communities or cultural groups in Kentucky, reflecting the state’s diversity.

Good Friday (Date Varies)

Good Friday is a Christian holiday that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. While not a public holiday, it is observed by many Christian communities in Kentucky with church services and religious observances. Some Christian schools or religious organizations may close or operate with reduced hours to allow observance of the day.

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. It is one of the most widely observed holidays in Kentucky, particularly in Christian communities. People attend church services, share meals with family, and enjoy festive activities such as Easter egg hunts. While it is not a public holiday, it is a significant day for many residents.

Observance:

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

Juneteenth (June 19)

Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, marking the day in 1865 when news of the end of slavery reached Texas. Although Juneteenth was not historically recognized as a public holiday in Kentucky, it has gained greater recognition in recent years. The day is marked by cultural events, educational programs, and celebrations of African American heritage. In cities like Louisville, Juneteenth is celebrated with music, art, and community events.

Observance:

• Government employees: Have the day off.
• Schools: Observed in some districts.
• Private businesses: Open.

Summary Table of Public Holidays and Observances in Kentucky

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
Kentucky Day	June 1	Yes (in some sectors)	Varies	Open
Emancipation Day	August 8	Varies	Varies	Open
Good Friday	Varies	Not observed	Varies	Varies
Easter Sunday	Varies	Not observed	Varies	Varies
Juneteenth	June 19	Yes	Varies	Varies