Juneteenth 2025 in Michigan: What’s open and closed

Juneteenth’s history and meaning explained by African American Civil War Museum director

Frank Smith, director of the African American Civil War Museum, explains the origin of Juneteenth and its journey to becoming a national holiday.

Josh Morgan, USA TODAY

• Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in the U.S.
• The holiday will be celebrated on June 19, 2025.
• Some institutions will close in recognition of the federal holiday.

Communities across Michigan are gearing up to celebrate Juneteenth — a celebration of slavery’s end in the U.S.

“Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement,” the Juneteenth World Wide Celebration’s website says. “It is a day, a week, and in some areas, a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future.”

While many state and national government institutions will close in observance of the federal holiday, you can still shop and get your packages on time. Many local businesses and delivery services are expected to remain open.

Here’s what to know.

When is Juneteenth in 2025?

Juneteenth is June 19, 2025.

What does Juneteenth celebrate?

The holiday celebrates Black freedom, marking June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, and informed Black people that the Civil War was over and slavery had been ended in the U.S. It’s become known as America’s second independence day, the National Museum of African American History & Culture says. 

The day came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, but the proclamation could only be enforced in areas under Union control. Confederate Texas was not under Union control until 1865.

Is Juneteenth a federal holiday?

Yes, Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the U.S. All federal offices, including courts, post offices, social security offices and others, will be closed.

When did Juneteenth become a federal holiday?

Former President Joe Biden signed a law making Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021, USA TODAY reported.

“This will go down for me as one of the greatest honors I will have as president,” Biden said at the time.

Is Juneteenth a state holiday in Michigan?

Yes, Juneteenth is a state holiday in Michigan. State offices, such as the Secretary of State, will be closed and state employees will get the day off.

When did Juneteenth become a state holiday in Michigan?

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a law making Juneteenth a state holiday in Michigan in 2023, the Detroit Free Press reported.

Will city and county offices be open in Michigan?

Because the day is both a state and federal holiday, local government offices will be closed, including courts. Emergency service, fire departments, police and ambulances will be staffed.

Are banks open on Juneteenth?

Most banks close on Juneteenth, in observance of the federal holiday. However, bank ATMs and digital banking features will typically still be available.

Will post offices be open? Will mail be delivered?

The U.S. Postal Service will not provide regular delivery service on Juneteenth with the exception of Holiday Premium Priority Mail Express and Holiday Same Day Package Delivery, the USPS said. Juneteenth is considered a non-widely observed holiday for the USPS.

Will Amazon deliver on Juneteenth?

Yes, Amazon will offer same-day delivery, per the USPS.

Will shipping services like FedEx and UPS deliver on Juneteenth?

Yes, FedEx and UPS will deliver on Juneteenth and stores will be open.

Will grocery stores be open on Juneteenth?

Yes, most grocery stores will operate normally on the holiday.

The Detroit Free Press and USA TODAY contributed.

Contact Jenna Prestininzi: [email protected].