Juneteenth 2025: What’s Open, What’s Closed, and Why It Matters

Juneteenth 2025 falls on Thursday, June 19, as America once again pauses to recognize the nation’s youngest federal holiday. But what exactly does this day commemorate, and how does it affect day-to-day life for U.S. residents?

As millions of Americans prepare for the midweek observance, questions abound: Are banks closed on Juneteenth? Is the stock market operating? Will your local Costco be open? Whether you’re planning errands or looking to understand the holiday’s deeper meaning, this guide breaks down everything you need to know.

What Is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth, short for June Nineteenth, marks the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed the last remaining enslaved African Americans that they were free—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed.

It is widely celebrated as the end of slavery in the United States and has long been observed in Black communities as a day of reflection, celebration, and progress. In 2021, President Joe Biden signed legislation officially recognizing Juneteenth as a U.S. federal holiday.

Is Juneteenth a Federal Holiday?

Yes, Juneteenth is a federal holiday, which means all federal government offices, including courts and administrative buildings, are closed in observance.

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) designates Juneteenth as one of the 11 official federal holidays. If June 19 falls on a weekend, the holiday is observed on the nearest weekday. In 2025, however, Juneteenth lands on a Thursday, so it will be observed on its actual date.

What’s Closed on Juneteenth 2025?

1. Banks

• Closed: Most major banks, including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank, will be closed on Thursday, June 19.
• ATM and mobile banking services remain operational.
• Online transfers may experience slight delays due to processing lags on federal holidays.

2. U.S. Stock Markets

• Closed: Both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the NASDAQ are closed in observance of Juneteenth.
• Trading will resume on Friday, June 20.

3. USPS & Shipping Services

• Closed: The United States Postal Service (USPS) will not deliver regular mail or operate retail branches.
• FedEx and UPS will operate modified schedules, depending on service type and location. Some express and critical deliveries may still occur.

4. Federal and State Offices

• Closed: Government offices, including the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Social Security Administration (SSA) offices, will be closed.

What’s Open on Juneteenth 2025?

1. Retailers & Grocery Stores

• Open: National retailers like Costco, Walmart, Target, and Kroger will remain open during standard business hours.
• Pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens will also operate normally, though pharmacy counters may run on reduced hours.

2. Restaurants & Cafes

• Open: Most restaurants, cafes, and food delivery services will be open, although some local or independently owned establishments may close in observance.

3. Public Transit

• Operating: Local transportation systems (buses, subways, commuter rails) typically run on modified holiday schedules.
• Check with your local transit agency for updates.

Juneteenth 2025: Practical Planning Tips

If you’re trying to get errands done on June 19, plan ahead:

• Banking: Handle transfers and check deposits before the holiday.
• Mailing: Drop off packages in advance or confirm FedEx/UPS availability.
• Appointments: Reschedule DMV or government appointments to avoid delays.
• Stock Market: Complete time-sensitive trades on or before June 18.

For employers and employees:

• Review your company’s holiday schedule. While it’s a federal holiday, not all private employers observe it.
• Consider honoring the day with a paid holiday, educational programming, or a day of service.

Honoring the Spirit of Juneteenth

Juneteenth isn’t just a day off work or a calendar marker—it’s a day of reflection, cultural appreciation, and progress. Across the country, cities will host:

• Parades and freedom festivals
• Community cookouts and concerts
• Historical reenactments and museum exhibits

If you have the day off, consider participating in local events or learning more about Black American history and the ongoing fight for equity.

Final Thoughts: A Moment to Pause and Plan

Whether you’re observing Juneteenth through education, celebration, or quiet reflection, knowing what’s open and closed on June 19, 2025, helps you plan your day and honor the occasion meaningfully.

Juneteenth is not only a time to look back at the fight for freedom but also to look forward with purpose. As more Americans embrace this holiday, it continues to grow in significance—economically, culturally, and socially.