When is Black Friday 2026?

What is Black Friday?

Black Friday is a widely observed date but not a federal holiday. Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving—the fourth Friday in November. Not a federal holiday.

Americans use this date for planning time off, travel, school events, and retail promotions. Mark it on your 2026 calendar early so team schedules and family plans stay aligned with public closures and local observances.

When is Black Friday?

Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving—the fourth Friday in November. Not a federal holiday. The countdown and next-ten-years table above lists exact weekdays for 2026 and future years, including how many days remain until the next occurrence.

Floating holidays shift on the calendar; fixed dates like July 4 or December 25 stay on the same month and day every year. If the date falls on a weekend, federal observance may move to an adjacent weekday—confirm with your employer for time-off policies.

History and background

The term gained retail currency in the mid-twentieth century for heavy shopping traffic after Thanksgiving. Stores extended hours and doorbuster sales nationwide.

Understanding the history helps explain why schools, media, and local governments schedule related events around the same season each year.

How people observe Black Friday

Major retail discounts, early store openings, and online equivalents on Cyber Monday following weekend. Some workers receive the day off unofficially.

Neighborhoods and workplaces vary: some close entirely on federal holidays, while cultural observances may continue with normal business hours. Check local listings for parades, sales, or volunteer opportunities tied to this date.

Calendar planning tip

Use your 2026 calendar to plan shopping budgets and avoid scheduling critical meetings if your team takes the day off informally.

Add Black Friday to any printable month or year grid in our editor—the same holiday engine powers this page and your customized PDF. Browse 2026 holidays, open the monthly calendars hub, or print a 2026 yearly calendar with one-click holiday markers.