What is Juneteenth, America’s newest federal holiday?
Juneteenth marks the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans. It became a federal holiday in 2021.
Juneteenth is Thursday, June 19, and while banks, post offices and government offices will be closed on the day, restaurants, retail and grocery stores will be open for business.
Known as America’s Second Independence Day, Juneteenth has been commemorated as a federally-recognized holiday since 2021, providing millions of Americans with a paid day off and the opportunity to commemorate the end of slavery.
The holiday honors the date when Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas in 1865 with 2,000 Union troops to proclaim that more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in the state were free – two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863.
Here’s what you need to know about what will be open and closed on Juneteenth this year.
When is Juneteenth 2025?
Juneteenth is always celebrated on June 19. This year, the date falls on a Thursday.
Is Walmart open on Juneteenth?
Yes, Walmart stores will be open regular hours on Juneteenth.
Most stores are open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. local time, however it is best to reach out to your local Walmart or check the online store directory before heading to the store.
Is Costco open on Juneteenth?
Yes, Costco warehouses will be open on Juneteenth, according to the company’s website.
Is Target open on Juneteenth?
Yes, Target stores will be open on Thursday, June 19, the company told USA TODAY. Store hours vary by location, so check with your local store regarding its specific holiday hours.
Is Starbucks open on Juneteenth?
Most Starbucks stores will be open on Juneteenth, however Starbucks store hours vary by location and customers are encouraged to use the Starbucks app to find hours for their nearest location.
Are banks, post offices, UPS and FedEx open on Juneteenth?
All post offices will be closed for retail transactions and there will be no regular residential or business mail deliveries on Thursday, June 19, according to the U.S. Postal Service’s website.
Priority Mail Express is available 365 days a year, including federal holidays.
UPS and FedEx pickup and delivery services will be available on Juneteenth. UPS Store and FedEx Office locations will also be open on Thursday, according to the each company’s website.
Branches of Bank of America, Wells Fargo, PNC, Truist, CitiBank, JPMorgan Chase and Capital One will be closed on the holiday, the companies confirmed to USA TODAY. Capital One Cafes will remain open.
Are Home Depot, Lowe’s or Ace Hardware open on Juneteenth?
- Home Depot and Lowe’s stores will both be open regular hours on Juneteenth, the companies told USA TODAY.
- Ace Hardware stores are independently owned and operated, so Juneteenth hours vary by location. Customers are encouraged to check with their local store to confirm holiday hours.
Are pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens open on Juneteenth?
- Retail operations for Walgreens will operate under normal hours on Juneteenth, the company told USA TODAY. Pharmacies will be closed except for 24-hour locations and other select pharmacies. Customers are encouraged to check the company’s store locator to determine hours for their local store.
- CVS locations will be open on Juneteenth, however some locations may have reduced hours. Customers are encouraged to check online for their local store hours.
Are restaurants open on Juneteenth?
The following restaurants are open on June 19. Hours are displayed for companies that provided them.
- McDonald’s
- Chipotle
- Cava
- Chick-fil-A
- Raising Cane’s
- Burger King
- Firehouse Subs
- Culver’s
- Outback Steakhouse
- Carrabba’s Italian Grill
- Bonefish Grill
- Taco Bell
- Waffle House
- IHOP
- Cheesecake Factory
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Arby’s
- Jimmy John’s
- Panera Bread
- Dunkin’
- Krispy Kreme
- TGI Friday’s
- Wendy’s
- Cracker Barrel
- Golden Corral
- Hooters
- Red Lobster
- Zaxby’s
- Longhorn Steakhouse
- First Watch
Are grocery stores open on Juneteenth?
Here’s which grocery stores are open on June 19. Hours are listed for the companies that provided them.
- Costco
- Sam’s Club
- Walmart
- Kroger family of companies – Includes Baker’s, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Foods Co, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, Gerbes, Jay C Food Store, King Soopers, Kroger, Mariano’s, Metro Market, Pay-Less Super Markets, Pick’n Save, QFC, Ralphs, Ruler, Smith’s Food and Drug
- Harveys Supermarkets
- Winn-Dixie
- Meijer
- Food Lion
- Publix
- Whole Foods
- Trader Joe’s
- Aldi
- Albertsons family of companies – Safeway, Jewel-Osco, ACME, Shaw’s, Vons and Tom Thumb
- Lidl
- Harris Teeter
- Wegmans
Are retail stores open on Juneteenth?
Stores listed below will be open on June 19. Hours are listed for the companies that provided them.
- Target
- JCPenney
- Barnes & Noble
- Bass Pro Shop / Cabela’s
- REI
- Burlington
- Belk; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- TJ Maxx
- Marshall’s
- HomeGoods
- IKEA
- Macy’s
- Nordstrom
- Office Depot
- OfficeMax
- Sephora
- PetCo
- PetSmart
- Tractor Supply Company
Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@gannett.com.
