Patriots’ Day is coming up and while the day commemorates a historic battle, it is celebrated by a handful of states and is not considered a federal holiday.
Patriots’ Day honors the Battle of Lexington on April 19, 1775 — where that famous phrase “shot heard ’round the world” originated. It has been celebrated as a state holiday since 1894 and since 1969, it has been observed on the third Monday in April.
Patriots’ Day is a state holiday in Massachusetts and Maine, where state, county, and municipal offices are closed. It is not a federal public holiday and federal offices are open.
Here’s what to know about Patriots’ Day.
When is Patriots’ Day 2026?
Patriots’ Day falls on Monday, April 20, 2026.
Is Patriots’ Day a federal holiday?
Patriots’ Day is not a federal holiday, but it is a state holiday in Massachusetts. It is perhaps the biggest in Massachusetts but it’s not the only state to recognize the holiday. Five other states observe it: Maine (where it is Patriot’s Day), Florida, Wisconsin, Connecticut and North Dakota, according to USA TODAY.
In some of these states, it’s not a legal holiday but an observed day.
Is the stock market closed on Patriots’ Day?
The New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, and bond markets will all be open on Monday, April 20. Those markets are typically open Monday through Friday, aside from select federal holidays.
USA TODAY contributed to this story.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on x; natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma Thompson on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: When is Patriots Day 2026? Is it a federal holiday? What to know
Reporting by Natassia Paloma, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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