Labor Day is almost here, marking the unofficial end of summer as students return to school and public pools typically close after the holiday weekend.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the holiday celebrates "the social and economic achievements of American workers" and is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday "to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America's strength, prosperity, and well-being."
The first Labor Day was celebrated on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City, and by 1894, 23 more states had adopted the holiday. President Grover Cleveland signed a law making the first Monday in September of each year a national holiday on June 28, 1894.
When is Labor Day 2026?
This year, Labor
Day falls on Monday, Sept. 7, with Labor Day weekend running from Saturday, Sept. 5 through Monday, Sept. 7.
Is Labor Day a federal holiday? What's closed?
Yes, Labor Day is a federal holiday, meaning non-essential government offices, the U.S. Postal Service and most banks will be closed on the holiday.
Non-essential government offices include state courts, local DMV offices, and public libraries, while public K-12 schools and many public universities also close on the day. Most grocery and retail stores and restaurants remain open on the holiday, albeit some under adjusted hours.
Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When is Labor Day 2026? See date and history of the holiday
