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  • Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery in Texas, is observed annually on June 19th.
  • In 2025, Juneteenth falls on a Thursday and will be celebrated with various events across the country.
  • While banks and the U.S. Postal Service will be closed, other services like FedEx and UPS, along with most retail stores and restaurants, will remain open.

The nation’s youngest federal holiday will take place this week, giving many Americans the day off in remembrance of the abolishment of slavery.

As a federal holiday, many businesses and services, including the U.S. Postal Service and banks, will be closed.

Although it is the newest federal holiday, Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19, has been celebrated in the United States for a long time. The holiday has deep cultural and historical roots, dating back to the post-Civil War era.

In Memphis, there will be plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday in 2025, including concerts, parades, trivia nights, and museum outings.

Here is a look at the newest federal holiday.

When is Juneteenth 2025?

Observed annually on June 19, Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in Texas following the Civil War. In 2025, the holiday falls on a Thursday.

According to National Geographic, early Juneteenth celebrations included church services, public readings of the Emancipation Proclamation, and social events such as rodeos and dances. 

What is Juneteenth?

The holiday commemorates the Emancipation Proclamation in the U.S. President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed to free enslaved African Americans in secessionist states on Jan. 1, 1863, but enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, would not learn of their freedom until two years later.

On June 19, 1865, Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger informed the community of Galveston of Lincoln’s proclamation. Although enslaved people had been officially emancipated years prior, enslavers responsible for telling them ignored the order until Union troops arrived to enforce it, according to the founder of Juneteenth.com, Cliff Robinson. Texas was the last Confederate state to have the proclamation announced.

Why is it called Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is a combination of “June” and “nineteenth,” in honor of the day that Granger announced the abolition of slavery in Texas. The holiday is also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day.

When did Juneteenth become a federal holiday?

Yes, Juneteenth was recognized as a federal holiday in 2021 when former President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, officially designating it as such.

Juneteenth events in Memphis

Memphis has been celebrating Juneteenth for most of the month with concerts, festivals and other events honoring the national holiday. Here are some events left for Memphians to attend in June:

What is open, closed on Juneteenth 2025?

  • Banks: Closed. Most financial institutions follow the Federal Reserve System’s holiday schedule, which includes Juneteenth.
  • United States Postal Service: Closed. Juneteenth is observed as a federal holiday by the USPS.
  • FedEx: FedEx store locations will be open, and all services will be operational.
  • UPS: UPS store locations will be open; UPS domestic ground, air and international services will be operational.
  • Grocery stores and restaurants: Grocery stores and restaurants are generally open on Juneteenth. Major chains such as Walmart, Target, Costco, McDonald’s, and Chick-fil-A will be operating on the holiday. However, it’s recommended to check with your local store for specific hours, as they may vary by location.
  • Retail stores: Retail stores are generally open on Juneteenth, although it is recommended to call ahead for specific store hours.