The July 2026 calendar is a 31-day month that begins on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, and ends on Friday, July 31, 2026. The only official US federal holiday in July 2026 is Independence Day, observed on Friday, July 3, 2026. The federal observance shifts to Friday, July 3, 2026, creating a three-day weekend from Friday, July 3, through Sunday, July 5.
Beyond that single federal holiday, July 2026 includes over 200 national days, 11 awareness-month campaigns, major religious observances, and public holidays across dozens of countries — making it one of the most event-dense months of the calendar year.
July 2026 carries exceptional historical weight. Independence Day on Saturday, July 4, 2026, marks the United States Semiquincentennial — the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Final takes place at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, July 19, 2026. The Tour de France departs from Barcelona on its first-ever Spanish Grand Départ. These converging events make July 2026 one of the most internationally significant months since the 1976 US Bicentennial.
Table of Contents
July 2026 Calendar at a Glance
Key Facts: July 2026
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| First day | Wednesday, July 1, 2026 |
| Last day | Friday, July 31, 2026 |
| Total days | 31 |
| Total weeks | 5 (spanning parts of ISO Weeks 27–31) |
| Month number | 7th month of the year |
| Days with 5 occurrences | Wednesday, Thursday, Friday |
| ISO Week for July 1 | Week 27 |
| Previous month | June 2026 |
| Next month | August 2026 |
Featured Snippet Answer — What day does July 2026 start? July 2026 starts on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. The month has 31 days and ends on Friday, July 31, 2026. Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, with the federal observance on Friday, July 3.
What Day Is July 4th, 2026?
July 4, 2026, falls on a Saturday. Under 5 U.S.C. § 6103, when a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is designated as the observed day off. The federal observance of Independence Day is therefore Friday, July 3, 2026.
Federal employees, most banks, the U.S. Postal Service, and government offices will be closed on Friday, July 3. The effective long weekend runs from Friday, July 3, through Sunday, July 5, 2026. Private employers are not legally required to observe the substitution date, though many follow federal practice.
This distinction matters for payroll, shipping deadlines, and court filing dates. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) publishes the official list of federal holidays annually, and Friday, July 3, is confirmed as the 2026 Independence Day observance.
How Many Weeks Are in July 2026?
July 2026 spans 5 ISO weeks in full or in part. The breakdown by ISO week number:
| ISO Week | Dates Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 27 | Wednesday, July 1 – Sunday, July 5 |
| Week 28 | Monday, July 6 – Sunday, July 12 |
| Week 29 | Monday, July 13 – Sunday, July 19 |
| Week 30 | Monday, July 20 – Sunday, July 26 |
| Week 31 | Monday, July 27 – Friday, July 31 |
ISO weeks begin on Monday. Week 27 is a partial week for July since it includes days from late June. Week 31 is also partial, ending on Friday, July 31.
July 2026 Holidays at a Glance
The table below distinguishes federal holidays from national observances, global public holidays, and religious dates — a distinction that determines whether employers, banks, and government offices actually close.
| Date | Day | Holiday / Observance | Type | Applies To |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | Wednesday | Canada Day | National Public Holiday | Canada |
| Friday, July 3, 2026 | Friday | Independence Day (observed) | US Federal Holiday | United States |
| Saturday, July 4, 2026 | Saturday | Independence Day / America’s 250th | US Federal Holiday | United States |
| Saturday, July 4, 2026 | Saturday | National Country Music Day | National Observance | United States |
| Sunday, July 5, 2026 | Sunday | Guru Purnima | Hindu / Buddhist Observance | Global |
| Sunday, July 5, 2026 | Sunday | Ashura begins (at sundown) | Islamic Religious Observance | Global |
| Thursday, July 9, 2026 | Thursday | Martyrdom of the Bab | Baha’i Holy Day | Global |
| Tuesday, July 14, 2026 | Tuesday | Bastille Day (Fête Nationale) | National Public Holiday | France |
| Monday, July 20, 2026 | Monday | Marine Day (Umi no Hi) | National Public Holiday | Japan |
| Tuesday, July 21, 2026 | Tuesday | Ninoy Aquino Day | National Public Holiday | Philippines |
| Friday, July 24, 2026 | Friday | Pioneer Day | State / Religious Holiday | Utah (LDS) |
| Sunday, July 26, 2026 | Sunday | ADA 36th Anniversary / Disability Pride | National Observance | United States |
Federal holiday vs. national observance: A US federal holiday is established by Congress under 5 U.S.C. § 6103 and mandates paid leave for federal employees. A national observance or national day carries no legal force. It does not require closures or paid time off. July 2026 has one federal holiday. All other US dates in July are observances only.
