Labor Day 2026 falls on Monday, September 7, creating a three-day weekend from September 5–7. Find out what is closed, whether Costco, USPS, banks and the stock market are open, plus Labor Day weekend trips, US Open, Chicago Jazz Festival, national parks, and Labor Day sales from Home Depot, Best Buy, Lowe’s, Amazon, Walmart, Wayfair and more.
U.S. Labor Day 2026: When Is It, What’s Closed, Where to Go & the Best Labor Day Sales
If you are in the United States in early September, you will probably notice the same phrase appearing across department stores, outlet malls and online retailers:
LABOR DAY SALE.
Labor Day is not only an important U.S. federal holiday. It is also one of the biggest long weekends marking the unofficial end of summer.
Many Americans use Labor Day Weekend for:
short trips, beach getaways, camping, BBQs, sporting events, music festivals, family gatherings and shopping.
It is also one of the most popular shopping periods of the year for furniture, mattresses, appliances, TVs, patio furniture, grills and power tools.
In 2026, Labor Day falls on:
Monday, September 7, 2026.
That means the official Labor Day Weekend runs from:
Saturday, September 5 through Monday, September 7.
Take Friday, September 4 off, and you can easily turn it into a four-day getaway.
What Is Labor Day?
Labor Day is a U.S. federal holiday honoring American workers and their contributions to the country’s economy and society.
The holiday is observed every year on the:
First Monday in September.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the first Labor Day celebration took place in New York City on September 5, 1882.
In 1894, Congress officially established the first Monday in September as a legal federal holiday.
Labor Day in the United States is therefore different from International Workers’ Day, which is commonly observed on May 1 in many other countries.
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When Is Labor Day 2026?
Date: September 7, 2026
Day: Monday
Labor Day Weekend: September 5–7
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management officially lists Monday, September 7 as Labor Day on the 2026 federal holiday calendar.
Do Americans Get Labor Day Off?
The answer is:
Yes, but not everyone automatically gets the day off.
Labor Day is a federal holiday, so most federal government offices are closed.
However, private employers are not generally required under federal law to give employees a paid holiday.
Whether employees receive:
Paid time off
Holiday pay
Extra pay for working on Labor Day
depends on employer policies, employment agreements and applicable state laws.
What Is Closed on Labor Day?
Federal Government Offices
Because Labor Day is a federal holiday, most federal government offices are closed.
USPS
All U.S. Post Office locations are scheduled to close on:
Monday, September 7, 2026.
Regular mail delivery and retail counter services resume on:
Tuesday, September 8.
Some USPS self-service kiosks may still be available for postage, package drop-off and other basic services.
Federal Reserve
The Federal Reserve holiday calendar also lists:
September 7
as Labor Day.
Individual bank branches may follow different schedules, so check directly with your bank before visiting.
NYSE
Investors should also remember:
The New York Stock Exchange is closed on September 7, 2026.
Labor Day appears on the NYSE’s official 2026 market holiday calendar.
Is Costco Open on Labor Day?
This one is important.
U.S. Costco warehouses are generally closed on Labor Day.
Costco warehouse pages currently list:
Labor Day: Closed
and some Costco Gas Stations may also close.
If you are planning a Labor Day BBQ, party or camping trip, it is better to shop at Costco by:
September 6.
Do not wait until Monday.
Are Shopping Malls and Retail Stores Open?
Many of them are.
Labor Day is one of the biggest promotional weekends for U.S. retailers, so department stores, outlet malls, home improvement stores and large retail chains often stay open while running:
Labor Day Sales.
Some locations may operate on reduced holiday hours, however, so always check the specific store before heading out.
Where to Go for Labor Day Weekend 2026
Several U.S. cities are especially attractive this year because major festivals and events fall directly over Labor Day Weekend.
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New York City | Watch the US Open
One of the best reasons to visit New York this year is:
The 2026 US Open.
The tournament schedule includes:
Arthur Ashe Stadium Holiday Weekend
from:
September 4–7.
Matches are scheduled throughout Labor Day Weekend, making this a great opportunity for a tennis-focused trip.
A New York itinerary could include:
US Open
Flushing food crawl
Manhattan
Central Park
Broadway
Brooklyn
If you want one destination that feels especially connected to Labor Day Weekend this year, New York is an excellent choice.
