Are Stores Open on July 4th? Here's Everything Open and Closed on Independence Day 2018

Happy Fourth of July 2018!

July 4th is a big day for fireworks, American flags, trips to the beach, and backyard barbecues. But it's also a day you might want to dine out at a restaurant or go shopping — perhaps to pick up a few last-minute essentials for your Independence Day celebration.

Are supermarkets, restaurants, banks, bars, and liquor stores open or closed on the Fourth of July, which falls on a Wednesday this year? What about the post office and the stock market?

Here's what's open (and closed) for the Fourth of July 2018.

Are banks open on July 4th?

July 4 is a bank holiday in the U.S. So virtually all U.S. locations for banks are closed on the Fourth of July, including branches of major banks like Wells Fargo, People's United Bank, and TD Bank. ATMs and online banking services should be available like normal, however, even on national holidays like the Fourth of July.

Is the post office open on the Fourth of July?

The Fourth of July is a postal holiday. All post offices are closed on July 4, and mail will not be delivered. Federal Express and UPS services are closed on the Fourth of July too.

Are restaurants and stores open? What are July 4 store hours?

Restaurants and stores tend to be open with normal business hours on the Fourth of July.

Walmart

Most Walmart locations are open 24/7 even on major holidays like Fourth of July. Target, chain drugstores like CVS and Walgreens, and supermarkets like Publix and Kroger are open with normal store hours on July 4. Liquor stores and bars are open on July 4 for the most part as well.

Other businesses have modified July 4 hours. Chick-fil-A locations, for example, are open on July 4 only from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sam's Club closes early on the Fourth of July as well, with stores shutting their doors at 6 p.m. rather than 8:30 p.m. like usual. Some IKEA stores also close on July 4 earlier than usual (6 p.m. rather than 9 p.m.), though Fourth of July hours vary by location.

Still other stores and restaurants are simply closed on the Fourth of July. Chipotle and Costco are among the big chains closed on July 4. In general, it's wise to call ahead or check the business's website for July 4 hours. That goes especially for independent restaurants and stores, whose owners may be more likely to close for the Fourth of July holiday.

Is the stock market open on the Fourth of July?

No. Independence Day is a holiday for the New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, and other major U.S. markets, so they are all closed on the Fourth of July every year. (The stock market had an early close on Tuesday, July 3, 2018, too.)

Are government offices open or closed on July 4?

The Fourth of July is a federal holiday. All non-essential government offices and courts are closed on Wednesday, July 4 — although most national parks, seashores and other recreation areas are open for the holiday, with some even hosting special events. Public libraries are also closed.