The Fourth of July, which falls on a weekend this year, marks a milestone 250th birthday for America.
Government offices, banks and more are typically closed on July 4, and the holiday for 2026 is no exception. But what about Friday, July 3?
When a federal holiday lands on a weekend day, the holiday is typically observed either the Friday before or the Monday after. Since Fourth of July is a Saturday this year, the day in some ways will be observed Friday.
According to the U.S. Government Office of Personnel Management, July 3 is observed as a federal holiday for 2026. But that doesn’t mean all businesses are closed.
Here’s what to know about mail delivery, the stock market and more for July 3.
Is the stock market open Friday?
The stock market is not open on Friday.
According to the New York Stock Exchange, all NYSE markets will observe the Fourth of July holiday on Friday. The same goes for Nasdaq’s holiday schedule.
Are banks open on July 3?
Yes.
According to the federal reserve, for holidays falling on Saturday, banks will be open the proceeding Friday. That means banks will be open on Friday, July 3.
Is there mail delivery on July 3?
Yes.
According to the United States Postal Service, post offices will be open on Friday, July 3, with normal mail delivery. If a holiday falls on a Saturday, for some USPS employees, the preceding Friday will be treated as a holiday for pay and leave purposes.
DMVs and more
Illinois Secretary of State DMVS and other state offices are expected to be closed July 3 in observance of the July 4 holiday. However, the office recommends checking with specific locations for their schedules.
Courts in Illinois are also closed on Friday.
Cities and villages may also observe July 3 as a holiday, with offices closed. That includes the city of Chicago, which observes Friday, July 3 as a federal holiday.
Retail stores
Most retail and grocery stores are expected to be open Friday, but that’s not necessarily the case for Saturday. Major chains like Target, Walmart, Mariano’s, Jewel-Osco, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods are planning to be open but may have shortened hours.
One exception though is warehouse club giant Costco Wholesale, where stores are closed on July 4 for Independence Day.
