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Memorial Day arrives Monday, May 25, bringing the familiar split-screen rhythm of an American federal holiday: government offices, banks, mail service and financial markets pause, while much of the retail and restaurant economy keeps moving.
The holiday, observed on the last Monday in May, honors U.S. military personnel who died in service. For millions of Americans, it also marks the practical start of summer travel, shopping and cookout season.
Federal Offices, Banks, and Schools
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Memorial Day is listed as a 2026 federal holiday by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, which means federal offices are closed for the day. Many state and local government offices, courts, public libraries and public schools also close, although local schedules can vary.
Banks largely follow the Federal Reserve holiday calendar. The Federal Reserve lists Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, for 2026, so most bank branches will be closed.
Customers can still use ATMs, mobile apps and online banking, but transactions that depend on branch staff or certain payment processing systems may not move until Tuesday.
Mail and Package Delivery
The U.S. Postal Service says all Post Office locations are closed Monday, with regular mail delivery and retail services resuming Tuesday, May 26. Self-service kiosks may remain available in some lobbies, but regular counter service and home mail delivery are paused.
Private carriers are also operating on holiday schedules. UPS says there will be no UPS pickup or delivery service on Memorial Day, while UPS Store locations may be closed or run limited hours. UPS Express Critical remains available around the clock.
FedEx’s 2026 holiday schedule lists FedEx and FedEx Freight as closed on Memorial Day. FedEx Office locations may operate with modified hours, while FedEx Custom Critical remains open.
Stock Markets
Wall Street is closed for the holiday. Nasdaq’s 2026 holiday calendar lists Memorial Day, May 25, as a closed trading day, and the New York Stock Exchange also lists Memorial Day as a market holiday. Normal trading is set to resume Tuesday.
The market closure gives investors a pause after a long weekend in which travel, consumer spending and fuel prices are often closely watched as informal signals of summer demand.
Retail Stores and Groceries
For shoppers, Memorial Day is far less quiet. Many major retailers and grocery chains remain open, although hours can differ by location. Current reports list Walmart, Target, Kroger, Aldi, H-E-B, Trader Joe’s, Publix and Whole Foods among stores expected to open on Monday.
Costco is the major national exception. The company’s customer service page lists Memorial Day among the holidays when U.S. warehouses are closed.
Pharmacies, including major chains, are generally open at many locations, but pharmacy counters may keep different hours from the front of the store. Calling ahead remains the safest move for prescriptions.
Restaurants and Travel
Restaurants, coffee shops and fast-food chains usually stay open on Memorial Day, but independently owned locations may close or shorten hours. Travelers should check before heading out, especially near airports, beaches, highway corridors and downtown districts where holiday staffing can vary.
AAA projected 45 million Americans would travel at least 50 miles from home during the Memorial Day period from Thursday, May 21, through Monday, May 25. The group forecast 39.1 million road travelers and 3.66 million domestic air travelers, making the long weekend a major test for roads, airports and service businesses.