What Does July Represent?
July is the seventh month of the Gregorian calendar and the second month of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. It contains the summer solstice’s immediate aftermath — peak daylight hours, average daily temperatures at their annual high across most of North America and Europe, and the period historically known as the “Dog Days of Summer,” named after the heliacal rising of Sirius, the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major. The Dog Days of 2026 run from Wednesday, July 3, through Friday, August 11.
The month is named after Julius Caesar, the Roman statesman and general, born on July 12, 100 BCE. The Roman Senate renamed the month Quintilis — previously the fifth month of the original Roman calendar — to Julius (July) following his assassination in 44 BCE. The renaming was proposed by Mark Antony. July is one of only two months named after a specific historical person, the other being August (named after Caesar Augustus).
July Birth Symbols
| Symbol | Detail |
|---|---|
| Zodiac signs | Cancer (June 21 – July 22); Leo (July 23 – August 22) |
| Birthstone | Ruby — associated with passion, protection, and vitality |
| Birth flowers | Larkspur (positivity, levity) and Water Lily (dignity, purity) |
| Season (Northern Hemisphere) | Midsummer |
| Season (Southern Hemisphere) | Midwinter |
In the Southern Hemisphere — including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and most of South America — July falls in midwinter. Australian schools break for two weeks in July as a Term 2 winter holiday, not a summer break. This distinction matters for international calendar planning.
Is July 4th a Federal Holiday in 2026?
Yes. Independence Day is a US federal holiday established under 5 U.S.C. § 6103. Because July 4, 2026, falls on a Saturday, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) designates the observed holiday as Friday, July 3, 2026. Federal employees receive Friday, July 3, as their paid holiday. Most private employers follow the same observed date, though private sector employers are not legally required to do so under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
When Is Independence Day Observed in 2026?
The observed federal holiday is Friday, July 3, 2026. OPM applies a fixed substitution rule: when a federal holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday becomes the observed holiday; when it falls on a Sunday, the following Monday applies. July 4 is a Saturday in 2026, so Friday, July 3, is the official government holiday.
This creates a three-day weekend running from Friday, July 3, through Sunday, July 5, 2026.
What Is Open and Closed on the July 4th Weekend 2026?
| Institution | Friday, July 3 (Observed) | Saturday, July 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Federal government offices | Closed | Closed |
| US Postal Service (USPS) | Closed, no mail delivery | Closed |
| Banks (Federal Reserve members) | Closed | Closed |
| Stock markets (NYSE, NASDAQ) | Closed | Closed |
| Public schools | Closed | Closed |
| UPS / FedEx | Limited service | Limited service |
| Major retailers (Walmart, Target) | Open, typically reduced hours | Open, reduced hours |
| Airports | Open | Open |
Online banking and ATM access remain available on both days. USPS suspends all mail delivery and retail counter service on Friday, July 3. Stock exchange closures should be confirmed via official NYSE and NASDAQ announcements as dates approach.
July 4th Holiday Pay — What the Law Requires
Federal employees receive paid leave on Friday, July 3, 2026, under the Federal Employees Pay and Leave Act. Those required to work on the observed holiday receive premium pay at 1.5 times their regular rate.
Private sector rules differ. The FLSA does not require private employers to provide paid time off on any federal holiday, nor does it mandate premium pay for holiday work. Contract workers, freelancers, and gig economy workers receive no statutory holiday pay.
According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), approximately 97% of US employers voluntarily provide paid time off on Independence Day, making it the most universally observed paid holiday in the US private sector.
America’s 250th Anniversary — The US Semiquincentennial
July 4, 2026, marks the United States Semiquincentennial: the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Congress authorized the America250 commission (America250.org) to plan and coordinate a national commemoration — the largest organized national birthday celebration in US history.
The last comparable milestone was the US Bicentennial on July 4, 1976, which drew an estimated 6 million people to Philadelphia alone, according to National Park Service records.
