Juneteenth is less than a week away, which means many workers across the country get a much-needed day off.
But the day is not just a get-out free card for work – it commemorates the events of June 19, 1865, when the last Black slaves of the Confederacy were ordered free in Galveston, Texas, following the arrival of Union troops.
A variety of cultural events are set to take place across Illinois on June 19, including a parade at Gately Stadium and a concert at the Harold Washington Cultural Center.
Here’s a look at what’s opened and closed on the holiday.
Is Juneteenth a federal holiday?
Yes. It’s the youngest federal holiday and rose to prominence in 2020. President Joe Biden declared it a federal holiday in 2021.
Are banks open on Juneteenth?
The Federal Reserve considers Juneteenth a bank holiday, meaning most banks will be closed.
Is the stock market closed on Juneteenth?
Yes. United States stock markets are closed on June 19, 2025.
Can mail be sent on Juneteenth?
No. The United States Postal Service is closed June 19.
Are schools open on June 19?
Many schools are not in session for the summer. Students and parents should check with their respective summer programs to find out whether educational programming is canceled for the day.
Chelsey Cox and Saman Shafiq contributed to this article.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: What’s closed in Illinois on Juneteenth? What to know about the holiday
Reporting by Hannah Hudnall and Jenny Porter Tilley, USA TODAY NETWORK / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
