Labor Day 2026: What’s open and closed on Monday, from banks and post offices to Walmart and Costco

Labor Day is celebrated annually on the first Monday of September and is one of the major federal holidays in the United States. While government offices, banks and the U.S. stock market will close for the holiday, most retailers, grocery stores and restaurants are expected to remain open, although holiday hours can vary by location.

The long weekend is also one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with millions of Americans expected to hit the roads and take to the skies for one of the last major getaways of summer.

Why is Labor Day celebrated?

Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday has its roots in the labor movement of the late 19th century, when labor activists pushed for a national holiday recognizing the contributions workers had made to the country's strength, prosperity and well-being.


The first known U.S. Labor Day celebration took place in New York City on September 5, 1882.

Labor Day initially became a state holiday. By 1894, 23 states had adopted the holiday, and Congress officially established Labor Day as a national holiday that same year.

Are government offices open on Labor Day?

Most nonessential federal and state government offices will be closed on Monday, September 7.

That includes government buildings, courts, schools and many other public offices. Nonessential federal agencies such as the Social Security Administration and Internal Revenue Service will also be closed.

Essential government services, including agencies such as the National Weather Service, will continue operating.

Is the post office open on Labor Day?

No. USPS post offices will be closed on Labor Day.

The U.S. Postal Service will not provide regular mail delivery or retail services on Monday. Normal postal operations are expected to resume on the next business day.

Private delivery companies will also have holiday changes. UPS and FedEx will not provide their usual pickup and delivery services on Labor Day, while individual UPS Store and FedEx Office locations may have different holiday schedules.

Are banks open on Labor Day?

Most U.S. bank branches will be closed on Labor Day.

Customers can still use ATMs and online banking services, but some transactions, deposits and transfers may not be processed until the next business day.

If you need in-person banking services, it is best to visit your local branch before the holiday or confirm its schedule directly.

Is the stock market open on Labor Day?

No. U.S. stock markets will be closed on Labor Day.

The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will not operate on Monday in observance of the federal holiday. The U.S. bond market will also be closed.

Regular trading is expected to resume on Tuesday.

Are grocery stores and retailers open on Labor Day?

Yes, most major retailers and grocery stores will be open on Labor Day.

Many national chains traditionally remain open during the holiday and may offer Labor Day sales and promotions. However, individual locations can have reduced or modified hours.

Stores traditionally open on Labor Day include:

• Kroger
• Walmart
• Publix
• Trader Joe's
• Meijer

Costco is an important exception: Costco warehouses will be closed on Labor Day.

Sam's Club warehouses will open at 8 a.m. for Plus members and 9 a.m. for Club members, closing at 8 p.m. BJ's warehouses will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Because holiday hours can differ by location, shoppers should check the retailer's website or app before heading out.

Are restaurants open on Labor Day?

Most major restaurant chains will remain open on Labor Day.

Restaurants that traditionally operate on the holiday include McDonald's, Starbucks, Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, Dunkin' and Wendy's, although opening hours can vary between locations.

Hotels, gas stations and businesses serving travelers are also generally expected to remain open.

With Labor Day being a major travel weekend, however, restaurants and other businesses in popular tourist destinations may be considerably busier than usual.

Is Labor Day a busy travel holiday?

Yes. Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest travel periods in the U.S.

Millions of Americans use the three-day weekend for road trips, flights and other summer getaways. Travelers can expect crowded airports, busy highways and higher prices in many popular destinations.

Flight prices to leading domestic destinations are nearly 20% higher than a year ago, while hotel prices have also increased. The average U.S. price for a gallon of regular gasoline is just under $4.10, about 90 cents higher than at the same time last year.

Cruise travelers could see somewhat better prices, with cruises departing from U.S. ports about 4% cheaper than a year ago.

Labor Day travel tips

AAA recommends that drivers check the weather before setting out and inspect their vehicles before a long road trip.

Drivers should pay particular attention to their:

• Tires
• Battery
• Fluid levels

It is also smart to carry an emergency kit containing essentials such as water, snacks, a flashlight and jumper cables.

Whether you're shopping, dining out or traveling this Labor Day, checking the hours of your specific location ahead of time can help avoid an unnecessary trip.

Labor Day may be a federal holiday, but it is far from a shutdown day for the entire country. Banks, government offices, post offices and financial markets will pause for the holiday, while most stores, restaurants and travel services continue operating — often with modified schedules.