Chicago | Free Chicago Jazz Festival
Music lovers should consider Chicago.
The:
Chicago Jazz Festival 2026
runs from:
September 3–6
with major performances at:
Millennium Park.
Admission is:
Free.
The event is one of Chicago’s signature end-of-summer festivals and makes the city especially lively over Labor Day Weekend.
Chicago | Great American Lobster Fest
Navy Pier is also hosting:
Great American Lobster Fest
on:
September 5–6.
The event takes place around the Navy Pier Beer Garden and features:
Maine lobster
BBQ
Desserts
Drinks
Craft vendors
Live music
Admission to the festival itself is free, while lobster meals can be purchased separately.
That makes Chicago easy to combine into:
Jazz + Lake Michigan + Lobster Fest.
Los Angeles | Concerts, Movies & Weekend Events
If you are in Southern California, you do not necessarily need to fly anywhere.
Los Angeles has plenty happening over Labor Day Weekend.
Garden Bros Nuclear Circus
Dates: September 3–7
Location: Santa Anita Park
The event features more than 60 performers and large-scale circus entertainment.
It works especially well for a family outing.
Cinespia
Movie lovers can also check out Cinespia’s outdoor screenings at:
Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
Outdoor movies under the Los Angeles night sky are a classic summer experience and fit perfectly into a Labor Day Weekend itinerary.
Washington, DC | Free Events and Museums
Washington, DC is another strong option if you want a mix of:
Free attractions
Museums
Culture
Family activities
Outdoor sightseeing.
Destination DC has already published a dedicated Labor Day Weekend guide for:
September 4–7.
DC JazzFest
Dates: September 2–6
Performances take place across multiple venues in Washington, DC, with many free events available.
DC Festival of Magic
Dates: September 4–6
Location: Capital Hilton
The three-day event features a variety of magic performances and is a good indoor option.
National Symphony Orchestra Free Labor Day Concert
The National Symphony Orchestra’s Labor Day Weekend concert is scheduled for:
Sunday, September 6
at:
DAR Constitution Hall.
Current visitor information lists the concert as:
Free admission, no ticket required, first come, first served.
National Mall
First-time visitors can also spend plenty of time around the:
National Mall.
Most areas of National Mall and Memorial Parks do not charge an entrance fee.
You can visit landmarks including:
Lincoln Memorial
Washington Monument
World War II Memorial
Reflecting Pool
and nearby Smithsonian museums.
Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Families can also consider the Smithsonian’s National Zoo.
The zoo is another popular Washington, DC attraction for Labor Day Weekend, although timed-entry reservations may apply during certain periods.
Is Labor Day a Good Time to Visit a National Park?
Yes.
Early September can be a beautiful time to visit national parks such as:
Yosemite National Park
Yellowstone National Park
Grand Teton National Park
Zion National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
However, there is one important thing to know.
Labor Day Is Not a Free National Park Day in 2026
Labor Day itself is not one of the National Park Service’s 2026 free entrance days.
The September fee-free date is:
September 17, Constitution Day
under the applicable NPS program rules.
So do not assume admission is free simply because Labor Day is a federal holiday.
Labor Day Weekend is also a busy travel period, so campgrounds, hotels, parking and reservations should be checked well in advance.
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Why Are Labor Day Sales So Big?
Labor Day is commonly viewed as one of the final major retail events of summer.
Retailers use the weekend to clear out:
Summer merchandise
Patio furniture
Grills
Outdoor products
Seasonal home items
while making room for fall and holiday inventory.
That is why Labor Day often brings strong promotions on:
Furniture
Mattresses
Appliances
Televisions
Power tools
Electronics
Home improvement products
and outdoor living items.
Home Depot Labor Day Sale
Home Depot has officially announced its:
2026 Labor Day Savings Event
running from:
August 27 through September 9.
The sale includes categories such as:
Grills
Outdoor living
Lawn and garden
Power tools
Smart home products
Security cameras
Home improvement
Doors and windows.
Home Depot Labor Day Deals to Watch
Current advertised deals include:
Traeger Pro Series 22 Wood Pellet Grill
Hampton Bay LED Solar Path Lights
RYOBI 40V HP Whisper Series Brushless Blower Kit
Vigoro Colored Mulch
RYOBI ONE+ 18V 4-Tool Combo Kit
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 18V Brushless 2-Tool Kit
DEWALT 20V Max XR 2-Tool Kit
Ring Outdoor Floodlight Security Cam Plus
Blink Mini 2K+ Indoor/Outdoor Security Cam
Hubspace LED Smart Color-Changing Bulb
If you are planning a backyard refresh, garage upgrade or renovation project, Home Depot is worth checking during Labor Day.
