Lent End Date: Key Details to Prepare for Easter

Lent and the 2026 Easter season are drawing to a close for Christians worldwide. Ash Wednesday began the Lenten period on February 18, 2026.

Dates for Lent and Easter 2026

Here are the main observances and their 2026 dates.

When Lent ends and sundown times

According to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Lent concludes at sundown on Holy Thursday. Sundown varies by location.

• Columbus: 7:57 p.m. on April 2, 2026.
• Cincinnati: 8:02 p.m. on April 2, 2026.
• Akron: 7:52 p.m. on April 2, 2026.

Those times were reported by Time and Date for April 2, 2026.

Fasting and abstinence on Good Friday

Good Friday is a day of required fasting and abstinence for Catholics. The obligation applies to those aged 18 through 59, according to USCCB guidance.

Fasting permits one full meal and two smaller meals that do not equal a full meal. Meat must be abstained from on that day.

The fast may extend into the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday night. Observance honors the suffering and death of Jesus and prepares worshippers for the Resurrection.

Why Easter’s date moves

Easter’s date depends on lunar cycles and centuries-old ecclesiastical calculations. This approach places Easter on different calendar dates each year.

Lent end date and preparing for Easter

Knowing the Lent end date helps worshippers prepare for Easter services. Here are key details to aid planning and spiritual preparation.

• Attend Holy Thursday liturgy before sundown.
• Plan Good Friday fast and abstinence if aged 18–59.
• Check local sunset times to mark the Lent end date accurately.
• Join the Easter Vigil on Saturday night to celebrate the Resurrection.

Filmogaz.com compiled this summary to help readers plan their observances. Check local parish guidance for full details and exceptions.