Juneteenth 2025: Your Guide to Closures, Celebrations, and Holiday Pay on the New Federal Holiday

Juneteenth 2025 falls on Thursday, June 19, and—since President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act in 2021—it is observed as the newest U.S. federal holiday. Below is everything Americans need to know about the day’s history, nationwide closures, and ways to honor the legacy of freedom. What Is Juneteenth and Why It Matters Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, when Union Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced that the state’s 250,000 enslaved people were free—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation took effect. The holiday has long been celebrated with prayer services, family reunions, street parades, cookouts, and readings of the Emancipation Proclamation; its elevation to a federal holiday broadens national reflection on America’s journey toward equality. Federal, State, and Local Office Closures • All non-essential federal offices, including Social Security Administration branches, will be closed. • State and municipal offices in all 50 states traditionally observe the federal schedule, though essential services such as police, fire, and 911 remain on duty. • Courts: Federal courts are closed; check local court websites for state-specific schedules. Banks, Stock Market, and Financial Services • Major banks—Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, and regional institutions—will close their brick-and-mortar branches. Online banking and ATMs remain available, but transactions won’t clear until Friday. • The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq do not trade on June 19; bond markets also shut down for the full session. Mail, Shipping, and Delivery • U.S. Postal Service retail counters and regular mail delivery will pause for the day. Priority Mail Express continues with holiday premiums. • UPS and FedEx operate modified schedules—no ground deliveries, but critical express services may run; confirm with local depots. Retail, Grocery, and Big-Box Stores Juneteenth is not a mandatory paid holiday for private companies, so hours vary: • Walmart, Target, Costco, Kroger, and most grocers open normal or reduced hours—check local store pages. • Small businesses in historically Black business districts often host sidewalk sales, art pop-ups, and live music. Schools and Universities Because the date falls after traditional spring semesters, K-12 public schools are typically on summer break, but year-round districts close. Many colleges host teach-ins, film screenings, and community festivals the week of June 19. Public Transportation and Parking Mass-transit agencies usually run Saturday or holiday schedules; parking meters in big cities like Washington, D.C., are often not enforced, but rules differ by municipality. Community Events and Ways to Celebrate • Attend freedom parades or street festivals in Houston, Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles, which feature African drumming, gospel concerts, and Afro-Cuban dance. • Support Black-owned restaurants and bookstores; search local directories or apps for curated lists. • Explore national parks with Juneteenth programming (e.g., Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia). • Engage virtually: Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture streams panel discussions on voting rights and economic equity. • For families, read “Juneteenth for Mazie” by Floyd Cooper, cook red-colored foods symbolizing resilience (strawberry soda, red velvet cake), and discuss why freedom is an ongoing pursuit. Travel Tips Expect heavier road traffic around metropolitan festival sites and airport passenger volumes comparable to Memorial Day weekend. Book flights early if heading to Galveston’s “Emancipation Celebration,” one of the country’s largest Juneteenth gatherings. Employee Pay and Overtime Questions Federal employees receive a paid day off. Private-sector workers should consult HR; if required to work, overtime or holiday pay is company-policy-dependent but not mandated by federal law. Looking Ahead With Juneteenth landing on a Thursday this year, many Americans are turning the holiday into a four-day weekend. Whether you volunteer, study history, or simply take time off, the day offers a moment to acknowledge past injustices and renew commitment to freedom for all.