Overview
- National Park Service published the 2026 fee-free calendar, replacing MLK Day and Juneteenth with a slate that includes June 14, the president’s 80th birthday, which is also Flag Day.
- The 2026 free-entry dates are Presidents Day (Feb. 16), Memorial Day (May 25), June 14, Independence Day weekend (July 3–5), the NPS birthday (Aug. 25), Constitution Day (Sept. 17), Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday (Oct. 27) and Veterans Day (Nov. 11).
- Free access on those dates will apply only to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents under rules taking effect in the coming year.
- Foreign visitors will pay substantially higher fees beginning in January, including a $250 annual pass, up from $80, as previously signaled by the Interior Department.
- Democratic lawmakers and civil-rights figures condemned the move for dropping two civil-rights observances, with critics calling it an effort that diminishes recognition of Black history.