State of Kentucky Holidays & Observances

Comprehensive list Kentucky Official National and State Holidays and how they are observed

Kentucky State Day: June 1
Became the 15th State to join the Union that makes up our Nation.

For a complete State by State listing, click here

 

Kentucky Official State Holidays 

Kentucky defines it's holidays in the states statutes listing both Legal public holidays and special observance days, weeks and months. Kentucky is one of a few states who still celebrate Confederate Holidays. 

List of Kentucky Legal Public Holidays 

New Year's Day - January 1

Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday - 3rd Monday in January

Franklin D. Roosevelt Day - January 13

Robert E. Lee Day - January 19 

Lincoln's Birthday - February 12

Washington's Birthday (Presidents' Day) - 3rd Monday in February

Memorial Day - last Monday in May

Confederate Memorial Day and Jefferson Davis Day - June 3rd

Independence Day - July 4

Labor Day - 1st Monday in September

Columbus Day - 2nd Monday in October

Veterans' Day - November 11

Thanksgiving Day - 4th Thursday in November

Christmas Day - December 25

 

Kentucky Special Observances

Flag Day - June 14

Mother's Day - 2nd Sunday in May

Grandmother's Day - 2nd Sunday in October

Barrier Awareness Day - Disability Day - May 7

General Pulaski's Day - October 11

Kentucky Harvest Day - November 15

Juneteenth National Freedom Day - June 19

A Day of Prayer for Kentucky's Students - last Wednesday in September

Farmer Suicide Prevention Day - Wednesday of the 3rd week in September during Farm Safety Week

9/11 First Responders Day - September 11

Kentucky National Guard Day - June 24

Kentucky Retired Veterans Day - July 1

Korean War Armistice Day - July 27

Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day - March 13

Presidential election day - Tuesday after the first Monday in November

Anti-Bullying Month - October

Native American Indian Month - November

Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma Awareness Day - May 17

ALS Awareness Day - February 21

Mesothelioma Awareness Day - September 26

Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita Awareness Day - June 13

Coal Miners Appreciation Week - 3rd week of August

Coal Truck Driver Appreciation Day - Monday of the 4th week of August

Organ Donor Awareness Week - 4th week of April

Retired Teachers' Week - 4th week of May

Garden week - 1st week of June

"Commonwealth Cleanup" week -- Environmental Education Month - 4th week of March

 

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State Statutes:  (Source with Universal Citation)

2022 Kentucky Statutes: Chapter 2: 2.110 Public holidays 

The first day of January (New Year's Day), the third Monday of January (Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.), the nineteenth day of January (Robert E. Lee Day), the thirtieth day of January (Franklin D. Roosevelt Day), the twelfth day of February (Lincoln's Birthday), the third Monday in February (Washington's Birthday), the last Monday in May (Memorial Day), the third day of June (Confederate Memorial Day, and Jefferson Davis Day), the fourth day of July (Independence Day), the first Monday in September (Labor Day), the second Monday in October (Columbus Day), the eleventh day of November (Veterans Day), the twenty-fifth day of December (Christmas Day) of each year, and all days appointed by the President of the United States or by the Governor as days of thanksgiving, are holidays, on which all the public offices of this Commonwealth may be closed.(2)No person shall be compelled to labor on the first Monday in September (Labor Day) by any person.

 

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This article updated as of October 2023. While every attempt is made to be sure the information is accurate, we do not guarantee the information provided. States determine these holidays and new calendars and dates observed each year and may eliminate or add holidays and observances. Please check with your local state government website for the most up to date information and legal holiday guidelines. 

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