Your Essential Guide to the February 2026 Calendar with Holidays
February is a short month, but don’t let its brevity fool you. It’s packed with significant holidays, observances, and opportunities for planning that can impact your work, school, and personal life. If you’re looking to get ahead and make the most of this pivotal month, you’ve come to the right place.
Table of Contents
- Your Essential Guide to the February 2026 Calendar with Holidays
- February 2026 at a Glance: Key Dates & Overview
- Official US Federal Holidays in February 2026
- Presidents’ Day (Washington’s Birthday) – Monday, February 16, 2026
- Important Observances and Special Days in February 2026
- Groundhog Day – Monday, February 2, 2026
- Valentine’s Day – Saturday, February 14, 2026
- Ash Wednesday – Wednesday, February 18, 2026
- Black History Month (Throughout February)
- Fun & Unique Daily Celebrations in February 2026
- February 2026 for Planners: Maximize Your Month
- Work & Business Planning
- School & Academic Scheduling
- Personal & Family Events
- Lunar Phases in February 2026
- February Facts & Lore: Beyond the Dates
- February’s Birthstone: Amethyst
- February’s Flowers: Violet & Primrose
- February’s Zodiac Signs: Aquarius & Pisces
- Getting Your February 2026 Calendar: Printable & Digital Options
Forget scrambling at the last minute. This guide is your definitive resource for the February 2026 calendar with holidays in the USA, designed to help you plan everything from long weekends to special celebrations. We’ll cover everything you need to know, from federal holidays to unique daily observances, ensuring you’re fully prepared.
February 2026 at a Glance: Key Dates & Overview
February 2026 starts on a Sunday and concludes on a Saturday, giving you a symmetrical view of the month. As always, it’s a 28-day month, making efficient planning even more crucial. Understanding the layout helps you pinpoint those valuable long weekends and special dates instantly.
Here’s a quick visual breakdown of February 2026:
| Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 (Groundhog Day) | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 (Valentine’s Day) |
| 15 | 16 (Presidents’ Day) | 17 | 18 (Ash Wednesday) | 19 | 20 | 21 |
| 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
Official US Federal Holidays in February 2026
For many, the most important dates in any calendar are the federal holidays. These are days recognized by the US government, often resulting in closures for federal offices, banks, and some businesses, and providing a welcome long weekend.
Presidents’ Day (Washington’s Birthday) – Monday, February 16, 2026
Presidents’ Day is the sole federal holiday in February. Officially known as Washington’s Birthday, this holiday is observed on the third Monday of February. It commemorates the birthdays of all US Presidents, though it traditionally celebrated George Washington’s birthday, which falls on February 22.
It’s a fantastic opportunity for a three-day weekend, perfect for:
- Taking a short trip or a staycation.
- Catching up on chores and errands without using a vacation day.
- Enjoying retail sales, as many stores offer Presidents’ Day discounts.
- Reflecting on US history and the contributions of past presidents.
Here’s a summary of federal holidays for February 2026:
| Date | Day of Week | Holiday Name | Observed By |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 16, 2026 | Monday | Presidents’ Day (Washington’s Birthday) | Federal & State Government, Banks, some businesses |
Important Observances and Special Days in February 2026
Beyond federal holidays, February is rich with cultural, historical, and religious observances that are widely celebrated across the United States. Knowing these dates helps you participate, plan social gatherings, or simply be aware of what’s happening around you.
Groundhog Day – Monday, February 2, 2026
Will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow? This quirky tradition, observed annually on February 2nd, predicts whether we’ll have an early spring or six more weeks of winter. It’s a fun, lighthearted start to the month, especially popular in Pennsylvania where the famous groundhog resides.
Quick Fact: The tradition stems from an old German legend about Candlemas Day and the behavior of a badger or hedgehog.
Valentine’s Day – Saturday, February 14, 2026
The month of love culminates on Valentine’s Day. In 2026, this romantic holiday falls on a Saturday, making it ideal for:
- Romantic dinners or dates.
- Spending quality time with loved ones.
- Exchanging cards, chocolates, or gifts.
