Washington's Birthday 2026

Washington's Birthday 2026 is on Monday, February 16, 2026 (in 249 days).  Calendar for 2026

Washington's Birthday 2025 has already passed: it was on Monday, February 17, 2025 (114 days ago).  Calendar for 2025

Washington's Birthday is the official name (in accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 6103 - Holidays) for the United States federal holiday whose popular and commonly used name is Presidents' Day. It is celebrated annually on the third Monday of February.

Washington's Birthday honors and celebrates the life and achievements of George Washington, the first President of the United States (1789-1797) and 'The Father of his Country'. It was the first federal holiday to be created in honor of an American citizen. The day is, in practice, often used to honor and remember all past US presidents, and in particular Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson.

The holiday was created in 1879, first celebrated the following year. It was originally held on Washington's actual birthday (February 22). In 1971 this was changed to the third Monday of February, placing it between February 15 and 21 - which makes "Washington's Birthday" something of a misnomer, since it can never occur on Washington's actual birthday anymore.

Washington's Birthday is an occasion for community celebrations and parades. Many stores and businesses hold special sales. The Purple Heart military badge (which carries an image of Washington) for soldiers injured in the course of duty is awarded on Washington's Birthday.

Further reading:

• George Washington's Birthday (National Archives)
• Washington's Birthday (Presidents' Day) on Wikipedia
• 2026 calendar showing all US federal holidays

Washington's Birthday 2027 is on Monday, February 15, 2027 (in 613 days).  Calendar for 2027

Dates of Washington's Birthday 2026 and surrounding years as downloadable image file