Independence Day 2024: What's Open and Closed
Every year on the Fourth of July, Americans across the country gear up to celebrate Independence Day with fervor. It’s a time of fireworks, barbecues, pool gatherings, and, for many, travel. This quintessential summer holiday not only symbolizes the birth of the nation but also brings an annual surge in road trips and airport traffic as citizens set out to celebrate with friends and family, or simply take advantage of the long weekend holiday. As we approach Independence Day 2024, it’s vital to be aware of what will be open and closed, from banks to retail stores, and how best to navigate the holiday festivities.
Travel Rush
The Fourth of July is well known for record-high travel numbers. Congested roads and packed airports are the norms as people use the long weekend to get away. Travel data from previous years indicates that this trend is only growing, with more Americans taking advantage of the holiday period to explore new destinations or to simply reunite with loved ones. If you’re among those taking to the skies or highways, it's wise to plan ahead, allowing extra time for any possible delays.
Bank and Financial Institution Closures
As with all federal holidays, financial institutions like banks will be closed on Independence Day. This means that if you need to handle any banking transactions, you’ll need to plan ahead. While physical branches will be closed, most banks offer online banking services, which remain accessible. ATMs will also remain in operation, so you can still withdraw cash if needed. However, it’s advisable to carry out any important financial tasks before the holiday to avoid any inconvenience.
Postal and Delivery Services
The U.S. Postal Service, UPS, and FedEx are also taking a break on this federal holiday. This means no regular mail deliveries will occur on Independence Day. However, some FedEx Office Print & Ship Centers might offer limited services, so it’s worth checking with your local branch if you need urgent assistance. Plan your deliveries and shipments accordingly, knowing that normal service will resume the following day.
Stock Market Closures
The closure of major financial services extends to the stock market as well. The New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, and bond markets will all be closed on Independence Day. Trading will be paused for the holiday, giving traders and investors a chance to celebrate and relax. Again, if you need to make any significant market transactions, it’s best to do so before the holiday.
Retailers and Grocery Stores
For those looking to take care of errands or snag some holiday deals, there is good news. Many retailers are open for business on the Fourth of July, offering consumers the opportunity to shop for last-minute items or take advantage of holiday sales. Stores like Bass Pro Shops, Belk, Best Buy, CVS, and Home Depot will welcome customers, often providing discounts on summer essentials such as outdoor furniture and grills.
Grocery stores, including Aldi, Food Lion, Giant Eagle, Kroger, and Trader Joe's, will also keep their doors open, ensuring that you can find all the necessities for your Independence Day celebration. Whether you need extra burgers for the grill or additional decorations for your party, you’ll be able to get what you need. However, it's important to note that Costco will be closed for the day, so plan your shopping accordingly if you're a member.
Maximizing Your Fourth of July Celebration
The heart of Independence Day lies in the celebrations, encapsulating the essence of summer. Barbecues and poolside gatherings abound, with fireworks lighting up the sky as a fitting end to the festivities. Yet amidst the joy, it’s essential to stay informed about store and service hours, especially given the closures of banks, postal services, and stock markets. By planning ahead and knowing which retailers and grocery stores remain open, you can ensure a seamless celebration without any hiccups. Whether you’re hitting the road to join family and friends or staying home for a backyard barbecue, understanding what’s open and closed on Independence Day 2024 will help you make the most of the holiday.
Sihle Tana
I am a journalist with a passion for covering daily news in Africa. My work has taken me across the continent, reporting on significant events and stories that impact communities. I strive to bring insightful and comprehensive news coverage to my readers.
Just grabbed some burgers and sparklers at Kroger-thank god they were open. Costco? Nah, I knew better. Already planning my next holiday shopping spree.
It's noteworthy that the systemic discontinuity of federal financial infrastructure on civic holidays reflects a broader institutional inertia that fails to accommodate the emergent needs of a hyper-consumerist society. The continued closure of banks and stock exchanges, despite digital omnipresence, is a technocratic anachronism that perpetuates economic exclusion for the unbanked and gig economy workers who operate outside traditional temporal frameworks. We must interrogate the symbolic weight of these closures-are they truly about commemoration, or merely bureaucratic convenience masked as tradition?
OMG I was so stressed thinking my mail wouldn't come today but then I remembered UPS is closed 😭 thank you for this post, I literally just got my new flip flops delivered yesterday, phew!
There's something quietly beautiful about how this day forces us to pause-even the markets stop. It’s not just about fireworks or sales. It’s a national breath. We’re wired to hustle, but today, the whole system says, ‘stop.’ Even if it’s just for show, it’s a gift. I’ll be sitting on my porch with a lemonade, watching the neighbors light off sparklers. No grand plan. Just being here. That’s the real independence, isn’t it?
So let me get this straight-my local Best Buy is open but my damn bank isn’t? And FedEx? Closed. But I can buy a $200 grill but can’t deposit my paycheck? This is the most American thing ever. I’m literally going to cry over my credit card bill tomorrow because I had to use it for BBQ charcoal. This holiday is a trap.
Why are you even talking about closing banks and markets on a day that celebrates freedom? This is not a day for corporate convenience. This is a day for pride. If you can’t handle a one-day shutdown, maybe you shouldn’t be living in a country that was built on sacrifice. Go light a flag. Not a grill.