What is Juneteenth and why is it a federal holiday?
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or America’s Second Independence Day, marks the day in 1865 when Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, and announced the end of slavery—two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. The announcement freed over 250,000 enslaved Black people in Texas, and it remains a powerful day of remembrance and celebration.
In 2021, President Joe Biden signed legislation making Juneteenth an official U.S. federal holiday, and since then, most government offices and many private employers give workers the day off.
Are post offices open on Juneteenth 2025?
If you’re wondering about mail delivery on Juneteenth, here’s what the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) says:
- All post offices will be closed on Thursday, June 19.
- There will be no regular residential or business mail delivery that day.
- However, Priority Mail Express will still operate, as it runs 365 days a year, including federal holidays.
So if you need to mail something important, it’s a good idea to get it done before June 19.
Will banks be open on Juneteenth 2025?
Most major U.S. banks will not be open on Juneteenth this year. That includes:
- Bank of America
- Wells Fargo
- JPMorgan Chase
- PNC
- Truist
- CitiBank
- Capital One (Note: Capital One Cafés will remain open)
If you need to do any banking in person, plan to take care of it before Thursday, or use online and mobile banking options, which will remain available throughout the holiday.
Will UPS be delivering packages on Juneteenth?
Good news if you’re expecting a delivery: UPS will operate as usual on Juneteenth 2025. According to the UPS holiday schedule:
- Pickup and delivery services will be available.
- UPS Store locations will be open. However, store hours may vary by location, so it’s a good idea to check with your local store for exact opening times.
UPS is not a government-run service, so it does not automatically close on federal holidays like USPS does.
Is FedEx running deliveries on June 19?
FedEx will also be fully operational on Juneteenth:
- All pickup and delivery services will run normally.
- FedEx Office locations will stay open across the country.
So if you’re relying on FedEx for a shipment or expecting an important delivery, services will continue without interruption.
What about government offices and public transit?
- Federal offices: Closed, including Social Security, DMV, and IRS offices.
- State and local offices: Many will follow the federal schedule, though closures may vary by state.
- Public transportation: Most systems, like subways and city buses, are expected to operate on a normal weekday schedule.
Are stores, restaurants, and pharmacies open on Juneteenth?
Yes, most retail stores and restaurants are open, including:
- Walmart
- Target
- Costco
- Kroger
- CVS and Walgreens (though some pharmacy counters may have limited hours)
Fast food chains and local restaurants should also be open, though it’s always a good idea to check ahead with smaller businesses.
What’s open and closed on Juneteenth 2025?
| Service | Status |
| Banks (in-person branches) | ❌ Closed |
| ATMs & mobile banking | ✅ Open |
| USPS mail & post offices | ❌ Closed |
| Priority Mail Express | ✅ Open |
| UPS & FedEx | ✅ Open |
| NYSE, Nasdaq, bond markets | ❌ Closed |
| Federal offices | ❌ Closed |
| State/local offices | ⚠️ Varies |
| Public transportation | ✅ Running |
| Retail stores, restaurants, etc. | ✅ Open |
| National parks | ✅ Open (free) |
What should you do to prepare for Juneteenth closures?
If you’re planning to use services that may be affected by Juneteenth closures, here’s a quick checklist:
- Visit your bank or post office before Thursday, June 19.
- Use online banking or mobile apps for urgent transactions.
- If you’re mailing something, consider using FedEx or UPS.
- Double-check UPS Store hours or FedEx Office hours in your area.
- Keep in mind that government offices, libraries, courts, and many schools may also be closed.
Juneteenth is a meaningful national holiday that honors the end of slavery in the United States. While banks and post offices will be closed on June 19, UPS and FedEx will operate as usual. Make sure to plan ahead if you have errands to run or packages to send. For full details, check the official websites of USPS, UPS, and FedEx, or contact local branches directly.
FAQs:
Are banks open on Juneteenth, June 19?
No, most banks are closed today because Juneteenth is a federal holiday.
Is the post office open on Juneteenth, June 19?
No, USPS is closed and there’s no regular mail delivery today.
