As Americans across the country prepare to honor the nation’s fallen service members, Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, 2026, brings with it the familiar question: what’s open and what’s closed? The federal holiday, steeped in history and solemn remembrance, also marks the unofficial start of summer—a time when families gather, grills are fired up, and many take advantage of a rare three-day weekend.
Memorial Day has been observed on the last Monday in May since Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, creating a consistent three-day weekend for federal employees and the public alike. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the day is “the nation’s foremost annual day to mourn and honor its deceased service men and women.” The tradition dates back to the 1860s, originally known as Decoration Day, when Americans decorated the graves of soldiers lost in the Civil War. Over time, the holiday expanded to honor all U.S. military personnel who died in service, as reported by the History Channel and cited in USA TODAY.
With its dual role as a day of remembrance and a signal for summer fun, Memorial Day prompts a patchwork of closures and modified hours across the country. Here’s a detailed look at what Americans can expect this year, drawing from local and national reporting by USA TODAY, the El Paso Times, and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Federal and Public Services: Closed for the Holiday
First and foremost, Memorial Day is an official federal holiday—meaning federal, city, and postal services are closed nationwide. Banks, including major institutions like Bank of America, M&T Bank, Wells Fargo, CitiBank, and JPMorgan Chase, will shutter their branches for the day. Local banks such as Five Star Bank, ESL Federal Credit Union, and Canandaigua National Bank will also be closed, though customers can still access ATMs or online banking services. The United States Postal Service (USPS) will not deliver mail, and post offices will be closed for retail transactions. Only Priority Mail Express is available, as it operates every day of the year, according to the USPS website.
Shipping giants UPS and FedEx will also suspend most pickup and delivery services on Memorial Day. UPS Store locations may be closed, and FedEx Office hours will be modified—customers are encouraged to check with their local store for specific hours. However, both companies’ critical express services remain available 365 days a year, ensuring urgent packages can still reach their destinations.
Public schools and libraries across the country will observe the holiday. For example, Milwaukee Public Schools and public libraries will be closed, as confirmed by their districtwide calendar. The same holds true for most school districts nationwide, giving students and staff a well-deserved break as summer approaches.
Major Retailers and Grocery Stores: Mostly Open, With Notable Exceptions
While government offices and banks observe the holiday, most national retailers and grocery stores will remain open—albeit sometimes with adjusted hours. Walmart, for instance, will operate under its regular schedule, typically from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., according to USA TODAY. Customers are encouraged to check their local store’s hours, as some smaller Walmart Neighborhood Markets may have slightly different schedules.
Other grocery chains such as HEB, Kroger, Trader Joe’s, Meijer, Publix, Whole Foods, and Food Lion will also be open on Memorial Day, sticking to their standard operating hours. Albertsons stores will welcome shoppers from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., while Pick n’ Save and BJ’s will maintain regular hours—though, as always, it’s wise to double-check with your nearest location.
One major exception is Costco. The wholesale club will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026, in observance of Memorial Day. This closure is consistent with Costco’s policy for several other federal holidays, including New Year’s Day, Easter, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Sam’s Club will be open, but with special holiday hours: Plus Members can shop from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., while Club Members have access from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. BJ’s warehouses will open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., providing ample time for last-minute shopping runs.
Restaurants, Coffee Shops, and Gyms: Business as Usual
For those looking to grab a coffee or a quick meal, most restaurant chains—including McDonald’s, Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, Dunkin, and Wendy’s—will be open for business. Starbucks locations will also open their doors, though hours may vary by location; customers are advised to check the company’s app or call ahead.
Fitness enthusiasts won’t have to skip their workout routines either. Planet Fitness gyms will be open on Memorial Day, ensuring members can stick to their schedules even on a holiday.
Home Improvement and Specialty Stores: Ready for Holiday Projects
For those tackling home improvement projects or stocking up for backyard barbecues, most big-box stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Best Buy, IKEA, Target, T.J. Maxx, and Bass Pro Shops will remain open. Menards, another popular home improvement chain, will also be open in many locations. Again, hours may vary, so a quick check online or by phone is recommended before heading out.
Local Attractions and Events: Milwaukee’s Memorial Day Lineup
In Milwaukee, several local attractions will welcome visitors on Memorial Day. The Mitchell Park Domes will be open but close early at 4 p.m., while the Milwaukee Art Museum will operate as usual. Sports fans can catch the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field, where they’ll face off against the St. Louis Cardinals with a first pitch at 1:10 p.m. It’s a classic way for locals to blend holiday tradition with America’s pastime.
A Day of Remembrance and Community
Beyond store hours and holiday logistics, Memorial Day remains a solemn occasion. The tradition of decorating soldiers’ graves and holding ceremonies continues in communities nationwide. As the History Channel recounts, the first Decoration Day in 1868 saw 20,000 graves adorned at Arlington Cemetery, with future President James Garfield delivering a stirring speech. Over the years, the day’s focus expanded to honor all Americans who died in military service, uniting the country in collective remembrance.
For many, the holiday is also a time to gather with loved ones, reflect on the sacrifices of others, and enjoy the freedoms those sacrifices have secured. Whether you’re attending a local parade, visiting a cemetery, or simply spending time with family, Memorial Day offers a chance to pause, remember, and appreciate.
So, as you plan your Memorial Day 2026—be it for shopping, recreation, or reflection—rest assured you’ll find most stores open, a few notable exceptions, and a nation united in honoring its heroes.