Best Buy Labor Day Sale
If you need new appliances, Best Buy is one of the major retailers to watch.
Its Labor Day appliance promotions cover:
Refrigerators
Washers
Dryers
Dishwashers
Ranges
Freezers
Appliance packages.
Selected products may also include delivery, installation or bundle promotions.
Lowe’s Labor Day Sale
Lowe’s has also launched its:
2026 Labor Day Sale
running from:
August 27 through September 9.
Major categories include:
Major appliances
Refrigerators
Washers and dryers
Grills and outdoor cooking
Patio furniture
Power tools
Lawn and garden
Paint
Smart home products
Lighting
Outdoor storage.
If you are purchasing major appliances or home improvement products, comparing Lowe’s with Home Depot is a good idea.
Amazon Labor Day Deals
Amazon deals often start well before Labor Day Weekend.
Early Labor Day promotions have already appeared on brands and products including:
Levi’s
Vionic
Keurig K-Supreme
Stanley Tumblers
Owala
Dyson Cordless Vacuums
Some fashion deals have reached around 50% off, while selected Keurig products have seen discounts above 50%.
Amazon prices can change quickly, so always check the current product page before purchasing.
Apple Labor Day Deals
Apple-related products are also beginning to receive Labor Day discounts across major retailers.
Products appearing in current Labor Day deal coverage include:
Apple Watch Series 11
AirPods Pro 3
AirPods 4
AirPods Max 2
Some recent promotions have shown Apple Watch Series 11 discounts around $100 and double-digit percentage discounts on selected AirPods models.
Prices can change at any time.
Walmart Labor Day Deals
Walmart’s Labor Day promotions are particularly interesting for:
Tools
Portable power stations
Apple products
Audio
Robot vacuums
TVs.
Current highlighted products include:
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Drill
DEWALT 20V Max XR High-Torque Impact Wrench
EcoFlow Delta 3
Apple Watch SE 3
Sonos Move 2
Sonos Ace
Roborock Qrevo S Pro
Bose SoundLink Plus
Hisense U8
TCL QM7L
Some larger portable power station bundles have seen savings reaching hundreds or even more than $1,000 depending on configuration.
Wayfair Labor Day Sale
Moving, redecorating or replacing a mattress?
Wayfair is another retailer worth checking.
Its Labor Day Sale page currently includes more than:
36,000 Labor Day Deal items.
Popular categories include:
Mattresses
Sofas
Furniture
Area rugs
Outdoor furniture
Dining furniture.
One current featured deal is the:
Avenco 12-Inch Medium Cooling Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress, Queen
at approximately:
$259.99
compared with a listed regular price of:
$499.99.
How to Shop Costco During Labor Day Weekend
Costco works a little differently from most retailers.
The current U.S. Costco:
Warehouse Savings event runs August 24 through September 20.
That means plenty of Costco deals are available throughout Labor Day Weekend.
However:
Costco warehouses are closed on Labor Day, September 7.
The best time to shop is therefore:
September 4–6.
If you are planning a BBQ, pool party, camping trip or family gathering, buy your food and supplies before Monday.
How to Plan Labor Day Weekend 2026
If you want a city trip with a major sporting event, consider:
New York + US Open.
If you want music, food and lakefront atmosphere, consider:
Chicago + Chicago Jazz Festival + Great American Lobster Fest.
If you are already in Southern California, Los Angeles offers plenty of events without requiring a flight.
If you want free museums, culture and family attractions, Washington, DC is an excellent choice.
If you want to escape the city, consider a:
National Park
Road trip
Beach getaway
Lake trip
Cabin weekend.
And if you do not want to travel at all, staying home for a BBQ while shopping Labor Day sales is also a very classic American way to spend the holiday.
