Mainers planning to run errands, visit government offices, mail packages or travel over the Independence Day weekend should expect a split holiday schedule this year.
Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Because the holiday lands on a Saturday, the federal government and the State of Maine will officially observe it on Friday, July 3.
That means many government offices will be closed Friday, while the U.S. Postal Service, banks, retailers and other businesses may remain open.
Friday, July 3
Federal government offices and federal courts will generally be closed Friday in observance of Independence Day.
Maine state government offices will also be closed, including most state agencies and administrative offices.
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch offices, state courts and Judicial Branch administrative offices will be closed Friday.
University of Maine System offices and operations that follow the university holiday schedule will also be closed.
The Maine Turnpike Authority’s headquarters and E-ZPass Customer Service Center will be closed, although the Maine Turnpike and its service plazas will remain open.
The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will also be closed Friday.
Many municipal offices, town halls and public libraries across Maine are expected to close, although local governments establish their own holiday schedules.
Despite the federal holiday observance, U.S. Postal Service offices are expected to remain open Friday, with regular mail delivery scheduled.
Most banks are also expected to remain open, although some branches may operate under reduced hours.
Most grocery stores, pharmacies, shopping centers, restaurants and major retailers will remain open Friday, generally under normal operating hours.
Police departments, fire departments, ambulance services and hospital emergency rooms will continue operating.
Greater Portland Metro is expected to run its regular Friday bus schedule.
Saturday, July 4
Post offices will be closed Saturday, and there will be no regular mail delivery.
Priority Mail Express may continue in limited locations.
Banks and credit unions that normally offer Saturday hours will generally be closed. ATMs and online banking will remain available, although some transactions may not be processed until Monday.
Greater Portland Metro will not provide bus service on July 4.
Costco warehouses will be closed nationwide.
Federal, state and municipal offices will remain closed, as they typically are on Saturdays.
Most public schools and administrative offices will also be closed.
Retailers and Grocery Stores
Most major retailers and grocery stores are expected to remain open July 4, although many will operate with reduced hours.
Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, Hannaford and Shaw’s locations are generally expected to open, but customers should verify the hours of their local store.
Trader Joe’s locations are expected to close early, generally around 5 p.m.
Aldi stores are generally expected to operate under reduced hours, commonly from approximately 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., depending on the location.
Sam’s Club is also expected to operate under reduced holiday hours.
Home Depot stores are scheduled to close at 8 p.m.
Many convenience stores, gas stations, restaurants, pharmacies and tourist-related businesses will remain open.
Parks, Beaches and Travel
Maine state parks, beaches and outdoor recreational areas are generally expected to remain open throughout the holiday weekend.
Some visitor centers, museums, entry stations and administrative offices may follow reduced schedules.
Maine Turnpike service plazas, gas stations and restrooms will remain available to travelers.
The Key Difference
Friday, July 3, is the official observed holiday for federal and Maine state employees.
However, the U.S. Postal Service, banks and many private businesses are following separate holiday calendars and are expected to remain open Friday before closing or reducing operations Saturday.
That means residents may find the State House, BMV offices and Maine courts closed Friday while mail is still being delivered and many bank branches remain open.
Town offices, transfer stations, libraries, pharmacies and independently owned businesses may follow different schedules.
Residents are encouraged to check directly with individual locations before traveling.
