When is Juneteenth? Do I get day off work? What to know about California holiday
Juneteenth is just around the corner.
The holiday commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and is observed nationwide each year.
Who gets the day off work or school in California?
Here’s what to know about Juneteenth in 2026:
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Is Juneteenth a California state holiday?
Juneteenth is included on California’s list of state holidays under Government Code Section 6700.
In 2024, Gov. Gavin Newsom formally recognized Juneteenth as a California state holiday and “day of observance.”
“California is proud to recognize Juneteenth as an official state holiday, honoring the centuries of struggles and triumphs that have brought us to this moment,” Newsom said in a statement announcing the change.
Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021 after legislation was signed into law by former President Joe Biden.
What does Juneteenth celebrate?
Juneteenth is “one of the oldest known commemorations related to the abolition of slavery in the United States,” according to the National Park Service.
The federal holiday commemorates June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, became aware of their freedom, two years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
Juneteenth is celebrated across the country with community gatherings, parades, educational events, family reunions and cultural traditions.
According to the National Park Service, many celebrations also feature red-colored foods and drinks, a tradition rooted in West African cultural practices and symbolism.
“Juneteenth is an important date on the timeline of slavery history in the United States,” the National Park Service said.
When is Juneteenth in 2026?
Juneteenth is observed annually on June 19.
In 2026, the holiday falls on Friday, June 19, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.
Do California state workers get Juneteenth off?
Although Juneteenth is recognized as a state holiday, it is not currently a mandatory paid holiday for most California state employees, according to the California Department of Human Resources.
However, state workers can choose to observe Juneteenth by using accrued holiday or personal leave credits — similar to other designated observance days, including Lunar New Year and Diwali, recognized by the state.
As of Tuesday, June 16, California had not designated Juneteenth as a paid state holiday for all state employees.
Which California workers get Juneteenth off?
Whether California employees have Juneteenth — Friday, June 19 — as a paid day off largely depends on their employer.
Federal employees get the day off because Juneteenth is a federal holiday.
Many local governments throughout California also observe the holiday, including San Luis Obispo County, Sacramento County and Fresno County.
The cities of Modesto, Merced, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco also observe the state holiday.
The city of Sacramento recently added Juneteenth as a paid holiday for city employees following a proposal from Sacramento City Council members Caity Maple and Rick Jennings.
Meanwhile, private employers can choose to observe the holiday, according to the California Chamber of Commerce.
California law does not require employers to provide employees with paid days off for holidays or to offer “holiday pay” for working on holidays.
It’s entirely up to California employers to decide whether to offer their employees a paid or unpaid holiday for Juneteenth or any other holiday.
What’s closed for Juneteenth 2026?
In 2026, some federal and local government offices will be closed for Juneteenth across California.
Most banks and agencies, including the U.S. Postal Service, will be closed.
Holiday hours at privately owned businesses can vary by location, so check with your local store before heading out.
This story was originally published June 17, 2026 at 9:00 AM with the headline "When is Juneteenth? Do I get day off work? What to know about California holiday."
