More than half of states will recognize Juneteenth as a legal holiday in 2026

Spectators watch a Juneteenth parade on June 19, 2021, in Galveston, Texas. (Go Nakamura/Getty Images)

The newest federal holiday, Juneteenth National Independence Day on June 19, celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. But states vary considerably in whether they commemorate it as a legal holiday, a day of observance or something in between.

This year, administrative calendars show that at least 33 states and the District of Columbia will mark Juneteenth with a paid day off for most state government workers.

Where do state workers have a paid day off for Juneteenth?

States where Juneteenth is a holiday for most state government workers, as of June 2026