What’s Open in Western New York on the 4th of July?

It’s nice to have a Thursday off occasionally!

While you’re packing your sunscreen and coolers for a fun afternoon and evening of Independence Day activities, it’s possible you’ll need to make a run to the local grocery store, pharmacy or other retailers to secure some last-minute items for your cookout or party.

But will you be able to get in?

Grocery stores

Most grocery stores will be open regular, or slightly reduced, hours on Thursday, July 4. Wegmans will close their pharmacy departments early, at 1 p.m., but will be open until midnight. Tops will also be open during regular hours for the holiday. Aldi will close their handful of Western New York locations at 4 p.m. on July 4 and the Trader Joe’s on Niagara Falls Boulevard will close at 5 p.m.

Retail stores

Most stores, including Target, Walmart, Home Depot, Lowes and others, will be open most of the day. The only exception here is Costco, which will be closed all day in observance of the holiday.

Museums

If you’re looking for somewhere to take the kids to spend the day before the fireworks, or after the lunchtime cookout, it’s important to know the museums in Western New York will be closed on July 4, including the Explore & More Children’s Museum at Canalside and the Buffalo Museum of Science, but the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum in Tonawanda will be open (and is a fun place to visit if you’ve never been!).

Government offices

Banks and post office counters will be closed for the holiday, as will most government and official offices for municipalities, in addition to FedEx offices. UPS and the US Postal Service will not be delivering or picking up packages on the 4th.

Adult beverages

There do not appear to be any restrictions on picking up a cold case of beer or a chilled bottle of wine for your festivities, but store hours may be reduced to allow staff to enjoy the day.