Patriots’ Day, a statewide holiday in Massachusetts, will be celebrated on April 21 this year. This holiday commemorates the start of the American Revolution, with this year marking the 250th anniversary of the historic Battles of Lexington and Concord, which occurred on April 19, 1775.
One of the hallmark events associated with Patriots’ Day is the annual Boston Marathon, organized by the Boston Athletic Association (BAA). This prestigious marathon draws tens of thousands of participants who make their way from Hopkinton to the finish line on Boylston Street in Boston, greeted by enthusiastic crowds along the 26.2-mile race route.
Given that Patriots’ Day is unique to Massachusetts, many businesses across the state will operate as usual, but certain state-run services will be impacted. Notably, public schools will be closed due to April vacation week running from April 21-25.
Here’s a detailed look at what remains open and what will close on Patriots’ Day.
**Government Services**
Federal Courts will remain open on Patriots’ Day, but state courts, state offices, and municipal offices will be closed. While federal offices will operate normally, services such as the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) and public libraries will not be available.
Public schools will also be closed, as mentioned earlier, due to the ongoing April vacation week for public school students across Massachusetts.
**Financial Institutions**
When it comes to finances, the New York Stock Exchange and Dow Jones will be open for trading. Most banks are expected to operate normally, but individuals are advised to check with their local banks for specific hours.
**Alcohol and Cannabis Regulations**
Retail liquor stores will remain open, and cannabis dispensaries, according to Massachusetts regulators, have the discretion to decide their hours for the holiday. Thus, patrons should confirm whether their local dispensary will be open on Patriots’ Day.
**Shopping Hours**
Most retail stores will also welcome customers on Patriots’ Day, although it’s prudent to check with local retailers to confirm operating hours. Major chains such as Aldi, Costco, Target, and Walmart have confirmed they will be open, along with many others like CVS, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods.
**Postal and Parcel Services**
U.S. Post Offices (USPS), along with major parcel services like FedEx and UPS, will continue to operate as usual on Patriots’ Day.
**Transportation Services**
In terms of public transport, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has confirmed that services will largely run as scheduled, but with notable exceptions. Copley Station, which is near the finish line of the marathon, will be closed for the entire day. Additionally, several Green Line stations will close from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The MBTA will run its Red, Orange, Green, and Blue Line trains, as well as Silver Line buses, on a normal weekday schedule, including extra services before and after the marathon event. Commuter rail services on the Framingham/Worcester line, which closely follows the marathon route, will have increased frequency, whereas other lines will operate on their regular schedules.
A significant restriction will be placed on bicycles; they will not be allowed on the subway or the commuter rail lines beginning at 5 p.m. on April 20, restricting access to cyclists on Patriots’ Day.
Passengers relying on The Ride service can expect typical weekday operations, although they may experience detours due to marathon-related disruptions. Similarly, bus services across the MBTA system will follow Saturday schedules, but some buses may be detoured or shortened due to the event.
Particular routes like 55 and 65 will not run on Patriots’ Day. Additionally, Route 1 will have enhanced service from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., while several routes will undergo alterations, and some routes will be split into different operating routes.
Ferry services operated by the MBTA will remain unaffected by the holiday.
**Regional Transportation Authorities**
Various regional transit authorities will have different operating schedules. For instance, the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority, Brockton Area Transit, Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority, and others will maintain their regular bus services.
Conversely, the Lowell Regional Transit Authority will operate on a Saturday schedule, while the Montachusett Regional Transit Authority will close for the holiday. The Merrimack Valley Transit Authority will also run on a Saturday schedule, but certain key routes will not operate.
MetroWest Regional Transit Authority will have no service on Patriots’ Day. Meanwhile, both the Nantucket Regional Transit Authority and Southeastern Regional Transit Authority confirmed they would maintain their usual schedules.
Finally, the Worcester Regional Transit Authority will operate fixed bus routes and para-transit services following a Saturday schedule, ensuring essential transportation remains available.
In summary, while Patriots’ Day will see its unique observances and a festive atmosphere particularly due to the Boston Marathon, both businesses and government services will have varied operational hours. Be sure to check with local entities to confirm specific hours of operations for your convenience.
image source from：https://www.masslive.com/news/2025/04/whats-open-and-closed-in-massachusetts-on-patriots-day.html
