Key facts
- Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the U.S.
- Federal Reserve banks and branches will be closed on Juneteenth.
- The U.S. Postal Service will be closed.
- The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will be closed.
- Amazon, FedEx, and UPS will operate normally.
- Many state and local government services will be unavailable.
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, marks 161 years since enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Established as a federal holiday in 2021 by former President Biden, Juneteenth will be observed on Friday, June 19, 2026.
Several federal services will be closed. The U.S. Postal Service will not deliver mail or open its post offices, as Juneteenth is one of 11 holidays it observes. Federal Reserve banks and branches will also close for the holiday.
Financial markets will also observe the holiday, with the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq taking the day off. In contrast, major shipping companies like Amazon, FedEx, and UPS are expected to operate under normal business hours.
According to a report by the Congressional Research Service, Juneteenth is a permanent paid and/or legal holiday in at least 30 states and the District of Columbia. This means some state and local offices and services, such as libraries, DMVs, and state-run liquor stores, may be unavailable.
Unlike in previous years, free admission to fee-charging national parks will not be offered on Juneteenth in 2026, a change made by the Trump administration. The next fee-free day is scheduled for the Independence Day weekend. Retailers, including grocery stores, and major restaurant chains are generally expected to remain open, though it is advisable to confirm operating hours with local businesses.
Looking ahead, Juneteenth falling on a Saturday in 2027 is likely to result in fewer service impacts.