The fourth of July for 2026 falls on a Saturday, with this year marking the milestone of America’s 250th birthday.
The day, a national holiday, also means government offices are closed. But the fact that it falls on a Saturday means it will actually be observed on a weekday.
So does that make Friday, July 3 a federal holiday?
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.
Here’s what that means for mail, banks and more.
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.
Are banks open on July 3?
Yes.
According to the federal reserve, for holidays falling on Saturday, banks will be open the proceeding Friday.
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.
Retail stores
Most retail and grocery stores are expected to be open Friday.
