Today, February 16, 2026, is a holiday in several places, including a major one in the United States and some notable observances worldwide.

Key holidays today

  • Presidents’ Day / Washington’s Birthday (USA) – A federal holiday in the United States, observed on the third Monday of February, which in 2026 falls on February 16. Many federal offices, banks, and schools are closed.
  • National Innovation Day – Marked on February 16 as a themed observance highlighting creativity and technological progress (not usually a day-off work holiday).
  • Shrove Monday – A Christian observance falling 48 days before Easter, also known as Carnival Monday or Luni Gras in some countries, often tied to pre-Lent carnival celebrations.
  • Various fun/food/wine days – For example, International Syrah Day, National Almond Day, Do a Grouch a Favor Day, and others, which are more “celebratory themes” than official public holidays.
  • Regional public holidays abroad – For instance, Archbishop Janani Luwum Memorial Day in Uganda is a public holiday on February 16, commemorating the martyred archbishop.

Is it a day off for you?

Whether it’s a day off depends on your country, region, and employer:

  1. In the United States , today is a federal holiday (Presidents’ Day), so:
    • Federal government offices are closed.
    • Many banks and some schools are closed.
    • Private businesses may choose to open or close.
  1. In other countries , February 16 may or may not be a statutory public holiday:
    • Some places treat it as part of Carnival season (Shrove Monday).
 * Uganda has a specific public holiday on this date.

If you tell me your country or city, I can narrow down whether today is an official public holiday for you personally.