what is the official 4th july day off

The official U.S. day off for the Fourth of July is Independence Day , a federal holiday observed on July 4. When July 4 falls on a Saturday, the federal observed day off is typically Friday, July 3 ; when it falls on a Sunday, it is usually Monday, July 5.

What this means

• For federal employees: it is a paid federal holiday.

• For most offices and schools: they often close on the observed date, but private employers can set their own policy.

• For 2026: Independence Day falls on a Saturday, so the observed federal day off is Friday, July 3, 2026.

Quick rule

1. If July 4 is a weekday , the holiday is observed on July 4.
2. If July 4 is a Saturday , the holiday is observed on Friday, July 3.
3. If July 4 is a Sunday , the holiday is observed on Monday, July 5.

Short answer

So the official 4th of July day off is Independence Day , and in 2026 the observed day off is Friday, July 3.