ACT public holidays 2026
The ACT recognises 11 public holidays in 2026, including Canberra Day (second Monday in March), Reconciliation Day (Monday closest to 27 May), and Family & Community Day in some years.
Every public holiday in 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday 1 January 2026 | Thu | New Year's Day | National |
| Monday 26 January 2026 | Mon | Australia Day | National |
| Friday 3 April 2026 | Fri | Good Friday | National |
| Saturday 4 April 2026 | Sat | Saturday before Easter Sunday | National |
| Monday 6 April 2026 | Mon | Easter Monday | National |
| Saturday 25 April 2026 | Sat | Anzac Day | National |
| Monday 8 June 2026 | Mon | Queen's Birthday | ACT-only |
| Friday 25 December 2026 | Fri | Christmas Day | National |
| Saturday 26 December 2026 | Sat | Boxing Day | National |
Sources: The Holidays Act 1958 (ACT) sets the public holiday list. Penalty rates come from modern awards under the Fair Work Act 2009. Always cross-check with the current state gazette for any year-of substitutions when a holiday falls on a weekend.
ACT quirks worth knowing
Canberra Day on the second Monday in March is a unique ACT holiday.
Reconciliation Day on the Monday nearest to 27 May was introduced in 2018 — Australia's first state or territory to gazette a Reconciliation Day public holiday.
The ACT also recognises an additional half-day on Christmas Eve from 7pm to midnight — similar to South Australia.
Working a public holiday in ACT?
The penalty rate that applies depends on your modern award and employment type. Use our calculator to see the exact rate for your award + classification + state combination.