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Juneteenth, short for June Nineteenth, commemorates the effective end of slavery in the United States.

On June 19, 1865, federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people were freed, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.

Even after the federal proclamation, Confederate troops and slaveholders in states that had seceded did not observe it until Union troops arrived to liberate the enslaved people. Galveston was the last town to do so.

“Juneteenth marks our country’s second independence day. Although it has long been celebrated in the African American community, this monumental event remains largely unknown to most Americans,” the National Museum of African American Culture and History said.

On June 17, 2021, Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday, meaning many government offices will be closed on June 19, 2025. Nevada also recognized it as a state holiday in 2023, when Gov. Joe Lombardo signed Assembly Bill 140 during that year’s legislative session.

Here’s a closer look at what will be closed on Juneteenth this year.

When is Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is on June 19 every year. This year, it will take place on a Thursday.

Is Reno City Hall open on Juneteenth?

Reno City Hall will be closed on June 19 for Juneteenth National Independence Day.

If the city follows its past practice, all administrative offices will also be closed on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

Are Reno pools open on Juneteenth?

Indoor pools operated by the city of Reno will be closed for Juneteenth, including:

  • Moana Springs Community Aquatics and Fitness Center
  • Northwest Pool
  • Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center Pool

Idlewild and Traner Pools will remain open, according to Reno’s Parks and Rec website.

Will Washoe County offices be closed on Juneteenth?

Washoe County has observed Juneteenth since 2021 and again proclaimed it a county holiday in 2022. If the county continues its past practice, the following offices will be closed on June 19:

  • Administrative offices at the Washoe County Complex, located at 1001 E. Ninth Street, Reno.
  • All Washoe County libraries
  • Regional Animal Services Shelter operations and office
  • Reno, Sparks, Incline Village, and Wadsworth Justice Courts; Incline Constable
  • The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office administrative offices
  • Washoe County Human Services Agency and all meal distribution locations

The Office of the County Clerk at the Washoe County Complex will remain open throughout the holiday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

While the animal shelter is closed, field operations will continue as normal. Animal redemptions will be available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Though libraries will be closed, book drops and online services will remain accessible.

Will mail be delivered on Juneteenth?

The United States Postal Service will not provide regular delivery on Juneteenth, except for Holiday Premium Priority Mail Express and Holiday Same Day Package Delivery.

All FedEx offices will remain open on Juneteenth.