Major America 250th Events in July 2026
- National Independence Day Parade — Washington, D.C., Saturday, July 4, 2026, along Constitution Avenue NW
- Philadelphia Semiquincentennial Celebration — Multi-day events at Independence Hall (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Liberty Bell Center, and Penn’s Landing from Wednesday, July 1, through Saturday, July 4
- Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular — Charles River Esplanade, Boston, Friday, July 3, 2026; one of the largest single-night fireworks events in North America, broadcast nationally on Bloomberg Television
- Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks — New York City, Saturday, July 4, 2026; typically the most-watched fireworks event in the United States, with over 60,000 shells and effects launched
- Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th — Nashville, Tennessee, Saturday, July 4, 2026; historically draws over 100,000 attendees to the Cumberland Riverfront
- Big Bay Boom — San Diego Bay, Saturday, July 4, 2026; simultaneous fireworks launched from multiple barges across the bay
- Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest — Coney Island, Brooklyn, Saturday, July 4, 2026; held annually on July 4 since 1916, broadcast on ESPN
Best US Cities for July 4th 2026
Philadelphia is the primary destination for the Semiquincentennial. The Declaration of Independence was debated and adopted at Independence Hall on Chestnut Street. The National Constitution Center and the Museum of the American Revolution are running Semiquincentennial-specific programming throughout summer 2026.
Washington D.C., hosts the official federal celebration on the National Mall. The Smithsonian’s 19 museums offer free admission year-round and will host special 250th anniversary programming through the summer.
Boston anchors its celebration at the Esplanade with the Boston Pops Orchestra on Friday, July 3. The Freedom Trail — a 2.5-mile walking route connecting 16 sites of American Revolutionary history — is a natural complement to the holiday weekend.
Nashville combines the national holiday with a major live music event, consistent with the city’s identity as a center of American music culture.
San Diego offers the most comfortable outdoor conditions: average July high temperature of 76°F (24°C), well below the heat and humidity of East Coast cities during the same period.
AAA projected 72.2 million Americans would travel over the July 4 weekend in a standard year. The 2026 Semiquincentennial figure is expected to surpass that projection significantly.
US National Days and Observances in July 2026
Over 200 national days fall in July 2026. These range from Congressional proclamations with official recognition (National Parks and Recreation Month, National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month) to informal observances of internet origin (National Avocado Day). None carries legal force or requires closures unless otherwise specified.
July 1 Through July 7
- Wednesday, July 1: American Zoo Day, International Joke Day, National Postal Worker Day, International Reggae Day
- Thursday, July 2: Made in USA Day, World UFO Day, National Anisette Day, I Forgot Day
- Friday, July 3: Air Conditioning Appreciation Day, International Plastic Bag Free Day, National Fried Clam Day, Compliment Your Mirror Day
- Saturday, July 4: Independence Day / America’s 250th Anniversary, National Country Music Day, Alice in Wonderland Day, National BBQ Day (informal)
- Sunday, July 5: National Workaholics Day, International Bikini Day, Guru Purnima (Hindu/Buddhist), Ashura begins at sundown (Islamic)
- Monday, July 6: International Kissing Day, National Fried Chicken Day, National Air Traffic Control Day
- Tuesday, July 7: World Chocolate Day, Global Forgiveness Day, National Day of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tanabata (Japanese Star Festival)
July 8 Through July 15
- Wednesday, July 8: National Blueberry Day, National Video Game Day, Be a Kid Again Day, Body Painting Day
- Thursday, July 9: National Sugar Cookie Day, National Fashion Day, Martyrdom of the Bab (Baha’i holy day — work suspended for observant Baha’is)
- Friday, July 10: National Kitten Day, National Piña Colada Day, Global Energy Independence Day, Teddy Bear Picnic Day
- Saturday, July 11: All-American Pet Photo Day, World Population Day (UN-designated), Cheer Up the Lonely Day, Free Slurpee Day (7-Eleven)
- Sunday, July 12: Malala Day (UN-designated; marks Malala Yousafzai’s birthday, July 12, 1997), National Pecan Pie Day
- Monday, July 13: Embrace Your Geekness Day, National French Fry Day, Barbershop Music Appreciation Day
- Tuesday, July 14: Bastille Day (France — public holiday), International Nonbinary People’s Day, National Macaroni and Cheese Day, Cow Appreciation Day
- Wednesday, July 15: National Give Something Away Day, National Gummy Worm Day, National Hot Dog Day
July 16 Through July 23
- Thursday, July 16: National Personal Chef Day, National Guinea Pig Appreciation Day, World Snake Day, Fresh Spinach Day
- Friday, July 17: World Emoji Day (the date displayed on Apple’s iOS calendar emoji), National Tattoo Day, Yellow Pig Day
