February 2026 Calendar Festival List

February 2026: Your Ultimate Guide to Festivals, Holidays, and Celebrations in the USA

February. It’s that short, often chilly, but surprisingly vibrant month. You might think of it as just a bridge between winter and spring, but for those in the know, February 2026 is packed with an incredible array of festivals, national holidays, and cultural observances across the United States. From solemn federal holidays to joyous cultural celebrations and quirky national days, there’s something for everyone. Planning your month effectively, whether for work, travel, or simply to immerse yourself in diverse traditions, starts right here.

I’ve sifted through the noise, bypassed the fluff, and compiled the definitive, USA-centric guide to February 2026. My goal? To give you a clear, categorized, and actionable overview so you can make the most of every single day. Forget endless searching – you’re about to get the full picture, organized for easy understanding.

February 2026 at a Glance: Key Dates to Mark Your Calendar

Let’s kick things off with a summary of the most prominent dates. This table provides a quick reference to the major events and holidays you’ll encounter in February 2026, helping you immediately identify crucial planning points.

Date	Event / Festival	Category	Brief Significance
February 1 (Sun)	National Freedom Day	National Observance	Commemorates the signing of the 13th Amendment.
February 2 (Mon)	Groundhog Day	Cultural Tradition	Folklore weather prediction for spring’s arrival.
February 14 (Sat)	Valentine’s Day	Cultural Celebration	Day of romance and affection.
February 15 (Sun)	Maha Shivaratri	Hindu Festival	Honors Lord Shiva, involves fasting and prayers.
February 16 (Mon)	Washington’s Birthday / Presidents’ Day	Federal Holiday	Celebrates George Washington and all US Presidents.
February 17 (Tue)	Lunar New Year (Year of the Fire Horse)	Cultural Festival	Marks the start of the new year in lunisolar calendars.
February 18 (Wed)	Ash Wednesday	Christian Observance	Begins the season of Lent, a period of fasting and reflection.
All Month	Black History Month	National Observance	Recognizes and celebrates the contributions of African Americans.

US Federal Holidays & Significant Observances in February 2026

When you’re planning your month, the first things to lock down are federal holidays. These can impact everything from school schedules to bank hours and postal services. Beyond the official holidays, February hosts several other nationally recognized observances that are deeply woven into the American cultural fabric.

Federal Holidays: What to Expect

For February 2026, there is one federal holiday that can lead to a long weekend for many. Understanding its significance helps in both practical planning and civic engagement.

• Washington’s Birthday / Presidents’ Day: Celebrated on the third Monday of February, which falls on February 16, 2026. Originally commemorating George Washington’s birthday, it has evolved into a day to honor all US presidents. Many government offices, schools, and banks will be closed.

Date (2026)	Holiday Name	Impact on Services	Observation
Monday, February 16	Washington’s Birthday / Presidents’ Day	Federal offices, banks, post offices, and many schools closed. Retail often open with sales.	Honors past presidents, particularly Washington and Lincoln.

Important Civic & Cultural Observances

Beyond the federal holiday, February is rich with observances that shape our national conversation and daily lives. These are days for reflection, celebration, and community engagement, though they don’t typically mean a day off work.

• Black History Month (All February): This entire month is dedicated to celebrating the achievements and recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. history. Schools, cultural institutions, and communities across the nation host events, lectures, and exhibitions. It’s a critical time for education, reflection, and honoring a rich heritage.
• Groundhog Day (February 2): A quirky tradition where a groundhog (most famously Punxsutawney Phil) supposedly predicts the arrival of spring. If he sees his shadow, it’s six more weeks of winter; if not, an early spring. It’s a fun, lighthearted break in the mid-winter monotony.
• Valentine’s Day (February 14): The day for expressing love and affection, often with cards, chocolates, flowers, and special dates. While commercialized, it remains a popular cultural celebration for couples, friends, and family.
• National Freedom Day (February 1): Commemorates the signing of the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution, which abolished slavery. It’s a day for reflection on freedom, equality, and civil rights.

Major Religious & Cultural Festivals in February 2026 (USA Focus)

The USA is a beautiful tapestry of cultures and faiths, and February 2026 beautifully reflects this diversity. This month brings several significant religious and cultural festivals that are celebrated by communities across the country.

Hindu Festivals: Embracing Ancient Traditions

Hindu communities in the USA will observe several important dates in February 2026, with the most significant being Maha Shivaratri. These festivals are times for prayer, fasting, community gatherings, and spiritual reflection.

