Business

What's open & what's closed on the 3rd & 4th of July 2026?

By Dominic Diongson TheStreet

Updated July 2, 2026 1:19 PM

America celebrates its 250th year of independence this year. This time around, the Fourth of July falls on a Saturday, so many workplaces observe the holiday the day before, on Friday, July 3rd. This gives many in the United States a three-day weekend to celebrate.

Many government offices and financial markets will be closed on the 3rd as Americans take the day off and mark the summer season with barbecues and outdoor activities.

Not all businesses will observe July 3rd as the holiday, though, and many will remain open on their normal operating schedule.

People who work in an office generally have the Fourth of July weekend off to spend with their families. But consumer-facing businesses often choose how and when to operate - smaller shops may close entirely, but large chains often shoulder the costs of employee holiday pay to remain open, either for their typical hours or for reduced holiday hours.

Here's everything you need to know about what's open and what's closed this July 3rd and 4th.

What is closed on the 3rd and 4th of July, 2026?

Under federal law, for any holiday that falls on a Saturday, the Friday immediately before is a legal public holiday. As a result, most public institutions - including schools, post offices, libraries, and federal offices - will be closed this July 3rd.

The Federal Reserve System will be closed, along with most banks. ATMs and online banking will remain open. Cryptocurrencies will remain tradable on July 3rd.

Federal, state, and city government offices and buildings will be closed on July 3rd, as will federal courts.

The U.S. Postal Service will be closed and will not deliver mail on July 3rd or 4th. For branches of the USPS that operate on Sundays in major cities, though, there will be normal retail hours on July 5th.

Financial markets

The stock and bond markets will be closed on July 3rd, including the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq Stock Market.

Unlike the stock market, which will operate on normal hours on Thursday, the bond market will close early at 2 p.m. on Thursday. However, currency markets are open on July 3rd, but trading is expected to be light.

What is open on the 3rd of July, 2026, but closed on the 4th?

Many retailers will be open on July 3rd but will close on July 4th. Costco is open on July 3rd but will be closed on July 4th, one of seven holidays the warehouse club observes this year.

Some retailers will be closed for the holiday. Costco is closed on July 4th, one of seven holidays the warehouse club observes this year.

UPS will be open on July 3rd, but there will be no pickups or deliveries on the Fourth.

Service and delivery at FedEx will have modified hours on July 3rd, but will be closed on the 4th. FedEx offices may have modified hours on both days

Some institutions normally open to the public on Saturday will be closed that day to give their workers a three-day holiday. Public libraries in New York City and Houston, for example, will be closed Friday through Sunday, July 3–5.

Government offices will be closed on Friday, July 3rd, 2026.

ALEX WROBLEWSKI / Getty Images

What's open for the entire July 4th holiday weekend?

While some businesses will be closed on July 3rd and 4th, and some open on the 3rd but closed on the 4th, others will remain open throughout the holiday weekend.

Major grocery chains and retailers

Most large grocery chains are open under normal operating hours on July 3rd and 4th. Walmart and Kroger are operating on normal hours. Trader Joe's is open on the 3rd but will close early at 5 p.m. on the Fourth.

Among major retailers, Target will be open on both days. Home Depot will be open on July 3rd, but will close on the 4th at 8 p.m.

Public transportation

Mass transit in most major metropolitan areas will be accessible on July 3rd and 4th, although buses and trains may be running less frequently due to operating on a holiday schedule.

250-year Independence Day celebrations across the U.S.

The Fourth of July is a major summer holiday, and the 250th year of independence makes it a special milestone. There will be parades and fireworks celebrations in many towns and cities across the country. In Washington, D.C., the Great American State Fair - a 16-day national exposition - runs through July 10.

In New York City, the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks show will celebrate its 50th year, taking place on the Hudson and East Rivers. Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Chicago, Las Vegas, and Philadelphia - where the Declaration of Independence was first signed - will also have fireworks displays.

Independence Day: A brief background and history

American colonists sought their freedom from Britain, and on June 7, 1776, the Lee Resolution was drafted, with three main parts: a declaration of independence, the formation of foreign alliances, and a confederation. On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence.

July 4th travel info from AAA

Many Americans venture from their homes to celebrate the long holiday weekend. Flights are booked, and airports become busy, but people are also likely to drive out.

The American Automobile Association, a federation of motor clubs across the country that counts more than 60 million members, expects a record number of Americans to travel.

Travelers who head at least 50 miles from their homes over the long holiday period - from June 27 to July 5 - are forecasted to reach 72.2 million, according to the American Automobile Association.

Breaking it down, 61.4 million are expected to travel by auto, 5.85 million by air, and 4.93 million by bus, train, and boat. Last year, a record total of 71.8 million people traveled.

This weekend of increased automobile traffic comes just as drivers are paying more at the pump, due in part to escalating prices of crude oil as a result of the war with Iran. The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline was around $3.847 on June 30, 2026. A year earlier, the national average for regular gasoline was $3.186 per gallon.

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This story was originally published July 2, 2026 at 1:13 PM.