- Saturday, July 18: Nelson Mandela International Day (UN-designated; marks Mandela’s July 18, 1918, birthday), National Caviar Day, Women’s Dive Day
- Sunday, July 19: National Ice Cream Day (third Sunday of July, designated by President Ronald Reagan via Proclamation 5219 in 1984), National Hot Dog Day, Daiquiri Day, FIFA World Cup 2026 Final at MetLife Stadium
- Monday, July 20: Moon Day (57th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing on July 20, 1969), Space Exploration Day, National Fortune Cookie Day, Chess Day
- Tuesday, July 21: National Be Someone Day, National Junk Food Day, Ninoy Aquino Day (Philippines — public holiday)
- Wednesday, July 22: National Hammock Day, Mango Day, World Brain Day
- Thursday, July 23: National Vanilla Ice Cream Day, Gorgeous Grandma Day, World Sjögren’s Day
July 24 Through July 31
- Friday, July 24: Pioneer Day (Utah state holiday; LDS religious observance), National Tequila Day, Amelia Earhart Day, Cousins Day
- Saturday, July 25: National Hot Fudge Sundae Day, Thread the Needle Day, Day of the Cowboy, National Wine and Cheese Day
- Sunday, July 26: ADA 36th Anniversary (Americans with Disabilities Act signed July 26, 1990), National All or Nothing Day, Aunt and Uncle Day, Parents’ Day, Bagelfest Day
- Monday, July 27: National Scotch Day, Walk on Stilts Day, Take Your Houseplants for a Walk Day
- Tuesday, July 28: National Milk Chocolate Day, World Nature Conservation Day (UN-designated), World Hepatitis Day, Buffalo Soldiers Day, Peru Independence Day
- Wednesday, July 29: National Lasagna Day, International Tiger Day
- Thursday, July 30: National Cheesecake Day, International Day of Friendship (UN-designated, established by the UN General Assembly in 2011)
- Friday, July 31: National Avocado Day, System Administrator Appreciation Day, International Lifeguard Appreciation Day, Mutt Day
Food Holidays in July 2026 — High-Traffic Subset
Food-specific national days in July generate disproportionate social media engagement and search interest among content marketers, restaurant brands, and food bloggers.
| Date | Food Holiday | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, July 4, 2026 | National BBQ Day (informal) | Associated with Independence Day cookout culture |
| Monday, July 6, 2026 | National Fried Chicken Day | First observed 2009; high social media activity |
| Tuesday, July 7, 2026 | World Chocolate Day | Marks the introduction of chocolate to Europe in 1550 |
| Wednesday, July 15, 2026 | National Hot Dog Day | Organized by the National Hot Dog & Sausage Council |
| Sunday, July 19, 2026 | National Ice Cream Day | Designated by President Reagan in 1984 (Proclamation 5219) |
| Thursday, July 23, 2026 | National Vanilla Ice Cream Day | Subset of National Ice Cream Month |
| Thursday, July 30, 2026 | National Cheesecake Day | Widely observed by restaurant chains with promotional offers |
| Friday, July 31, 2026 | National Avocado Day | California Avocado Commission tracks sales spikes on this date |
July 2026 Awareness Months — Complete List
July is home to 11 nationally recognized awareness campaigns running for the full month. These are distinct from single-day observances and are used by nonprofits, healthcare organizations, HR departments, and content marketers for month-long programming.
Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
Officially designated Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month by Congress in 2008, this campaign addresses mental health disparities affecting racial and ethnic minority communities in the United States. Campbell (1950–2006) was an author and mental health advocate. The designation honors her work in reducing stigma around mental illness in Black communities.
Disability Pride Month
Disability Pride Month commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. The ADA is the most comprehensive civil rights law for people with disabilities in US history, covering employment, public accommodations, transportation, and telecommunications. The 36th anniversary falls on Sunday, July 26, 2026. Cities including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco hold annual Disability Pride parades. The Chicago Disability Pride Parade is one of the oldest, running since 2004.
Plastic-Free July
Founded in Australia in 2011 by Rebecca Prince-Ruiz and the Plastic Free Foundation, Plastic-Free July operates in over 190 countries and has been adopted by more than 100 million participants globally (Plastic Free Foundation, 2023 data). Participants take a pledge to refuse single-use plastics — typically targeting the “Big 4”: plastic bags, bottles, straws, and coffee cup lids. This is the only July awareness month with documented global participation at scale.
National Ice Cream Month
Designated by President Ronald Reagan via Proclamation 5219 on July 9, 1984. The proclamation states that ice cream is “a nutritious and wholesome food enjoyed by over ninety percent of the people in the United States.” July is the peak production and consumption month for ice cream in the United States. National Ice Cream Day is observed on the third Sunday of July — Sunday, July 19, 2026.
