Juneteenth is a relatively new federal holiday, but it’s origins date back more than 160 and it is widely considered the nation’s longest-running celebration of Black freedom.
The day marks when enslaved people in Texas learned they were free in 1865, the last group of enslaved people to hear the news more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. There are plenty of ways to celebrate the federal Juneteenth holiday in Columbus, Cincinnati and Akron, including festivals to block parties and educational programs.
Since Juneteenth is a federal holiday, does that mean stores are closed? Will banks be open? Here are the details.
When is Juneteenth 2026? What’s open and closed?
Juneteenth is observed Friday, June 19, 2026. It was designated a federal holiday in 2021.
Most federal and state offices will be closed on that day, including post offices, banks and the stock market. However, other businesses like Walmart, UPS and Target will continue normal hours of operation.
Are Costco, Kroger, Walmart and Target open on Juneteenth?
Most major retailers, including Walmart, Target and Costco, plan to remain open with normal hours.
Stores typically open on Juneteenth include:
In addition to retail stores, fast food restaurants like McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A are also expected to remain open.
Is trash pickup delayed for Juneteenth? Trash pickup schedules in Ohio
Trash pickup varies by city. In 2026, Akron and Canton are keeping normal trash pickup on Juneteenth, while Cincinnati and Columbus collections are delayed one day.
Residents should check with their local provider for updates.
Are banks closed for Juneteenth 2026?
Juneteenth is a Federal Reserve bank holiday, USA TODAY reports, meaning most banks, such as Wells Fargo, Citibank, Chase, PNC, Bank of America, Truist and others, will also be closed on June 19.
Will mail be delivered on Juneteenth? Will FedEx, UPS deliver?
The United States Postal Service will be closed on June 19, 2026, since Juneteenth is observed as a federal holiday by the USPS.
However, other parcel carriers like FedEx and UPS stores will remain open.
Do you get the day off work on Juneteenth? Not everybody does
Whether employees have the day off depends on their employer.
While it is a federal holiday, many private employers are not required to grant Juneteenth as a paid holiday. However, many federal and state employees will have the day off.
Is Juneteenth a state holiday in Ohio?
Yes. Juneteenth is recognized as a state holiday in Ohio, meaning many state offices are closed or will offer limited services.
Why people celebrate Juneteenth
Juneteenth is short for June 19, when the holiday is celebrated. Also known as Freedom Day and Juneteenth National Independence Day, the holiday commemorates when enslaved Black people in Texas learned they were free.
Although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, not all enslaved people were freed immediately. It took more than two years for slaves in Galveston, Texas, to receive the news.
What is ‘Civic Season?’ Juneteenth starts mid-year holidays
Beyond the holiday, a national initiative known as “Civic Season,” connects Juneteenth to July 4 and encourages young adults to learn history and take part in civic life through interactive events and digital content, according to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Is Juneteenth a federal holiday? Who’s off work, what’s open and closed
Reporting by Alex Perry, USA TODAY NETWORK / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Alex Perry, USA TODAY NETWORK | USA TODAY Network
