Labor Day 2019: What's Open and Closed
Labor Day makes for the perfect holiday to take a last-minute trip to a brand-new destination, relax with friends and family at a late-summer BBQ, or find a beach to watch a golden sunset.
Labor Day was created as a “workingmen’s holiday” after it was started in New York City in 1882, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. While some places stay open — like major stores and hospitals — many people, including federal workers, will be able to take a the three day weekend to enjoy a little extra vacation.
Here's a handy list of what will be open and what will be closed on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2, 2019:
Post Office
Status: closed
The Post Office is closed on all major federal holidays, including Labor Day. It is also closed on holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving.
Shipping Services
Status: closed
You won’t be getting any packages on Labor Day, as shipping services like FedEx and UPS are also closed on the holiday.
Schools
Status: closed
Kids don’t have to go to school on the Monday of Labor Day, allowing them to relax and enjoy time with their families as well. Teachers don’t have to go to work either.
Banks
Status: closed
Bank branches tend to be closed on federal holidays, including Labor Day. However, thanks to mobile apps and online banking, you can always check your accounts even when the actual branch is closed.
Costco
Status: closed
If you’re planning on buying a three-liter bottle of olive oil or 48-roll pack of toilet paper, it will have to wait. While most stores are open on Labor Day, bulk retailer Costco is not one of them.
Government Buildings
Status: closed
Government buildings, including the DMV, tend to be closed on Labor Day. (As if you needed an excuse to avoid the DMV.)
National Parks
Status: open
National parks are typically open on Labor Day, including landmarks like the Statue of Liberty in New York City and Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia (you can see where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed). What better places to learn about America’s history?
Beaches
Status: open
Many public beaches are open on Labor Day weekend, which can be a very popular and often crowded time to hit the surf. In New York City, for example, lifeguards are on duty through Sept. 8.
Home Depot
Status: open
You can take care of all your home improvement needs at Home Depot, which tends to be open on the holiday weekend (it’s always smart to call the individual store to make sure). What’s more, you can likely find a sale too.
Restaurants
Status: open
Many restaurants, specifically chain restaurants, remain open on Labor Day, though it’s a good idea to call ahead to make sure your favorite is one of them. So while many Americans traditionally enjoy BBQ and cookouts on Labor Day, you can still find somewhere to eat out.
Amtrak
Status: open
Hop on a train for a quick getaway or a longer, multi-day trip on Labor Day, as Amtrak trains run on the holiday. Visit major cities for a bustling weekend or a national park for some quiet reflection to celebrate the holiday.
Airports
Status: open
Catch a flight out (or arrive home from one) on Labor Day as airports will be open for business as usual. What better way to celebrate the holiday than to take a fun trip somewhere, amirite?
