What’s Open and What’s Closed on July 4th 2019?

Independence Day is just around the corner. If you’re planning on spending time away from the backyard barbecue, it’s good to know which businesses are and aren’t open on July 4. With July 4 landing on a Thursday this year, it can get a bit confusing figuring out what’s open July 4th.

What’s Open July 4th, 2019?

As a general rule, retailers will be open (with exceptions), and government offices will be closed for the day. Below you’ll find what’s open on July 4th in 2019, but it’s always a good idea to confirm with anyplace you plan to go to verify that they will be open, as there can be exceptions.

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Major Retail Stores

Most large retail stores are open. Most retailers will be open on July 4, with many offering special sales over the 4th of July weekend. This includes stores like Target, Walmart, and Home Depot. A major exception will be Costco, which won’t open its doors on Independence Day. For those of you planning to shop all the sales, keep in mind that a deal isn’t a deal no matter what the price is if it’s something you wouldn’t have purchased for full price.

Food and Grocery Stores

Grocery stores are open. All major grocery store chains will have their stores open if you need last minute barbecue food for the family. Some will be operating on Sunday or holiday hours rather than their regular hours, so call ahead if you need to drop by outside the core daily hours to make sure they are open. Smaller, independent grocery stores may or may not be open for the day, depending on their locations. You should call to verify if they will be open or not if you plan to stop by one of them.

Drugstores

Drugstores are open. All the major drugstore chains will be open for the holiday. This includes the big three of CVS, Rite-Aid, and Walgreens, and they will all likely have sales to coincide with the holiday as well. If you regularly visit a local or independent drugstore, they should be open as well, but it’s best to call and confirm before making a trip to see them.

Government Offices (Federal, State, and Local)

Government offices are closed. The vast majority of government offices are closed July 4th. Since the holiday lands on a Thursday this year, government offices might also close early on the 3rd and close the 5th. For the most part, all non-essential government offices such as courts, departments of motor vehicles, and Social Security offices will be closed for the day. Those government offices deemed vital to safety and security, such as police departments, fire stations, and air traffic controllers will continue to run.

U.S. Stock Market

Stock markets are closed. It’s going to be a short week for stocks. All U.S. stock markets will be closed on Thursday, July 4, for Independence Day. They will also be closed over the weekend, as usual.

Banks and Credit Unions

Banks and credit unions are closed. All banks and credit unions will close shut their local branches on Thursday, July 4, so you need to get any banking taken care of at the branches before then. Some banks might also be closed Friday.

While the banking branches will be closed for the day, you can still do most basic banking transaction either through the bank’s ATMs or at their website. These run 24/7 and will be working even on the holiday. Just be sure to note any transactions done on the holiday may not post to your account until the next business day.

Post Offices

Post offices are closed. July 4, being an official federal holiday, means post offices will be closed. Mail will also not be delivered on Thursday.

Public and Private Schools

Schools are closed. Since July 4 is a time when schools are usually out for summer vacation, this isn’t really an issue for most. It’s good to note, however, that most public and private schools will typically observe federal holidays, and be closed for them.

Libraries

Libraries are closed. The vast majority of libraries will close to observe federal holidays, so they will be closed on Thursday.

Garbage Service

Garbage service is closed. Garbage service won’t be in service on Thursday. Many services expected on Thursday will be moved to Friday.

Restaurants

In most cases, restaurants are open. Most major restaurant chains will be operating and open on Independence Day. Smaller restaurants which are independently owned may close for the day, so it’s best to contact them directly if you want to dine at them on Thursday.

Gas Stations

Gas stations are open. Gas stations should be operating during the day to cater to all those traveling for the holiday weekend. If there’s an exception and one is closed, there should be plenty of others in the area still open, so finding gas shouldn’t be an issue as you travel. Gas stations which are generally not open 24 hours will likely be on holiday or Sunday business hours.

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Read More:

• 4th of July BBQ Food Ideas
• Is Target Open on the 4th of July?
• Is the Stock Market Open on the 4th of July?

(Photo Credit: Flickr.com/ Beverly & Pack)