• Maha Shivaratri (February 15, 2026): One of the most important festivals in Hinduism, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees observe fasts, perform puja (worship), chant mantras, and offer prayers throughout the night. Temples across the USA, from bustling city centers to suburban communities, will hold special ceremonies. It’s a powerful night for spiritual awakening and devotion.

Date (2026)	Hindu Festival	Significance / Observance
Sunday, February 15	Maha Shivaratri	Great Night of Shiva; devotees fast, pray, and offer worship to Lord Shiva.

Christian Observances: Lent Begins

For Christians, February 2026 marks the beginning of one of the most significant liturgical seasons of the year: Lent. This period precedes Easter and is a time for solemn reflection, penance, and spiritual preparation.

• Ash Wednesday (February 18, 2026): This day marks the official start of Lent, a 40-day period (excluding Sundays) of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving leading up to Easter. Many Christians attend church services where ashes are applied to their foreheads in the sign of a cross, symbolizing mortality and repentance.

Lunar New Year 2026: A Time for Renewal

While often associated with specific East Asian cultures, Lunar New Year is a broadly celebrated festival by numerous communities across the USA, including Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and others who follow a lunisolar calendar. It’s a time for family reunions, traditional foods, parades, and wishing for good fortune.

• Lunar New Year (February 17, 2026): This year ushers in the Year of the Fire Horse in some traditions. Celebrations can last for days or even weeks, featuring vibrant parades with dragon and lion dances, firecrackers, family feasts, red envelopes (hongbao) with money, and temple visits. Major cities with significant Asian American populations, like San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, and Houston, host spectacular public celebrations.

Other Interfaith Celebrations & Holy Days

February also features other observances that promote interfaith understanding and celebrate diverse traditions:

• World Interfaith Harmony Week (February 1-7): While not a specific religious holiday, this UN-designated week encourages dialogue and understanding among people of different faiths. Communities may host events promoting peace and mutual respect.
• Tu Bishvat (February 3, 2026): The Jewish ‘New Year for Trees.’ It’s a minor holiday often celebrated by planting trees and eating fruits, especially those associated with the Land of Israel.

Beyond the Calendar: Music, Art, and Niche Festivals in February 2026

When you hear ‘festival,’ your mind might jump to music, film, or art. February, despite its wintry grip in many regions, is surprisingly active with these types of events. While specific 2026 dates and lineups are often still provisional this far out, I can guide you on what to expect and where to look.

Anticipating Music & Art Festivals (USA)

February is a popular month for certain types of music and art festivals, especially in warmer climates or those tied to winter sports. Keep in mind that confirmed dates and locations for 2026 music and art festivals are typically announced much closer to the event (late 2025 or early 2026).

• Film Festivals: Many independent film festivals, often tied to awards season or college circuits, take place in February. Look for regional film festivals in cities like Santa Barbara, Cleveland, or Portland, Oregon.
• Winter Music Festivals: Resorts in snowy regions often host music festivals that combine winter sports with live performances. Think Colorado, Utah, or Vermont.
• Warmer Climate Festivals: In states like Florida, California, Texas, or Arizona, you might find outdoor music or art festivals leveraging the mild February weather.

Pro Tip: To find these, don’t wait for a single national list. I recommend regularly checking websites like ‘Music Festival Wizard’ or ‘Festicket’ (for general listings), and local tourism boards (e.g., ‘Visit Florida Events,’ ‘California Festivals’) as dates get closer. Social media groups (like those on Facebook) can also be a good source for early buzz, but always verify official sources.

Unique Local Celebrations & Niche Events

Sometimes the most memorable experiences come from smaller, more localized events. February sees a variety of these, often celebrating local heritage, specific foods, or unique regional traditions:

• Mardi Gras (sometimes in Feb): While often falling in March, if Easter is early, Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) can land in late February. New Orleans is the iconic destination, but cities like St. Louis, Mobile, and even smaller towns have their own vibrant celebrations. For 2026, Mardi Gras is March 3, so its peak celebrations will be early March, but the lead-up festivities might begin in late February.
• Ice & Snow Festivals: In colder states like Minnesota, Michigan, or Alaska, communities host impressive ice sculpture competitions, snow carving festivals, and winter carnivals that are a delight to behold.
• Food & Drink Events: From chili cook-offs to chocolate festivals around Valentine’s Day, many communities celebrate their culinary passions.

Your Action Plan: Search for ‘[Your State/City] February 2026 events’ or ‘[Your State/City] winter festivals’ a few months before. Local newspapers, university event calendars, and chamber of commerce websites are goldmines for these unique finds.

