As we celebrate Independence Day on Thursday, July 4, here’s a rundown of what’s open and closed to help you plan your day.
Banks and Post Offices
Closed: All banks and post offices will be closed for the holiday. This includes major banks such as Capital One, Bank of America, PNC, Truist, CitiBank, and JPMorgan Chase. However, Capital One Cafes will remain open.
Stock Market
Closed: The stock market will be closed on Thursday.
Major Retailers
Open: Walmart (6 a.m. to 11 p.m.), Target (hours vary by location), Home Depot (check local hours), Lowe’s (open until 8 p.m.), and Ace Hardware (hours vary by location).
Costco
Closed: All Costco warehouses will be closed.
Pharmacies
Open: Walgreens and most Rite Aid locations will be open. Check the Rite Aid website for specific hours.
Restaurants
Open: Many popular restaurants will be open, including Starbucks, McDonald’s, Dunkin’, Chick-fil-A (some locations may have limited hours), Wendy’s, Taco Bell, Subway, KFC, Cracker Barrel, Olive Garden (11 a.m. to 10 p.m.), Buffalo Wild Wings, Waffle House, IHOP, Golden Corral, Hooters, Longhorn Steakhouse (11 a.m. to 10 p.m.), Red Lobster, and First Watch (7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.).
Grocery Stores
Open: Walmart (6 a.m. to 11 p.m.), most stores in the Kroger family (e.g., Baker’s, City Market, Dillons), Winn-Dixie, Trader Joe’s (all stores close at 5 p.m.), Sam’s Club (8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Plus members, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for Club members), Meijer (6 a.m. to midnight), Publix, Aldi, Whole Foods, Food Lion, Harris Teeter, Giant Eagle, and Wegman’s.
Retail Stores
Open: Target, TJ Maxx (stores close at 8 p.m.), Marshall’s (stores close at 8 p.m.), HomeGoods (stores close at 8 p.m.), Macy’s (stores close at 7 p.m.), Nordstrom, Gap, Old Navy, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s (9 a.m. to 7 p.m.), IKEA (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), Dick’s Sporting Goods (stores close at 7 p.m.), REI (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), Burlington, Staples (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Office Depot and Office Max (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.), PetSmart (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.), PetCo, and Tractor Supply Co. (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.).
Delivery Services
Closed: UPS and FedEx will not provide pickup and delivery services on July 4. UPS Store locations and FedEx Office hours will vary, so check with your local store for specific hours.
Historical Context
The tradition of celebrating the Fourth of July dates back to a spontaneous celebration in Philadelphia marking the first anniversary of American independence. This event is documented in a letter by John Adams to his daughter, Abigail, as recorded by the Library of Congress. The annual celebration became more consistent after the War of 1812, with significant events like the groundbreaking ceremonies for the Erie Canal and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad being scheduled to coincide with the holiday. Congress passed a law officially making Independence Day a federal holiday on June 28, 1870.
Enjoy your Fourth of July, and plan accordingly with this guide to what’s open and closed!