Labor Day 2026 Quick Guide
| Item | 2026 Information |
|---|---|
| Labor Day | Monday, September 7, 2026 |
| Labor Day Weekend | September 5–7 |
| Federal Holiday | Yes |
| USPS | Closed September 7 |
| NYSE | Closed September 7 |
| Federal Reserve | Holiday |
| Costco | Warehouses closed September 7 |
| Private employers | Depends on company policy |
| National Parks free on Labor Day? | No |
| September NPS fee-free date | September 17, Constitution Day, subject to NPS rules |
Image Source: Official brand websites, official event organizers, official social media accounts and publicly available government promotional materials.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available information from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, U.S. Department of Labor, USPS, Federal Reserve, NYSE, National Park Service, US Open, Choose Chicago, Discover Los Angeles, Destination DC, Home Depot, Best Buy, Lowe’s, Costco, Wayfair and other publicly available promotion information.
Holiday schedules, private employer policies, bank and retail operating hours, event dates, schedules, ticket prices, admission policies, National Park reservations, product prices, discounts, inventory, promotion periods and store availability may change.
Prices on Amazon, Walmart and other online retailers can change especially quickly. Always confirm the latest information directly with the relevant government agency, event organizer, official retailer website or checkout page before making travel or purchasing decisions.
Labor Day Sale 2026: Current Deals & Prices
The following are examples of currently advertised Labor Day promotions. Prices, discounts and inventory may change.
Home Depot | August 27–September 9
| Product | Labor Day Deal |
|---|---|
| Traeger Pro Series 22 Wood Pellet Grill | $389, originally $549 |
| Hampton Bay LED Solar Path Lights | $7.97 each, originally $9.97 |
| RYOBI 40V HP Whisper Series Brushless Blower Kit | $279, originally $349 |
| Vigoro 2 cu. ft. Colored Mulch | 3 for $10 |
| RYOBI ONE+ 18V 4-Tool Combo Kit | $199, originally $249 |
| Milwaukee M18 Fuel 18V Brushless 2-Tool Kit | $399 + free 5.0Ah battery |
| DEWALT 20V Max XR 2-Tool Kit | $299, originally $349 |
| Ring Outdoor Floodlight Security Cam Plus | $149.99, originally $199.99 |
| Blink Mini 2K+ Indoor/Outdoor Security Cam | $21.99, originally $39.99 |
| Hubspace LED Smart Color-Changing Bulb | $5.98, originally $9.98 |
| Universal Select LED Dimmable Bulb 3-Pack | $12.98, originally $15.98 |
| A/C or Heating System Tune-Up | $25, originally $49 |
| Select In-Stock Composite Decking/Railing | 10% Off |
| Select Special Order Doors/Windows | 15% Off |
Best Buy
| Deal Category | Labor Day Promotion |
|---|---|
| Select Major Appliances | Up to 45% Off |
| Select Appliance Packages | Save up to $1,000 more |
| Select Washer + Dryer Pairs | Save up to an additional $300 |
| French Door Refrigerators | From $1,149.99 |
| Washers/Dryers | From $399.99 |
| Ranges | From $529.99 |
| Insignia Freezers | From $109.99 |
| Select Dishwashers | Free installation on eligible offers |
Amazon
| Product / Brand | Recent Early Labor Day Deal |
|---|---|
| Select Levi’s / Vionic items | Up to about 50% Off |
| Keurig K-Supreme | About 53% Off |
| Apple Watch Series 11 | Around $100 Off |
| AirPods Pro 3 | About 24% Off |
| AirPods Max 2 | About 22% Off |
| AirPods 4 | Recent prices under $100 on selected promotions |
| Stanley / Owala / Dyson Cordless Vacuums | Check current price |
Walmart
Current Walmart Labor Day deal coverage includes:
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Drill
DEWALT 20V Max XR High-Torque Impact Wrench
EcoFlow Delta 3
Apple Watch SE 3
Sonos Move 2
Sonos Ace
Roborock Qrevo S Pro
Bose SoundLink Plus
Hisense U8
TCL QM7L
Discounts vary significantly by product, and selected portable power station bundles may offer savings of hundreds of dollars.
Always check Walmart’s current product page for the latest price.
Wayfair
Avenco 12-Inch Medium Cooling Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress, Queen
Current Labor Day Sale price:
$259.99
Listed regular price:
$499.99
Wayfair currently lists more than 36,000 items under its Labor Day Deal category.
Labor Day promotions may change again as the official holiday weekend approaches, and prices for major appliances, furniture and online products may vary by inventory, delivery area and location.