Additional July 2026 Awareness Months
- UV Safety Month — Promoted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Skin Cancer Foundation; fireworks-related eye injuries spike in July, making Eye Injury Prevention overlap significant
- National Parks and Recreation Month — Promoted by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)
- Eye Injury Prevention Month — Promoted by the American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month — Promoted by the Arthritis Foundation; approximately 300,000 children in the United States are affected by juvenile arthritis (CDC estimate)
- National Blueberry Month — Promoted by the US Highbush Blueberry Council; July is peak blueberry harvest season in North America
- National Grilling Month / National Hot Dog Month — Promoted by the National Hot Dog & Sausage Council; aligns with peak summer cookout demand
- National Cell Phone Courtesy Month — Promoted by etiquette organizations since 2002; no government designation
Global and International Holidays in July 2026
Most countries observe their own national holidays independently of the US Independence Day. The following covers primary national public holidays by country in July 2026.
Public Holidays in July 2026 by Country
| Country | Holiday | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Independence Day (observed) | Friday, July 3, 2026 | Federal holiday |
| United States | Independence Day | Saturday, July 4, 2026 | Actual date; America’s 250th |
| Canada | Canada Day | Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | All provinces and territories |
| France | Bastille Day (Fête Nationale) | Tuesday, July 14, 2026 | National public holiday |
| Argentina | Independence Day | Thursday, July 9, 2026 | National public holiday |
| Peru | Independence Day | Tuesday, July 28, 2026 | National public holiday |
| Japan | Marine Day (Umi no Hi) | Monday, July 20, 2026 | National public holiday |
| Philippines | Ninoy Aquino Day | Tuesday, July 21, 2026 | Regular holiday; full daily wage applies |
| Burundi | Independence Day | Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | National public holiday |
| Rwanda | Liberation Day | Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | National public holiday |
| Somalia | Republic Day | Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | National public holiday |
| United Kingdom | No bank holiday | — | No July bank holidays in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland |
| Australia | No national holiday | — | State holidays vary; no national July holiday |
| Singapore | No national holiday | — | National Day is Sunday, August 9, 2026 |
| India | No national holiday | — | Republic Day (January 26), Independence Day (August 15) |
The United Kingdom has no bank holidays in July in any of its four constituent nations. This is one of the most frequently searched July holiday questions. The next UK bank holiday after the late May Spring Bank Holiday is the Summer Bank Holiday in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland — Monday, August 31, 2026. Scotland’s Summer Bank Holiday dates are set independently.
Australia has no national public holiday in July 2026. Individual state governments observe different public holidays; none fall in July at the national level. The July school break is a term holiday, not a public holiday.
Canada Day — Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Canada Day commemorates the Canadian Confederation on July 1, 1867, when the British North America Act united the Province of Canada, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia into the Dominion of Canada. The observance became a statutory holiday in 1879. Canada Day and US Independence Day are frequently compared because they fall three days apart and both involve fireworks and national celebrations — but they mark distinct historical events. Canada Day celebrates the federal union; Independence Day celebrates separation from British rule. They are separated by 91 years.
Because July 1, 2026, falls on a Wednesday, no substitute observance day applies. Federal and provincial government offices, banks, and most public services close across Canada. Major events take place on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, with fireworks over the Ottawa River. Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal host citywide celebrations.
Bastille Day — Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Bastille Day (Fête Nationale) marks July 14, 1789 — the storming of the Bastille fortress in Paris, a defining moment of the French Revolution. It became a French national holiday in 1880 under the law of July 6, 1880. The day is marked by a military parade along the Champs-Élysées — the largest regular military parade in Europe — followed by a presidential reception at the Élysée Palace. Fireworks are staged at the Eiffel Tower at nightfall.
For international travelers, Tuesday, July 14, is a full closure day in France. Most businesses, banks, government offices, and schools close. Major tourist sites, including the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, typically remain open with extended hours.
Ninoy Aquino Day — Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Ninoy Aquino Day commemorates Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., assassinated on August 21, 1983. The date of the public holiday (July 21) does not match the assassination date; the observance was moved to the third Monday of July to avoid disruption to the Philippine school calendar and to create a long weekend effect. It is a Regular Holiday in the Philippines under Presidential Proclamation, meaning covered employees are entitled to 100% of their daily wage even if they do not work, per the Philippine Labor Code (administered by DOLE). Banks, government offices, most private businesses, and schools close across the Philippines on this date.
Pioneer Day — Friday, July 24, 2026
Pioneer Day commemorates the arrival of Brigham Young and the first company of Mormon pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847. It is a Utah state holiday under Utah Code § 63G-1-301, meaning state government offices and public schools in Utah close. It is not a federal holiday and does not apply outside Utah. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) observes Pioneer Day globally with Days of ’47 Parade events in Salt Lake City, rodeos, and community gatherings. The Days of ’47 Parade in Salt Lake City is one of the largest parades west of the Mississippi River, drawing over 35,000 spectators annually.
