While banks, government offices and mail delivery services will pause operations for Independence Day, most retailers, grocery stores and restaurants plan to remain open on July Fourth. This year’s holiday falls on Saturday, July 4, as the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of the s igning of the Declaration of Independence, also known as America’s semiquincentennial. Communities across the country are marking the occasion with parades, barbecues, concerts and fireworks displays. Here’s what’s open and closed this Fourth of July: Fourth of July Jun 27 Fourth of July deals 2026: Freebies, food discounts and summer savings Fourth of July Jun 27 Record travel expected for July Fourth weekend. Here's how to beat the holiday traffic What does the Fourth of July celebrate? The Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The document announced the American colonies’ separation from Great Britain and laid the foundation for the United States as an independent nation. According to the Library of Congress, the first anniversary celebration took place in Philadelphia in 1777, but widespread observances didn’t become common until after the War of 1812. Congress officially designated Independence Day as a federal holiday in 1870. Is the post office open on the Fourth of July? No. The U.S. Postal Service will be closed on Saturday, July 4, and there will be no regular mail delivery or retail service. Post offices will reopen and normal mail delivery will resume on Monday, July 6. USPS locations will operate normally on Friday, July 3. Will I receive my UPS or FedEx package? Most UPS and FedEx pickup and delivery services will not operate on July Fourth. UPS says there will be no regular pickup or delivery service on Independence Day, though its UPS Express Critical service remains available. Many UPS Store locations may also be closed or operate with modified hours. FedEx will also suspend many delivery operations for the holiday, though some specialty and expedited services may continue operating. Customers should check with their local FedEx office for specific hours and service availability. Will banks be open on the Fourth of July? Most banks will be closed on Saturday, July 4. Since Independence Day falls on a Saturday this year, some banks may observe modified schedules on Friday, July 3, while others will operate normal business hours. Customers are encouraged to check with their local branch. Online banking services and ATMs will remain available. Are government offices closed on the Fourth of July? Federal offices, courts and many state and local government agencies will be closed on July 4 in observance of the holiday. Many DMV locations, Social Security offices and public libraries will also be closed, though hours can vary by jurisdiction. Will federal employees get the day off? Most federal employees receive a paid holiday for Independence Day. Because July Fourth falls on a Saturday this year, many federal workers observed the holiday on Friday, July 3. State and local government schedules may vary. Are businesses open on the Fourth of July? Most major retailers, grocery stores and restaurants will remain open on July Fourth, although some locations may operate with reduced holiday hours. One notable exception is warehouse club giant Costco Wholesale, which closes its stores for Independence Day each year. Major retailers including Target and Walmart are expected to remain open, while many grocery chains such as Kroger, Publix and Whole Foods Market also plan to operate, though some may have shortened hours. Customers should check with their local store before heading out. ...read more read less