Making the Most of February 2026: Planning Tips

With such a diverse calendar, a little foresight can go a long way in maximizing your February 2026. Here are my top tips for navigating the month effectively:

Travel Considerations: Booking Early, Checking Local Events

February can be a peak travel month for certain destinations:

• Warm Escapes: Many Americans head south to escape winter. If you’re planning a trip to Florida, Southern California, Arizona, or the Caribbean, book flights and accommodations well in advance, especially around Presidents’ Day weekend, which is a popular long weekend.
• Winter Sports: Ski resorts are in full swing. Expect higher prices and crowds if you’re hitting the slopes during holiday weekends.
• Cultural Hotspots: If you plan to attend Lunar New Year celebrations in major cities or Maha Shivaratri events, be aware that local transport and accommodation might be busier.

Cultural Immersion: Participating Respectfully, Learning

February offers fantastic opportunities for cultural learning and participation:

• Engage with Black History Month: Seek out local museums, historical societies, and community centers for special programs. Read books, watch documentaries, and support Black-owned businesses.
• Explore Diverse Festivals: If you’re new to a festival like Lunar New Year or Maha Shivaratri, seek out educational resources or attend public events. Many temples and community centers welcome respectful observers. Learning about different traditions enriches your own experience.

Work & School Planning: Be Aware of Federal Holidays and School Breaks

• Presidents’ Day (February 16): This is a federal holiday. Plan for potential closures of banks, post offices, and government services. Many schools will also be closed, creating a long weekend for families. If you work in a sector that observes federal holidays, mark this date on your work calendar.
• School Mid-Winter Breaks: Some school districts, especially in the Northeast, schedule a mid-winter or ‘ski week’ break in February, often coinciding with Presidents’ Day. This can impact family travel plans and local activities. Check your school district’s calendar early.

Family & Community Engagement: Celebrating at Home, Community Events

February is a great time to foster community and family connections:

• Family Traditions: Use Valentine’s Day to create special family moments, not just romantic ones. Groundhog Day can be a fun activity with kids.
• Local Events: Even if you’re not traveling, look for local events. Many libraries, community centers, and cultural organizations host free or low-cost events related to Black History Month, Lunar New Year, or local winter fun.

Your February 2026 Festival and Holiday Checklist

To ensure you’re fully prepared for February 2026, here’s a quick checklist:

• Confirm Federal Holiday: Presidents’ Day (Feb 16) for work/school closures.
• Acknowledge Black History Month: Plan for learning and participation.
• Mark Cultural Festivals: Note Lunar New Year (Feb 17) for potential community events.
• Observe Religious Dates: Be aware of Maha Shivaratri (Feb 15) and Ash Wednesday (Feb 18) for those observing.
• Plan for Valentine’s Day (Feb 14): Don’t forget cards or gifts!
• Check Local Events: Research regional music, art, and niche festivals as dates approach.
• Book Travel Early: Especially for Presidents’ Day weekend or warm-weather destinations.

February 2026 is far more than just a short month; it’s a dynamic period filled with opportunities for reflection, celebration, and connection. By being informed and planning ahead, you can turn a potentially mundane month into one of the most enriching times of your year. Happy planning!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main federal holiday in February 2026?

The main federal holiday in February 2026 is Washington’s Birthday, also widely known as Presidents’ Day. It falls on Monday, February 16, 2026, and typically means closures for government offices, banks, and many schools.

When is Lunar New Year in February 2026 and what is its significance?

Lunar New Year in 2026 falls on Tuesday, February 17. It marks the start of the new year in lunisolar calendars, particularly celebrated by East Asian communities. It’s a time for family reunions, traditional foods, and cultural festivities, ushering in the Year of the Fire Horse.

Are there any major religious festivals in February 2026?

Yes, February 2026 features two major religious observances. Maha Shivaratri, a significant Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, is on Sunday, February 15. Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent for Christians, is on Wednesday, February 18.

What is Black History Month and how is it observed in February 2026?

Black History Month is observed throughout all of February. It’s a national observance dedicated to celebrating the achievements and contributions of African Americans to U.S. history. It is typically observed with educational programs, cultural events, exhibitions, and community discussions across the nation.

Will there be any music or art festivals in the USA during February 2026?

While specific dates are often confirmed closer to the events, February is typically a month for certain types of music and art festivals. You might find film festivals, winter music festivals at ski resorts, or outdoor cultural events in warmer states. It’s best to check local tourism boards and specific festival websites closer to late 2025 or early 2026 for confirmed schedules.

Is Valentine’s Day a federal holiday in February 2026?

No, Valentine’s Day (February 14, 2026) is not a federal holiday. It is a popular cultural celebration of romance and affection, but businesses and schools operate as usual.