Marine Day — Monday, July 20, 2026
Marine Day (Umi no Hi) is a Japanese national public holiday that falls on the third Monday of July under Japan’s Happy Monday System. It celebrates the ocean’s bounty and Japan’s relationship with the sea. The holiday was established in 1996 and moved to its current floating Monday schedule in 2003. Government offices, banks, schools, and most businesses close in Japan on Monday, July 20, 2026.
Religious Observances in July 2026
Religious observances in July 2026 are not US public holidays unless otherwise specified. They affect observant communities, interfaith workplace scheduling, and international business operations.
Ashura
Ashura is observed on the 10th of Muharram in the Islamic Hijri calendar. In 2026, Ashura begins at sundown on Sunday, July 5, and is observed on Monday, July 6. The observance carries different significance across Islam’s two major branches. For Sunni Muslims, Ashura commemorates the day Moses and the Israelites were saved from Pharaoh; fasting is practiced by many. For Shia Muslims, Ashura marks the martyrdom of Imam Husayn ibn Ali at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE and is observed with mourning processions. Ashura is a public holiday in several Muslim-majority countries, including Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, and Bahrain. Islamic calendar dates shift annually in the Gregorian calendar; the July 2026 dates should be confirmed as the month approaches.
Guru Purnima
Guru Purnima is observed on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Hindu month of Ashadha — Sunday, July 5, 2026. It honors spiritual teachers (gurus) in the Hindu and Buddhist traditions. In Buddhist tradition, Guru Purnima marks the day Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon (the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta) at the Deer Park in Sarnath, Varanasi, following his enlightenment. The day is widely observed in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Hindu and Buddhist communities globally.
Martyrdom of the Bab
The Martyrdom of the Bab falls on Thursday, July 9, 2026, and is one of nine holy days on the Baha’i calendar on which observant Baha’is suspend work. It commemorates the public execution of the Bab (Siyyid Ali-Muhammad, 1819–1850) in Tabriz, Persia, on July 9, 1850. The Bab is one of the central figures of the Baha’i Faith, regarded as the forerunner of Baha’u’llah. Work suspension applies to observant Baha’is; it is not a public holiday in any country outside of Iran historically.
Major Events in July 2026
FIFA World Cup 2026
The FIFA World Cup 2026 Final takes place on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (capacity: 82,500). The 2026 World Cup is the first to feature 48 participating nations, expanded from 32, producing 104 total matches across host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. US host cities for the knockout rounds include New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium), Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium, capacity 70,240), Dallas (AT&T Stadium, capacity 80,000), and Miami (Hard Rock Stadium, capacity 65,326).
The overlap of the World Cup Final on Sunday, July 19 with America’s 250th Anniversary week creates compound international demand across all major US cities. Accommodation, transport, and event ticket pricing in New York/New Jersey are projected to reach record levels for the July 4–19 period.
Tour de France 2026
The 2026 Tour de France departs from Barcelona in its first-ever Spanish Grand Départ. The race begins in approximately the first week of July 2026 and runs for 21 stages over 23 days, finishing traditionally on the Champs-Élysées in Paris in late July — where the finish coincides approximately with the Bastille Day weekend atmosphere. The Pyrenees mountain stages fall in the opening week. Spectator access along all road stages is free. The Col du Tourmalet, one of the most famous climbs in Tour history, draws tens of thousands of roadside spectators in a typical year.
Wimbledon 2026
The Championships, Wimbledon run from Monday, June 29 through Sunday, July 12, 2026 at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, London. Wimbledon is the oldest tennis Grand Slam tournament in the world, first held in 1877. The men’s and women’s singles finals take place in the final weekend of the tournament — Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12, 2026.
MLB All-Star Game 2026
The 2026 MLB All-Star Game is hosted by the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, directly aligned with America’s Semiquincentennial celebrations. Citizens Bank Park has a seating capacity of 42,792. The All-Star Week in Philadelphia includes the Home Run Derby (Monday, July 13), the All-Star Game (Tuesday, July 14), and surrounding fan events. Philadelphia’s selection as the 2026 host city was partly driven by the city’s Semiquincentennial significance as the location where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest
The Nathan’s Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest takes place on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the original Nathan’s Famous restaurant on Surf Avenue in Coney Island, Brooklyn. The contest has been held annually on July 4 since 1916, making 2026 its 110th edition. It is broadcast live on ESPN. Joey Chestnut holds the world record of 76 hot dogs and buns consumed in 10 minutes, set in 2021.
