The Labor Day holiday is observed each year on the first Monday in September and celebrates the achievements of the American labor movement.
Labor Day recognizes the contributions of U.S. workers and the labor movement of the late 19th century. During that period, American workers advocated for better working conditions, shorter hours and fair wages. The movement eventually led to the creation of a federal holiday honoring workers.
Labor Day also marks the unofficial transition from summer to fall. In much of New York, public schools begin just after the long holiday weekend, while travelers often take advantage of the final summer holiday. Many government offices and businesses also close to observe the holiday.
Here's what's open and closed on
Labor Day.
Who doesn't work on Labor Day?
Labor Day is one of 11 federal holidays recognized by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
Most federal employees are off on Labor Day, and many private-sector employees receive the day off or holiday pay. Schools are also generally closed, although there can be exceptions.
Are banks open or closed on Labor Day?
Banks are typically closed on federal holidays because they follow the Federal Reserve's holiday schedule.
Online banking services remain available, but some transactions may not be processed until the next business day. Bank ATMs generally remain available.
Is mail delivered on Labor Day? Is the Post Office open?
The U.S. Postal Service is closed on Labor Day and does not deliver regular mail that day.
Priority Mail Express deliveries are still available on federal holidays. Customers can also use USPS.com to order stamps, print shipping labels, order mailing supplies and request package pickups, according to AARP.
Will FedEx and UPS deliver on Labor Day?
FedEx and UPS generally do not provide regular pickup and delivery services on Labor Day. Some critical or specialty services may still operate.
Is the stock market closed on Labor Day?
Yes. The New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq and U.S. bond markets will be closed Monday, Sept. 7.
The markets are generally open Monday through Friday, except for designated holidays.
Will there be trash pickup on Labor Day?
There is a good chance your trash pickup schedule will change because of Labor Day.
Many municipalities and private waste haulers delay collection by one day when a scheduled pickup falls on a holiday. That can push the rest of the week's collection schedule back as well.
Check with your local waste hauler or municipality to find out how your schedule will be affected.
Are Wegmans, Tops and other grocery stores open on Labor Day?
Most grocery stores are open on Labor Day, although some may operate with abbreviated hours.
Wegmans generally operates under its regular hours, from 6 a.m. to midnight. Tops Friendly Markets also generally remains open, according to company spokespeople.
Aldi stores will have limited hours on Labor Day, according to the company's website. Customers can check the store locator for specific holiday hours.
Costco Wholesale warehouses will be closed on Labor Day, according to the company's website.
If you're unsure whether a store is open, check with the individual location before heading out.
Are libraries and DMV offices open on Labor Day?
Public libraries and New York Department of Motor Vehicles offices will be closed on Labor Day.
What federal holidays remain in 2026?
After Labor Day, four federal holidays remain in 2026:
- Columbus Day: Monday, Oct. 12
- Veterans Day: Wednesday, Nov. 11
- Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, Nov. 26
- Christmas Day: Friday, Dec. 25
Contributing: USA Today Network
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: What's open and closed on Labor Day 2026?