- Planning a weekend getaway.
Since it’s on a weekend, you have more flexibility to celebrate without worrying about work schedules.
Ash Wednesday – Wednesday, February 18, 2026
For Christians, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving leading up to Easter. Many observers attend church services where ashes are placed on their foreheads as a sign of repentance.
Significance: It’s a day of spiritual reflection and preparation for the resurrection of Christ.
Black History Month (Throughout February)
February is dedicated to Black History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements of African Americans and recognize their central role in US history. Schools, communities, and organizations host events, lectures, and exhibitions throughout the month.
How to Observe:
- Learn about prominent Black figures and their contributions.
- Support Black-owned businesses.
- Attend local cultural events and discussions.
- Read books or watch documentaries on Black history.
Here’s a table summarizing these key observances and special days:
| Date | Day of Week | Event/Observance | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 2, 2026 | Monday | Groundhog Day | Traditional weather prediction, early spring or more winter |
| February 14, 2026 | Saturday | Valentine’s Day | Celebration of love and affection |
| February 18, 2026 | Wednesday | Ash Wednesday | Beginning of Lent for Christians |
| Throughout February | (Varies) | Black History Month | Celebration of African American history and contributions |
Fun & Unique Daily Celebrations in February 2026
Beyond the major holidays, February is also sprinkled with a delightful array of quirky and fun national days. These are unofficial but widely recognized “holidays” perfect for a bit of levity or a themed celebration. They’re great for social media engagement, classroom activities, or just a reason to smile.
| Date | Day of Week | Celebration | Quick Idea to Celebrate |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 4, 2026 | Wednesday | National Tater Tot Day | Indulge in some crispy tater tots! |
| February 9, 2026 | Monday | National Pizza Day | Order or make your favorite pizza. |
| February 10, 2026 | Tuesday | National Umbrella Day | Appreciate your umbrella, especially if it’s rainy! |
| February 17, 2026 | Tuesday | Random Acts of Kindness Day | Perform a selfless act for someone. |
| February 22, 2026 | Sunday | National Margarita Day | Enjoy a festive margarita (responsibly). |
February 2026 for Planners: Maximize Your Month
Knowing the holidays is one thing; using that knowledge for effective planning is another. February’s unique structure, with its federal holiday providing a long weekend and its shorter duration, demands a strategic approach.
Work & Business Planning
- Payroll & Deadlines: With Presidents’ Day (Feb 16) falling on a Monday, be aware of potential delays for bank processing if your payroll or critical deadlines fall around this date. Plan for submissions and payments to be processed before or after the holiday.
- Client Communication: Notify clients and partners in advance of any office closures or reduced staffing around the holiday weekend.
- Project Management: Leverage the Presidents’ Day long weekend for projects that require focused, uninterrupted work, or schedule a break for your team to recharge.
- Sales & Marketing: Plan promotions around Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Day sales. Black History Month also offers opportunities for meaningful corporate social responsibility initiatives.
School & Academic Scheduling
- Winter Break: Some school districts, particularly in colder climates, may schedule a brief winter break or professional development days around Presidents’ Day. Check your local school calendar for specific dates.
- Parent-Teacher Conferences: These are common around mid-semester. Be sure to mark any scheduled conferences in your calendar.
- Project Deadlines: Teachers often assign major projects due before or after holiday periods. Help students plan accordingly.
- Black History Month Activities: Schools often have special lessons, assemblies, and projects to honor Black History Month. Encourage participation.
Personal & Family Events
- Long Weekend Getaways: Presidents’ Day offers a perfect three-day window for a quick road trip, a ski weekend, or visiting family. Book accommodations and travel early!
- Valentine’s Day Celebrations: Since February 14th is a Saturday, you have the entire weekend to plan romantic gestures, family fun, or friendly get-togethers. Make reservations in advance for popular restaurants.
- Medical Appointments: Schedule non-urgent appointments to avoid the holiday rush and potential closures on Presidents’ Day.
- Home Projects: Utilize the extra day off during the long weekend to tackle home improvement tasks or enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.
