When is Independence Day?
July 4. Here is the date, the background and what to know before you make plans.
Next Independence Day
Sunday, July 4, 2027Independence Day dates, 2026–2031
Rule: July 4. When it falls on a weekend, federal offices observe it on the Friday before (Saturday) or the Monday after (Sunday).
What’s open on Fourth of July
| Service | Typical status |
|---|---|
| Banks | Closed |
| Post Office / Mail delivery | Closed |
| Stock market (NYSE, Nasdaq) | Closed |
| Federal & most state government offices | Closed |
| Public schools | Closed Closed (summer break) |
Independence Day is a federal holiday, so banks, the stock market, the post office and most government offices close nationwide. Individual banks, school districts and employers can still make their own call, so confirm directly if a closure affects an important errand or appointment. Check any date with the holiday status checker.
The story behind Fourth of July
July 4 commemorates the Second Continental Congress’s adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, formally announcing the 13 American colonies’ break from Great Britain. John Adams actually believed July 2, the day Congress voted for independence, would be the date future generations celebrated — he was off by two days.
Congress made Independence Day an unpaid federal holiday in 1870 and a paid one for federal employees in 1938. It remains one of the most consistently celebrated dates on the American calendar, essentially unchanged in meaning for nearly 250 years.
How it’s celebrated
Fireworks, parades, barbecues and flag displays are the defining traditions, with major firework shows in cities nationwide and a long-running fireworks display over the National Mall in Washington, D.C. It’s also one of the biggest travel and grilling days of the year.
Both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, two signers of the Declaration and later presidents, died on the same day — July 4, 1826, exactly 50 years after independence was declared.
Plan for the observed date as well as July 4
Independence Day always falls on July 4, but federal offices use an adjacent weekday when the date lands on a weekend. Banks, postal operations and markets can follow their own published schedules, so the observed weekday may matter more than July 4 for errands.
Community fireworks, parades and festivals may be scheduled on another evening. Check the organizer’s weather policy, parking plan and prohibited-item rules before leaving home.
Independence Day planning checklist
- Before the date: Check the observed weekday before scheduling banking, mail or government errands.
- Check locally: Confirm the local parade or fireworks date instead of assuming it is July 4.
- For travel: Review road closures, transit changes and parking restrictions.
- Final check: Make a weather and transportation backup for outdoor plans.
Frequently asked questions
Is Independence Day always July 4?
Yes. The holiday date is July 4, although the federal observed day can move to Friday or Monday.
What happens when July 4 is on Saturday?
Federal offices generally observe the holiday on Friday; individual services can publish different schedules.
Are banks and post offices closed?
They are commonly closed on the applicable holiday schedule, but confirm the specific institution or USPS notice.
Is the stock market closed?
NYSE holiday schedules normally include an Independence Day closure and may include a nearby early close.
When is Independence Day in 2027?
It falls on Sunday, July 4, 2027, with the federal holiday observed Monday, July 5.
Sources and how we check
Federal holiday dates and observed-day rules follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Market dates follow the NYSE holiday calendar; bank dates follow the Federal Reserve. Read our editorial policy or report a correction.