On Presidents Day 2026 (Monday, February 16), many public services shut down while most private businesses keep running. Here’s what is typically closed versus open that day in the U.S.

Key closures on Presidents Day 2026

Most of the “official” world slows down:

  • Federal government offices (Social Security, IRS walk‑in offices, passport offices, most VA clinics).
  • State government offices in most states (state departments, DMVs in many places, state courts). Local variation exists, but “closed” is common.
  • Courts (federal courts and many state/local courts).
  • U.S. Postal Service post offices (no regular mail delivery or retail counter service).
  • Most public schools and many universities/colleges follow the federal holiday and close.
  • Banks that follow the Federal Reserve holiday schedule (including big names like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, PNC, Truist, Citibank, etc.) and U.S. stock markets.

In practice, if something is tied to the federal government or financial markets, expect it to be closed or on very limited service.

What usually stays open

Day‑to‑day life for shopping, eating out, and travel mostly continues:

  • Big‑box and chain retailers (Target, Walmart, Costco, malls, outlets) are generally open, often with special Presidents Day sales.
  • Grocery stores and pharmacies (Kroger, Safeway, CVS, Walgreens and similar chains) usually keep normal or near‑normal hours.
  • Restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and most local businesses run as usual, though some small shops may choose to close.
  • Private delivery companies (FedEx, UPS, etc.) often operate, though some services may be on modified schedules; delays are common because USPS is paused.
  • Public transit generally runs, but often on a Saturday or holiday schedule rather than full weekday service.

If you’re planning an errand run, it’s the government/financial stuff that trips people up—not the shopping.

Special case: parks and leisure

  • National parks are open, and admission is free for U.S. visitors on Presidents Day 2026.
  • Many museums, zoos, and attractions are open but may have holiday hours, so it’s smart to check ahead.

This makes Presidents Day weekend a popular time for quick trips, museum visits, and outlet‑mall runs.

Fast “can I do this on Monday?” checklist

Use this quick guide if you’re planning your Presidents Day 2026:

  • Go to the post office or expect regular USPS mail? → No, closed.
  • Go inside a bank branch or handle in‑person banking? → No, closed. ATMs still work.
  • Trade on the stock market? → Major U.S. exchanges closed.
  • Visit federal/state/local government offices (DMV, courts, tax offices)? → Most are closed.
  • Send/receive packages via private couriers? → Usually yes, but expect modified service.
  • Shop at major stores, malls, or grocery chains? → Yes, typically open—often with sales.
  • Visit a national park? → Yes, open and free entry on Presidents Day.

HTML table: What’s closed vs open (Presidents Day 2026)

html

<table>
  <thead>
    <tr>
      <th>Service / Place</th>
      <th>Presidents Day 2026 status</th>
      <th>Notes</th>
    </tr>
  </thead>
  <tbody>
    <tr>
      <td>Federal government offices</td>
      <td>Closed</td>
      <td>Includes Social Security, IRS walk-ins, passport agencies, most VA clinics. [web:1][web:5][web:7][web:9]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>State government offices</td>
      <td>Mostly closed</td>
      <td>Many DMVs, state departments, and courts observe the holiday; some variation by state and locality. [web:1][web:5][web:7]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Courts (federal and many state)</td>
      <td>Closed</td>
      <td>Most court sessions pause for the federal holiday. [web:1][web:5][web:7]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>U.S. Postal Service (USPS)</td>
      <td>Closed</td>
      <td>No regular mail delivery or retail counter service. [web:3][web:7][web:9]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Banks (major retail banks)</td>
      <td>Closed</td>
      <td>Branches of major banks follow Federal Reserve holidays; ATMs and online banking remain available. [web:3][web:5][web:7]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>U.S. stock markets</td>
      <td>Closed</td>
      <td>Major exchanges such as NYSE and Nasdaq close for the holiday. [web:3][web:5][web:7]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Public schools</td>
      <td>Usually closed</td>
      <td>Most K–12 districts treat Presidents Day as a school holiday or part of winter break. [web:1][web:5][web:7]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Colleges / universities</td>
      <td>Mixed, many closed</td>
      <td>Some follow the federal calendar; others hold classes—check your campus calendar. [web:7]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Big retailers &amp; malls</td>
      <td>Open</td>
      <td>Large chains usually open normal hours, often running Presidents Day sales. [web:1][web:5][web:7]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Grocery stores</td>
      <td>Open</td>
      <td>Most major supermarket chains operate on normal or near-normal schedules. [web:1][web:5][web:7]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, etc.)</td>
      <td>Open</td>
      <td>Generally open; 24-hour locations may keep usual hours. [web:1][web:5][web:7]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Restaurants &amp; cafes</td>
      <td>Open</td>
      <td>National chains and many local spots operate; some independents may choose to close. [web:1][web:5][web:7]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Private delivery (FedEx, UPS)</td>
      <td>Modified service</td>
      <td>Some services run, but schedules can differ from normal weekdays; expect potential delays. [web:7][web:10]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Public transit</td>
      <td>Reduced / holiday schedule</td>
      <td>Many systems operate on a Saturday or holiday timetable instead of full weekday service. [web:9]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>National parks</td>
      <td>Open, free entry</td>
      <td>Admission is free for visitors on Presidents Day 2026. [web:1][web:5][web:7]</td>
    </tr>
    <tr>
      <td>Museums &amp; attractions</td>
      <td>Mostly open</td>
      <td>Hours vary; some observe Monday closings, others extend hours for the holiday. [web:7][web:10]</td>
    </tr>
  </tbody>
</table>

At the end of the day, if it’s something official—government, courts, mail, or banks—plan as if it’s closed on Presidents Day 2026, and if it’s shopping, food, or fun, you’ll almost always find it open.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.