July 2026 School Holidays
United States
Most US public schools are on summer break for the full month of July 2026. The standard US public school calendar runs from late August or early September through mid-to-late June, placing July entirely within summer recess. Year-round school calendars, which operate in approximately 4% of US public schools (National Center for Education Statistics), observe a July break of two to three weeks rather than the full month.
Australia
Australian schools observe their Term 2 winter holiday break in July. Dates are set independently by each state education authority.
| State / Territory | Term 2 Break Start | Term 2 Break End |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales (NSW) | Saturday, July 4, 2026 | Sunday, July 19, 2026 |
| Queensland (QLD) | Saturday, June 27, 2026 | Sunday, July 12, 2026 |
| Victoria (VIC) | Saturday, June 27, 2026 | Sunday, July 12, 2026 |
| Western Australia (WA) | Saturday, July 4, 2026 | Sunday, July 19, 2026 |
| South Australia (SA) | Saturday, July 4, 2026 | Sunday, July 19, 2026 |
| Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | Saturday, June 27, 2026 | Sunday, July 12, 2026 |
Dates follow standard term break patterns and should be confirmed against each state Department of Education’s official 2026 announcement.
United Kingdom
Most state schools in England and Wales break up for summer in the third or fourth week of July 2026. There is no single national end-of-term date; individual local authorities set their own school calendars within guidelines from the Department for Education. Scottish schools typically finish in late June or early July and return in mid-August — a longer summer break than England and Wales.
July 2026 — Week-by-Week Reference
| Week | Dates | Primary Holidays and Observances |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Wednesday, July 1 – Sunday, July 5 | Canada Day (July 1), Independence Day observed (July 3), Independence Day / America’s 250th (July 4), Guru Purnima / Ashura begins (July 5) |
| Week 2 | Monday, July 6 – Sunday, July 12 | Ashura observed (July 6), World Chocolate Day (July 7), Martyrdom of the Bab (July 9), National Kitten Day (July 10), World Population Day (July 11), Wimbledon Finals Weekend (July 11–12) |
| Week 3 | Monday, July 13 – Sunday, July 19 | MLB All-Star Game Philadelphia (July 14), Bastille Day / France (July 14), World Emoji Day (July 17), Nelson Mandela International Day (July 18), National Ice Cream Day / FIFA World Cup Final (July 19) |
| Week 4 | Monday, July 20 – Sunday, July 26 | Moon Day (July 20), Marine Day / Japan (July 20), Ninoy Aquino Day / Philippines (July 21), Pioneer Day / Utah (July 24), ADA 36th Anniversary (July 26) |
| Week 5 | Monday, July 27 – Friday, July 31 | World Nature Conservation Day / World Hepatitis Day (July 28), International Tiger Day (July 29), International Day of Friendship (July 30), National Avocado Day (July 31) |
The second half of the US summer — from Monday, July 6 through Friday, September 4, 2026 — contains no US federal holidays, a span of 61 working days. August 2026 contains no federal holidays. Labor Day, Monday, September 7, 2026, is the next US federal holiday after Independence Day.
July 2026 Calendar with Week Numbers
ISO Week Numbers for July 2026
Week numbers printed on the calendar grid are standard in corporate project management, European business planning, and any workflow governed by ISO 8601. The following table shows each ISO week active in July 2026, the days included, and the total number of July days in that week.
| ISO Week | Week Dates | July Days Included | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 27 | Monday, June 29 – Sunday, July 5 | July 1–5 | 5 |
| Week 28 | Monday, July 6 – Sunday, July 12 | July 6–12 | 7 |
| Week 29 | Monday, July 13 – Sunday, July 19 | July 13–19 | 7 |
| Week 30 | Monday, July 20 – Sunday, July 26 | July 20–26 | 7 |
| Week 31 | Monday, July 27 – Sunday, August 2 | July 27–31 | 5 |
ISO weeks are defined by ISO 8601 as beginning on Monday. Week 1 of any year is the week containing the year’s first Thursday. For 2026, Week 1 begins on Monday, December 29, 2025.
Week-numbered calendars are not standard in U.S. consumer printables. This represents a content gap — week numbers are regularly requested in project management contexts and are the default display format in Microsoft Outlook, Google Calendar, and most European business applications.
Frequently Asked Questions About July 2026
What day does July 2026 start?
July 2026 starts on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. The month runs for 31 days and ends on Friday, July 31, 2026. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday each occur 5 times in July 2026.
How many days are in July 2026?
