Monday is Labor Day, and many places you’ll want to visit will be closed for the holiday. Almost all non-essential state and federal government offices will be closed on Monday in observance of Labor Day.
Labor Day was first recognized as a state holiday in the late 19th century. By 1894, 23 states had recognized it as a holiday. That year, Congress declared Labor Day a national holiday.
RELATED STORY | What to Buy in August and What to Expect with Buying by Labor Day
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, “Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. The holiday has its roots in the late 19th century, when labor activists lobbied for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions of workers to America’s strength, prosperity and well-being.”
Because the holiday occurs at the end of summer, it is one of the busiest holidays of the year. Most of the places that attract visitors, such as hotels, gas stations and airports, are not only open, but they can also be expected to be busy.
The Transportation Security Administration expects this year’s Labor Day travel weekend to be the busiest ever for the nation’s airports.
Although many government buildings will be closed, many will remain open.
What is open
- Aldi
- Best buy
- Chick-fil-A (many branches close early)
- Chipotle
- CV
- Gap (opening hours depend on the opening hours of the shopping center)
- Home Depot
- Kroger
- Lowe’s
- National Parks
- Old Navy (hours depend on mall hours)
- Publix
- Starbucks
- Goal
- Walgreens
- Walmart
What is closed
- Costco
- Non-essential federal offices and courthouses
- US Post Offices
- Most banks
- Stock markets
Most retailers recommend checking opening hours on their website as there may be exceptions.
RELATED STORY | US airports end busiest summer ever with busy Labor Day weekend
Essential agencies such as the National Weather Service will remain open. Examples of non-essential agencies that will be closed on Monday include the Social Security Administration and the Internal Revenue Service.
