Americans will get free admission to national parks on President Donald Trump’s birthday, but no longer on Juneteenth and Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
President Donald Trump announced changes to two federal holidays in 2026 that will impact Mississippi residents and travelers.
The National Park Service removed the Juneteenth federal holiday as well as Martin Luther King Jr. Day from its calendar of free admission days for sites that charge admission.
Instead, the new series of duty-free days will include Trump’s June 14 birthday, which is also Flag Day but not a federal holiday.
Will mail and packages be delivered? Will banks remain open? Here’s what you need to know about MLK Day 2026.
When is MLK Day 2026?
This year, it will take place on Monday, January 19, 2026.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is always celebrated on the third Monday in January.
King was born on January 15, 1929.
Is it a federal holiday?
Yes. President Ronald Regan signed a bill making the holiday into federal law in 1983. It was first seen in 1986. Congress is going to have to take real action to change this.
What did Trump change?
Trump could issue an executive order, effective for one year, that would change the way federal holidays are administered.
This year, Trump used his powers to change the observance of MLK Day and Juneteenth. The U.S. Department of the Interior confirmed the cancellation of fee-free days at all national parks for MLK Day and Juneteenth.
This means you must pay full entrance fees to national parks on those federal holidays.
How many national parks are there in America?
There are 63 national parks in the United States, the largest number of which are in the western part of the country.
In Mississippi, the National Park Service operates or maintains several national parks and monuments:
What does an annual National Park Pass cost?
Entrance fees vary depending on the park and how long you plan to stay, but there is an annual pass that gives you access to all national parks year-round.
The Interior Department alert reads in part, “Beginning January 1, 2026, the annual pass will cost $80 for U.S. residents and $250 for non-residents, ensuring that American taxpayers who already support the National Park System will receive the greatest benefit.”
Non-residents without an annual pass must pay a $100 per person fee to enter the 11 most visited national parks, in addition to the standard entrance fee.
What days are free for national parks in 2026?
Since MLK Day and Juneteenth have been removed from the Department of the Interior’s list of fee-free days, there are only eight days a year with free admission.
- presidents Day: February 16
- Memorial Day: 25th May
- Flag Day/President Trump’s Birthday: 14 June
- Independence Day Weekend: July 3-5
- National Park Service’s 110th Birthday: 25 August
- Constitution Day: September 17
- Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday: 27 October
- Veterans Day: 11 November
Will I get mail on MLK Day?
Mail will not be delivered and post offices will be closed for MLK Day.
Will there be package delivery like FedEx and UPS?
UPS will not offer pickup or delivery on MLK Day, and UPS Stores may be closed. Check your local’s hours of operation. UPS Express Critical is available all 365 days a year.
According to the company’s holiday schedule, FedEx will remain open but with some modified services.
Will banks remain open on January 19?
Banks will be closed due to federal holidays.
Will stock markets remain open?
The Nasdaq and New York Stock Exchange will be closed for the federal holiday. Both will reopen as normal on Tuesday, January 20.
According to the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, bond markets will be closed on Monday but will reopen the next day.
Will schools be closed for King Lee Day in Mississippi?
Mississippi is one of two states that observe MLK Day as a state holiday in honor of Confederate General Robert E. Lee.
Public schools are usually closed. Check your child’s school calendar to make sure.
What are the federal holidays in 2026?
There are 11 federal holidays in 2026. According to the US Office of Personnel Management, the 2026 holidays are:
- Thursday, January 1: New Year’s Day
- Monday, January 19: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday
- Monday, February 16: Washington’s Birthday
- Monday, May 25: Memorial Day
- Friday, June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
- Friday, July 3: Independence Day
- Monday, September 7: Labor Day
- Monday, October 12: Columbus Day
- Wednesday, November 11: Veterans Day
- Thursday, November 26: Thanksgiving Day
- Friday, December 25: Christmas Day
Bonnie Bolden is USA TODAY Network’s Deep South Connect reporter from Mississippi. Email him at bbolden@gannett.com.
Jordan Green covers trending news for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at gordan.green@commercialappeal.com.
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