This year’s Fourth of July is not just any Fourth of July.
July 4, 2026, will be a milestone in U.S. history, when the country will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. That document freed the nation from Great Britain on July 4, 1776.
Related events are planned July 3 and 4 across Northeast Florida.
“From fireworks and concerts to landmark gatherings across the country, America250 will lead a multi-day national celebration,” according to America250, the national nonpartisan organization designated by Congress to leading the July 3 to 5 commemoration. “Together, these momentswill form the shared experiences that will unite 350 million Americans and define our American Semiquincentennial for generations to come.”
Since the Fourth of July falls on a Saturday, local, state and federal government offices will be closed Friday, July 3. The Postal Service, UPS and FedEx are taking the day off Saturday, July 4.
But most retail stores and restaurants will be open July 4. Here’s a roundup:
Are Jacksonville-area government offices open on Fourth of July?
No. Since Independence Day fall on a Saturday, they will be closed. But Jacksonville city offices and government offices in Clay, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns counties and their municipalities will also be closed Friday, July 3, which is when they observe the official holiday this year.
Are Jacksonville Transportation Authority services available on the Fourth of July?
JTA’s fixed-route buses typically operate on a Sunday schedule for the Fourth of July, while the Skyway and NAVI services do not operate. Customer service and ticket centers have reduced holiday hours.
Do area governments run garbage collection routes on the Fourth of July?
They do not typically run on Saturday, but they will follow the regular garbage collection schedule for the week of June 30 to July 3.
Are state and federal offices open on the Fourth of July holiday?
No, since it falls on a Saturday. But they will also close Friday July 3, to observe the official Independence Day holiday.
Are banks and the Stock Exchange open on the Fourth of July?
No, July 4 is a federal bank holiday. But because it falls on a Saturday, most financial institutions and the Federal Reserve will observe the holiday on Friday, July 3.
Are the U.S. Postal Service, UPS and FedEx open on the Fourth of July?
No. The Postal Service will be open Friday, although some retail postal offices may close earlier than usual. But the agency designated Saturday, July 4, as its Fourth of July holiday, so it will be closed that day and no regular mail will be delivered.
UPS will have normal pickup and delivery on Friday, July 3. But there will no pickup or delivery service on Saturday, July 4.
FedEx will operate on a modified schedule Friday, July 3. The next day, Saturday, July 4, FedEx will close for most services, but FedEx Office locations will have modified hours and FedEx Custom Critical will remain operational.
Are Publix, Target and Walmart open on the Fourth of July?
Yes. But Publix pharmacies are typically closed on the Fourth of July. Also, some of Walmart’s specialized in-store departments may be closed.
Are Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale Club open the Fourth of July?
Costco will be closed. BJ’s Wholesale Club and Sam’s Club will be open.
Are Food Lion, Kroger, Winn-Dixie and Aldi’s open on the Fourth of July?
Yes.
Are Whole Foods, Fresh Market and Trader Joe’s open on the Fourth of July?
Yes. Some Whole Foods locations may close early so check individual locations. Trader Joe’s will close at 5 p.m.
Are IKEA, Lowe’s and Home Depot open on the Fourth of July?
Yes, but some stores may close early so check individual locations.
Are Academy Sports + Outdoors and Dick’s Sporting Goods open on the Fourth of July?
Yes, but Dick’s may close early so check individual locations.
Are CVS and Walgreens open on the Fourth of July?
Yes, but CVS hours may vary based on location.
Are McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s open on the Fourth of July?
Yes, but hours may vary by location.
Are Chick-fil-A, KFC and Arby’s open on Fourth of July?
Yes, but hours may vary by location.
Are Hardee’s, Cracker Barrel and Golden Corral open on the Fourth of July?
Yes, but hours may vary by location.
Are IHOP, Olive Garden and Texas Roadhouse open on the Fourth of July?
Yes, but IHOP and Olive Garden hours may vary by location.
Are Taco Bell, Buffalo Wild Wings and Chipotle open on the Fourth of July?
Yes, but hours may vary by location.
Are Papa John’s, Pizza Hut and Domino’s open on the Fourth of July?
Yes, but hours may vary by location.
Are Subway, Firehouse Subs, Jersey Mike’s and Jimmy Johns open on the Fourth of July?
Yes, but hours may vary by location.
Are Krispy Kreme and Dunkin’ Donuts open on the Fourth of July?
Yes, but Dunkin Donuts hours may vary by location.
Are Starbucks, Panera and Carrabbas open on the Fourth of July?
Yes, but hours may vary by location.
bcravey@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4109
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Governments closed, most stores and eateries open on Fourth of July
Reporting by Beth Reese Cravey, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union / Florida Times-Union
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Beth Reese Cravey, Jacksonville Florida Times-Union | USA TODAY Network
