April Holidays 2026
April Holidays 2026 – Complete U.S. Guide to Dates and Celebrations
Why April Holidays 2026 Matter in the U.S.
The calendar for April Holidays 2026 combines religion, history, civic duty, and community celebrations. April is a time of renewal — families plan gatherings, schools host activities, and communities organize awareness events that matter to millions across the country.
Knowing the full set of April holidays helps with travel planning, event scheduling, and creating meaningful family and workplace celebrations tied to the month.
Complete List of April Holidays 2026 in the U.S.
Below is a chronological list of the most notable observances and holidays for April Holidays 2026, including religious days, historical anniversaries, awareness events, and fun national celebrations.
- April 1 – April Fool’s Day: A playful day of jokes and lighthearted pranks.
- April 2 – Autism Awareness Day: Awareness campaigns and landmarks lighting up to support autism acceptance.
- April 4 – Assassination of Abraham Lincoln (Anniversary): Historical reflection on Lincoln’s legacy.
- April 6 – American Civil War Commemoration: Museums and historical groups recall Civil War events.
- April 9 – Spanish-American War Anniversary: Marking the 1898 conflict that shaped U.S. foreign policy.
- Palm Sunday & Holy Week (various dates): Religious processions and services leading into Easter.
- Holy Thursday / Maundy Thursday: Commemorating the Last Supper.
- Good Friday 2026: A solemn day for many Christians.
- Holy Saturday: Vigil services and preparation for Easter Sunday.
- Easter Sunday: One of the largest religious holidays in April, with family gatherings and church services.
- Easter Monday: Observed in some communities with family events.
- Tax Day (April 15): The IRS federal tax filing deadline for most taxpayers.
- Emancipation Day: Observed in Washington, D.C. to mark an important step in the ending of slavery in the capital.
- Patriots Day: Celebrated in Massachusetts and Maine to honor the opening battles of the Revolutionary War.
- Dyngus Day: Polish-American celebrations, popular in certain cities with parades and cultural events.
- Jackie Robinson Day: MLB honors Jackie Robinson and the integration of baseball.
- Administrative Professionals Day: Workplace recognition for administrative staff.
- National Burrito Day: A fun food-focused observance with restaurant promotions.
- National Pet Day: Promotes pet adoption and animal welfare activities.
- National Siblings Day: A day to celebrate brothers and sisters.
- Arbor Day: Community tree-planting events and environmental education.
- Earth Day: Global environmental awareness with local events and volunteer opportunities.
- Passover (dates vary): A major Jewish observance with multi-day traditions.
Key April 2026 Holidays and Observances
Below you’ll find a detailed look at the most important holidays and observances this April.
Administrative Professionals Day (April 22, 2026)
Administrative Professionals Day is part of April Holidays 2026 dedicated to honoring secretaries, assistants, and office workers who help organizations run smoothly. Many businesses in the US recognize this day with small gifts, lunches, or words of appreciation. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to boost morale and acknowledge essential workplace contributions.
Arbor Day (April 24, 2026)
Arbor Day, one of the most eco-friendly Holidays in April 2026, encourages tree planting and environmental awareness. Communities across the US host events to promote conservation and the importance of green spaces. Whether you plant a tree in your yard or join a local event, Arbor Day is an opportunity to leave a lasting mark on the planet.
Anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s Assassination (April 14, 2026)
On April 14, Americans remember the tragic assassination of President Abraham Lincoln in 1865. While not an official holiday, it is an observance often highlighted in April 2026 Holidays US for its historical significance. Schools, museums, and historical societies often use the date to reflect on Lincoln’s leadership and legacy.
Autism Awareness Day (April 2, 2026)
Autism Awareness Day is recognized globally, but it also plays an important role in the April Holidays 2026 calendar in the US. Many cities and landmarks light up in blue to show support, while organizations host events to raise awareness and funds for autism research. This day helps build understanding, acceptance, and inclusion for people on the spectrum.
Earth Day (April 22, 2026)
Earth Day is one of the most widely celebrated April 2026 Holidays US, focusing on environmental action and sustainability. Millions of Americans participate in clean-up campaigns, tree-planting drives, and eco-awareness events. Celebrating Earth Day is a chance to take small but impactful steps toward protecting the planet.
Emancipation Day (April 16, 2026 – Washington, D.C.)
