February 2026 calendar: Super Bowl, Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras, Presidents Day and more — which are federal holidays?

February 2026 calendar: February may only have 28 days, but it manages to squeeze in a surprising number of holidays, major events, and observances.

From the very first day of the month through its final weekend, February stays busy with everything from Groundhog Day and the Super Bowl to Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras, and Presidents Day. The month also marks Black History Month, while the 2026 Winter Olympics begin just days into February.

Even with a packed calendar, February offers just one federal holiday that gives most people a day off. Presidents Day is the lone official break, though Valentine’s Day lining up with a long weekend gives many people extra time to celebrate.


Here’s how February 2026 shapes up.

One federal holiday, one long weekend

According to the Office of Personnel Management, Presidents Day, officially recognized as George Washington’s Birthday, falls on Monday, Feb. 16. It’s the only federal holiday in February, and the next one won’t arrive until Memorial Day on May 25.

Because it’s a federal holiday, most schools, government offices, courts, and the United States Postal Service will be closed. Major banks, including Wells Fargo, Citibank, Bank of America, Truist, and others, will also observe the holiday, and there will be no mail delivery or U.S. stock market trading.

February’s key dates at a glance

Although Presidents Day is the only day off, February includes several notable moments:

• National Freedom Day and Imbolc: Sunday, Feb. 1
• Groundhog Day: Monday, Feb. 2
• Super Bowl Sunday: Sunday, Feb. 8, at 6:30 p.m. ET
• Valentine’s Day: Saturday, Feb. 14
• Presidents Day: Monday, Feb. 16
• Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday): Tuesday, Feb. 17
• Ash Wednesday: Wednesday, Feb. 18

A busy month in the sky

February also brings several celestial events:

• Snow Moon (full moon): Sunday, Feb. 1
• New moon: Tuesday, Feb. 17
• Planetary parade: Saturday, Feb. 28

During the planetary parade, Mercury, Venus, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus, and Jupiter will appear in alignment. Four planets will be visible without assistance, while Uranus and Neptune will require optical help. Mercury may be difficult to spot.

Black History Month begins

February is observed as Black History Month, beginning with National Freedom Day on Feb. 1.

National Freedom Day marks the anniversary of Abraham Lincoln signing the 13th Amendment on Feb. 1, 1865, abolishing slavery across the United States and its territories, except as criminal punishment. While it is not a federal holiday, the president may issue a proclamation recognizing the day. The year 2026 marks the 100th year of national Black history commemorations.

Winter Olympics start early in February

The 2026 Winter Olympics begin on Friday, Feb. 6, with the opening ceremony scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET. The Games will be hosted by Italy, with events held across the northeastern part of the country.

Super Bowl Sunday

Super Bowl Sunday lands on Feb. 8, with kickoff set for 6:30 p.m. ET. The Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots will meet in the championship game.

Also read: BTC USD price drops to $77,000: Why is Bitcoin crashing today? Inside the key forces driving the crypto's sudden bearish turn

Valentine’s Day timing works out

Valentine’s Day falls on Saturday, Feb. 14, giving it a spot during a long weekend. With Presidents Day following two days later, many people will have extra time to celebrate or recover.

Mardi Gras and the start of Lent

Mardi Gras season began on Jan. 6, with Fat Tuesday taking place on Feb. 17. The following day, Ash Wednesday, marks the start of Lent, a 40-day period of prayer and fasting leading up to Easter Sunday.

Also read: IRS sets emergency measures as US enters partial shutdown, raising taxpayer questions

February’s National Days

The month also features several well-known National Days:

• National Tater Tot Day (Feb. 2)
• National Pizza Day (Feb. 9)
• Galentine’s Day (Feb. 13)
• Singles Awareness Day (Feb. 15)
• Random Acts of Kindness Day (Feb. 17)
• National Love Your Pet Day (Feb. 20)
• National Margarita Day (Feb. 22)

Why Presidents Day matters

Presidents Day traces back to 1879 and was originally established to honor George Washington, whose birthday falls on Feb. 22. Over time, it expanded to include Abraham Lincoln, born on Feb. 12, and is now generally seen as a day to honor all U.S. presidents.

The Uniform Monday Holiday Law, passed in 1971, moved the holiday to the third Monday of February, ensuring a three-day weekend each year. Along with its historical meaning, Presidents Day has become a major shopping holiday, with retailers offering sales throughout the long weekend.

The rest of the federal holiday calendar

Beyond Presidents Day, the U.S. observes 10 additional federal holidays each year:

New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

FAQs

Is there a federal holiday in February?

Yes. Presidents Day is the only federal holiday, observed on Monday, Feb. 16.

Will banks and the post office be closed on Presidents Day?

Yes. Most banks and the United States Postal Service will be closed on Feb. 16.