July 2026 has 31 days, from Wednesday, July 1, through Friday, July 31. July is one of the 7 months in the Gregorian calendar with 31 days. The total includes 23 weekdays and 8 weekend days (4 Saturdays and 4 Sundays).
What day is July 4th, 2026?
July 4, 2026, falls on a Saturday. Because Independence Day falls on a weekend, the federal government observes the holiday on Friday, July 3, 2026, per the federal holiday substitution rule codified in 5 U.S.C. § 6103(b). Federal offices, banks, and the U.S. Postal Service close on July 3. The long weekend spans Friday, July 3, through Sunday, July 5.
Is July 4th, 2026, a long weekend?
Yes. The Independence Day observance on Friday, July 3, produces a three-day weekend from Friday, July 3, through Sunday, July 5, 2026. For workers who have Saturday and Sunday off, this is a three-day break. Workers with Monday off as their standard day off do not gain an additional day from this observance.
What are the public holidays in July 2026?
The U.S. federal public holiday in July 2026 is Independence Day, observed on Friday, July 3. In Canada, Canada Day falls on Wednesday, July 1. In France, Bastille Day falls on Tuesday, July 14. Argentina observes its Independence Day on Thursday, July 9.
What week number is July 1, 2026?
July 1, 2026, falls in ISO Week 27. ISO weeks run Monday through Sunday under the ISO 8601 standard. Week 27 of 2026 begins on Monday, June 29, 2026, and ends on Sunday, July 5, 2026.
How many Sundays are in July 2026?
July 2026 has 4 Sundays: Sunday, July 5; Sunday, July 12; Sunday, July 19; and Sunday, July 26. Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays each occur 5 times, as the month begins on Wednesday and ends on Friday.
Can I download a free July 2026 calendar with no watermark?
Yes. All calendar templates on this page are fully free, contain no watermarks, and require no email address or account creation to download.
July 2026 Calendar — International Versions
July 2026 Calendar — Canada
The Canada-specific July 2026 calendar pre-marks Canada Day on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, as a statutory holiday. Provincial observances vary: most provinces do not add additional July holidays beyond Canada Day, though some municipalities observe Civic Holiday on the first Monday of August (Monday, August 3, 2026), which is adjacent to July planning.
Quebec observes its own provincial holiday, the Fête Nationale (Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day), on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 — before July begins, and therefore not included in a July-only calendar.
July 2026 Calendar — Australia
In Australia, July 1, 2026, marks the first day of the new financial year (FY2026–27). The Australian financial year runs from July 1 through June 30. This makes early July a significant administrative period for tax lodgment, superannuation reporting, and business accounting.
No national Australian public holiday falls in July 2026. State-level public holidays vary: the Northern Territory observes Picnic Day on the first Monday of August, not July.
Calendario Julio 2026 — Versión en Español
El calendario de julio de 2026 comienza el miércoles 1 de julio y finaliza el viernes 31 de julio, con un total de 31 dÃas. El feriado principal en paÃses hispanohablantes varÃa según el paÃs: en Argentina, el 9 de julio es el DÃa de la Independencia; en Perú, el 28 de julio es el DÃa de la Independencia. Las versiones en español del calendario están disponibles en formato PDF imprimible, con inicio en lunes o domingo según la preferencia regional.
Calendrier Juillet 2026 — Version Française
Le calendrier de juillet 2026 commence le mercredi 1er juillet et se termine le vendredi 31 juillet. Le principal jour férié en France est la Fête Nationale le mardi 14 juillet 2026. Les versions françaises du calendrier sont disponibles avec le lundi comme premier jour de la semaine, conformément à la norme ISO 8601 utilisée en France et dans l’ensemble de l’Union européenne.
Kalender Juli 2026 — Deutsche / Niederländische Version
Der Kalender für Juli 2026 beginnt am Mittwoch, dem 1. Juli, und endet am Freitag, dem 31. Juli. In Deutschland und den Niederlanden ist der Montag der erste Wochentag gemäß ISO 8601. Es gibt keinen nationalen Feiertag in Deutschland im Juli 2026, obwohl einige Bundesländer spezifische Feiertage außerhalb dieses Monats beobachten. Der Kalender ist im Montags-Format als PDF erhältlich.
Related 2026 Monthly Calendars
This page is part of a full 2026 calendar hub. Adjacent and related pages include:
- June 2026 Calendar — the preceding month, beginning Monday, June 1, 2026
- August 2026 Calendar — the following month, beginning Saturday, August 1, 2026
- June and July 2026 Calendar — two-month printable spanning both months
- 2026 Calendar with Holidays — full-year view with all US federal holidays marked
