In 2019, a viral-tweet-turned-TikTok-audio lamented that no one “dreams of labor.” Maybe it isn’t wrong.
Nevertheless, most people have to make a living and owe a debt of gratitude to labor organizers who helped make workplaces everywhere safer and more humane.
Today (Monday, September 7, 2026) is Labor Day. While it may seem paradoxical that some places remain open on the holiday—which also marks the unofficial end of summer—figuring out where you can run errands and how you should plan ahead for the big BBQ bash can be confusing.
We’ll help you with the list below.
But before we get into all that, let’s take a look at the three men credited with starting it all.
Who created Labor Day?
On June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland officially signed S. 730, creating a national Labor Day. The occasion had been around at the state and local level since 1882, but with a stroke of a pen it was now a federal holiday.
Beyond President Cleveland’s more symbolic involvement, two other men are credited with founding Labor Day.
Matthew Maguire, a machinist and secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York, and Peter J. McGuire, cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, had the same idea in 1882.
No one is quite sure who got their first. Regardless, both were present at the first Labor Day parade and now some workers get a day off. Let’s dive into what’s open and closed.
Is mail delivered on Labor Day?
No, because Labor Day is a federal holiday, bills, postcards, and letters will have to wait unless they are Priority Mail Express. The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is closed.
Most FedEx deliveries will also be on hold for the holiday and office locations will be closed or have modified hours. FedEx Custom Critical service will still be operational.
Similarly, UPS will also not deliver unless it is an express critical package. Physical locations may be closed or have modified hours.
Is the Post Office open on Labor Day?
Physical post office locations will be closed on Labor Day. You can try a self-service kiosk in a pinch as many are available 24/7 depending on the location.
Are banks open on Labor Day?
No. Federal holidays and bank holidays are essentially the same thing. Physical bank locations will be closed, but online banking is a good alternative.
Is the stock market open on Labor Day?
No. If your cousin’s bestie gave you a hot stock tip at the family BBQ, you are going to have to wait. Both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq are closed.
Are schools open on Labor Day?
Most schools won’t be in session on Labor Day. Some might not even have started the new school year yet. It is also a good practice to double check with your child’s institution as there can be exceptions to every rule.
Are pharmacies open on Labor Day?
Yes. Most pharmacies will be open, including major chains like CVS and Walgreens. But double check your local pharmacy if you need medication in a pinch, as some locations may have reduced hours.
Are stores and groceries open on Labor Day?
Yes, most big-box retail stores, such as Target and Walmart, are open on Labor Day. However, Costco warehouses are closed—so buy in bulk ahead of the big day.
Most chain grocery stores, such as Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and Kroger, will remain open. Some stores, such as Aldi, will have reduced hours, so check before you go.
Are restaurants open on Labor Day?
Yes, most restaurants will welcome your business on Labor Day. This includes major chains such as McDonald’s, Burger King, Chipotle Mexican Grill, and typical sitdown restaurants.
Just make sure to double check your culinary venue of choice to avoid getting hangry as some eateries may change their hours for the holiday.