Lunar Phases in February 2026
The moon’s phases can be significant for various reasons, from stargazing and photography to religious observances and even gardening. Here are the lunar phases for February 2026:
| Date | Phase | Visibility / Significance |
|---|---|---|
| February 1, 2026 | Full Moon | Brightest moon of the month, great for night sky viewing. |
| February 8, 2026 | Last Quarter Moon | Half of the moon is illuminated, ideal for morning observations. |
| February 15, 2026 | New Moon | Darkest sky, best for stargazing and viewing distant galaxies. |
| February 23, 2026 | First Quarter Moon | Half of the moon is illuminated, visible in the afternoon and evening. |
February Facts & Lore: Beyond the Dates
Every month has its unique characteristics, and February is no exception. These tidbits add a little extra flavor to your calendar planning.
February’s Birthstone: Amethyst
The dazzling amethyst, a variety of quartz, is February’s traditional birthstone. Known for its beautiful purple hues, amethyst symbolizes sincerity, peace, and protection. If you or a loved one celebrates a birthday in February, this gemstone makes a thoughtful and personal gift.
February’s Flowers: Violet & Primrose
February is associated with two charming flowers: the violet and the primrose. Violets symbolize faithfulness, humility, and spiritual wisdom, while primroses represent young love and modesty. Both are delicate and often among the first blooms to appear as winter begins to wane, making them perfect symbols for the shortest month.
February’s Zodiac Signs: Aquarius & Pisces
Those born in February fall under one of two zodiac signs:
- Aquarius (January 20 – February 18): Known for being independent, intellectual, and humanitarian.
- Pisces (February 19 – March 20): Characterized by compassion, artistic talent, and intuition.
Understanding these astrological traits can offer fun insights into personalities.
Getting Your February 2026 Calendar: Printable & Digital Options
Now that you have all this essential information, how do you put it into action? There are several convenient ways to access and utilize your February 2026 calendar:
- Printable Calendars: Many websites offer free downloadable PDF or image files of February 2026 calendars. Look for versions that clearly mark holidays and offer space for notes. These are great for physical planners, refrigerators, or office walls.
- Digital Calendar Apps: Integrate February 2026 holidays into your Google Calendar, Outlook Calendar, Apple Calendar, or other digital planning tools. Most allow you to add holiday calendars for easy syncing across devices.
- Personalized Planners: If you use a bullet journal or physical planner, take the time now to transcribe these key dates.
Whichever method you choose, make sure your calendar is accessible and visible so you can consistently reference it throughout the month.
February 2026 might be short, but with this comprehensive guide, you’re now equipped to make it one of your most productive and enjoyable months. From federal holidays offering a well-deserved break to unique daily celebrations that add a dash of fun, every day has potential. Start planning now and conquer your February!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the federal holidays in February 2026?
The only federal holiday in February 2026 is Presidents’ Day (Washington’s Birthday), observed on Monday, February 16, 2026. This provides a three-day weekend for many federal employees, banks, and some businesses.
Is Valentine’s Day a public holiday in February 2026?
No, Valentine’s Day (February 14, 2026) is not a federal or public holiday in the USA. It falls on a Saturday in 2026, allowing more flexibility for celebrations without impacting work or school schedules.
How many days are in February 2026?
February 2026 has 28 days. 2026 is not a leap year, so February maintains its standard length.
What are some important observances in February 2026 besides federal holidays?
Beyond Presidents’ Day, key observances in February 2026 include Groundhog Day (February 2), Valentine’s Day (February 14), Ash Wednesday (February 18), and the entire month is dedicated to Black History Month.
Why is February 2026 important for planning?
February 2026 is crucial for planning due to its shorter length, the Presidents’ Day long weekend, and significant cultural/religious observances. Strategic planning helps manage work deadlines, potential school breaks, and personal events like Valentine’s Day efficiently.
Are there any major school breaks in February 2026?
While there isn’t a nationwide school break, many school districts, especially in colder regions, might schedule a short winter break or professional development days around the Presidents’ Day (February 16) long weekend. It’s best to check your local school district’s calendar for specific dates.