Emancipation Day marks the abolition of slavery in Washington, D.C., in 1862. It is observed with parades, concerts, and community events. For those in the nation’s capital, it is both a celebration of freedom and an important historical reflection. Interestingly, Emancipation Day can also affect the federal tax deadline if it overlaps with Tax Day.
Holy Thursday & Maundy Thursday (April 2, 2026)
Holy Thursday, also called Maundy Thursday, commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples. It is a solemn Christian observance during Holidays in April 2026 and marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum. Churches across the US hold special services, processions, and community meals.
Passover (April 1–9, 2026)
Passover is one of the most important Jewish holidays and is widely observed in the United States. Families gather for Seders, read from the Haggadah, and share symbolic foods like matzah. This week-long holiday is an essential part of the April 2026 Holidays US, representing freedom and tradition.
Spanish–American War Anniversary (April 25, 2026)
The anniversary of the Spanish–American War marks an important turning point in US history, when America emerged as a global power. While not a public holiday, it is often commemorated by veterans’ groups and history enthusiasts. Including it in your April Holidays 2026 list provides a broader perspective on American heritage.
Tax Day (April 15, 2026)
Tax Day is perhaps the most practical of the April 2026 Holidays US. It’s the deadline for filing federal income tax returns. If April 15 falls on a weekend or coincides with Emancipation Day, the IRS may extend the filing deadline. Americans across the country prepare their paperwork, file online, or work with accountants to meet the deadline.
Popular Themes Across April Holidays 2026
The April Holidays 2026 calendar reflects several recurring themes:
- Faith and Spirituality: Holy Week and Passover anchor religious life in the U.S. during April.
- History and Remembrance: Observances tied to Lincoln, the Civil War, and the Spanish-American War.
- Awareness and Activism: Events like Autism Awareness Day, Emancipation Day, and Earth Day drive community engagement.
- Family and Fun: April Fool’s Day, National Burrito Day, Siblings Day, and Pet Day give everyday reasons to celebrate.
Week-by-Week Snapshot of April 2026 Holidays
Use this snapshot to see where holidays fall during the month and plan accordingly for travel, school events, or community activities tied to April Holidays 2026.
Week 1 (April 1–4)
April Fool’s Day, Autism Awareness Day, and historical observances such as the Lincoln anniversary fall in the first days of the month.
Week 2 (April 5–11)
Holy Week often sits in this period — with Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter sometimes landing across this span.
Week 3 (April 12–18)
Tax Day (April 15) is the central civic date many Americans must mark in their calendars during this week.
Week 4 (April 19–25)
Patriots Day, Dyngus Day, Jackie Robinson Day, and many workplace and cultural observances appear around weeks three and four.
Week 5 (April 26–30)
Arbor Day and Earth Day events (often scheduled activities like tree plantings and cleanups) are popular late-month activities tied to April Holidays 2026.
Planning Tips for April Holidays 2026
- Download a calendar: Put all April Holidays 2026 dates into your calendar app or print a monthly planner to stay organized.
- Book travel early: Easter weekend and spring breaks are peak travel times — reserve flights and hotels in advance.
- Volunteer locally: Earth Day and Arbor Day offer great chances to volunteer with neighborhood cleanups and tree-plantings.
- Use observances as teachable moments: Historical observances can be great brief lessons for kids and community groups.
- Plan workplace recognition: Administrative Professionals Day and Jackie Robinson Day are ideal for thoughtful, small workplace programs.
Frequently Asked Questions about April Holidays 2026
- Is Easter Sunday a federal holiday?
- No — Easter Sunday is not a federal public holiday, but it is one of the most widely observed religious holidays in the U.S.
- What is the significance of Tax Day?
- Tax Day (typically April 15) is the deadline for filing federal tax returns in the U.S.; it’s a civic milestone each year.
- When is Earth Day and what can I do?
- Earth Day is April 22 — join local cleanups, attend environmental events, or plant trees on Arbor Day to support sustainability efforts.
Trusted Resources & External Links
Use these authoritative websites for official information and event ideas related to April Holidays 2026:
Organize Your Month — Download the April 2026 Calendar
To stay on top of every observance, download and print our April 2026 calendar. The calendar includes all the dates listed above and is formatted for easy printing and digital use.
