July 3, 2026: Federal Holiday Observed for Independence Day 250th Anniversary

July 3, 2026, Is a Federal Holiday Observed for Independence Day

July 3, 2026, is observed as the federal holiday for Independence Day because the Fourth of July falls on a Saturday. This means federal employees get the day off on Friday, July 3, while many government offices will be closed. Despite being a federal holiday, banks and postal services will largely remain open on July 3, but the stock market will be closed.

Independence Day 2026 marks America’s 250th birthday, a significant milestone commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The holiday is customarily observed on a weekday when it falls on a weekend, as with this year.

Key Points

• July 3, 2026, is officially observed as the federal holiday for Independence Day since July 4 falls on a Saturday.
• Federal government offices and many state agencies, including Illinois courts and DMV offices, will be closed on July 3.
• Most banks and credit unions will remain open on July 3, though some branches may have adjusted or early closing hours.
• The U.S. Postal Service and major package carriers like UPS and FedEx will operate normal or mostly normal delivery schedules on July 3.
• The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will be closed on July 3, resuming trading on Monday, July 6.
• Most retail and grocery stores will be open on July 3, but hours may vary by location.

Observance of Independence Day in 2026

Since Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, 2026, the federal holiday is officially observed the previous day, Friday, July 3. This consistent practice allows federal employees to celebrate the holiday while following regular workweek schedules.

The federal holiday calendar for 2026 lists Independence Day on Friday, July 3, per the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. This adjustment follows the tradition that when a federal holiday is on a weekend, it is observed on either the preceding Friday or the following Monday.

Government Offices and Agencies

Most federal and state government offices will be closed on July 3, including the Illinois Secretary of State DMVs, courts, and various city offices that may choose to observe the federal holiday. Residents are advised to check specific office schedules due to variations by location.

Banking and Financial Services

Banks and credit unions are generally open on July 3, maintaining regular business hours. Some branches may operate with modified hours or close early. According to the Federal Reserve, for holidays landing on a Saturday, banks open on the preceding Friday.

However, banks and financial institutions will be closed on Saturday, July 4, reopening on Monday, July 6.

Mail and Package Delivery

The U.S. Postal Service will operate with normal hours and mail delivery on July 3, but all postal services will be closed on the Fourth of July itself. For USPS employees, Friday may be treated as a holiday for pay and leave when the holiday falls on a Saturday.

Major package carriers will also deliver on July 3. UPS will maintain regular pickups and deliveries and open stores during normal hours on that day but will be closed on July 4.

FedEx will provide pickups and deliveries on July 3 but with some modified services such as early on-call pickups and drop box closures. FedEx retail locations may operate with adjusted hours, and no service will occur on July 4.

Stock Market Closure

The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will close all markets on Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day. Trading will resume at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, July 6.

Retail Stores and DMVs

Most retail chains and grocery stores such as Walmart, Target, Kroger, Costco, and others will be open on July 3, with hours varying by location.

DMV office hours differ by state. Some states like California and Massachusetts plan to operate normally on July 3, while others, including New Jersey, Florida, and Virginia, will be closed or close early. All DMVs will be closed on Saturday, July 4.

Historical Context

The Fourth of July was first established as a holiday in Washington, D.C., in 1870 and expanded in 1938 as a paid federal holiday for all employees. It commemorates the historic adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.

2026 Federal Holiday Calendar Highlights

• Independence Day: Friday, July 3
• Labor Day: Monday, September 7
• Columbus Day: Monday, October 12
• Veterans Day: Wednesday, November 11
• Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 26
• Christmas: Friday, December 25

The 250th anniversary of Independence Day in 2026 underscores the nation's longstanding tradition of celebrating its founding and commitment to freedom. The observation of the holiday on July 3 allows federal employees and many Americans to mark this milestone with a day off prior to the weekend festivities.