From state government closures to MBTA schedule changes and major retailers, here’s what to expect
Patriots’ Day is a one-of-a-kind holiday, celebrated in only a handful of places but felt across all of Massachusetts — where it marks a day off school, a historic commemoration of the first battles of the American Revolution and the annual staging of the world-famous Boston Marathon. This year the holiday falls on Monday, April 20, and carries extra significance as the Boston Athletic Association hosts the 130th running of the marathon, sending tens of thousands of runners along 26.2 miles of road from Hopkinton to the finish line on Boylston Street in Boston.
Whether you’re planning to cheer on the runners, run errands or simply figure out how to navigate the day, here is everything you need to know about what’s open and closed across Massachusetts on Patriots’ Day 2026.
State and local government offices are closed
Because Patriots’ Day is a Massachusetts state holiday rather than a federal one, most federal services continue operating as usual. Federal courts and offices remain open, and both the New York Stock Exchange and the Dow Jones will run on their normal schedules. Most banks are also expected to be open, though checking with your local branch ahead of time is always a good idea.
At the state and local level, the closures are significant. State courts, state offices, municipal offices and public libraries are all shut for the day, as is the Registry of Motor Vehicles. Public school students are out all week, with April vacation running from April 20 through April 24.
Most stores and services are running
Shoppers and those with errands will find most major retailers open. Grocery stores including Big Y, Market Basket, Star Market, Stop & Shop, Trader Joe’s, Wegmans and Whole Foods are all operating. Costco, Target and Walmart are open, as are CVS, Walgreens and discount grocer Aldi. Price Rite and Safeway are also running normal hours.
Major shopping centers including Auburn Mall, Hampshire Mall and Holyoke Mall are open. Anyone heading toward Natick Mall should factor in that the marathon route could disrupt nearby travel. Liquor stores are open, and mail and package carriers USPS, FedEx and UPS are all delivering as normal.
Cannabis dispensaries are worth a quick call ahead of time. Massachusetts regulations do not designate specific holidays when dispensaries must close, leaving each business to decide independently whether to operate — so confirming hours directly with your local dispensary before heading out is the safest approach.
Getting around Massachusetts requires some planning
Transportation demands the closest attention on Marathon Monday. The MBTA is running subway, ferry and The Ride on a regular weekday schedule, but buses will operate on a modified Saturday schedule to accommodate the race and the large crowds it draws. The Worcester commuter rail line will have a special marathon schedule with additional inbound and outbound trains, while all other commuter rail lines maintain standard weekday service.
Regional transit varies considerably across the state. Berkshire Regional Transit Authority, Brockton Area Transit and Franklin Regional Transit Authority are all running regular service. Cape Ann Transportation Authority is on Saturday-level bus service, as are Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority, Lowell Regional Transit Authority and Merrimack Valley Transit. Southeastern Regional Transit Authority is on weekend service and Worcester Regional Transit Authority on Saturday service. MetroWest Regional Transit Authority has no service, and Montachusett Regional Transit Authority is fully closed.
Private carriers Peter Pan Bus Lines, FlixBus and Greyhound are all operating, though FlixBus and Greyhound may adjust routes based on real-time demand — travelers should monitor their individual bookings through each carrier’s website.
The 130th Boston Marathon draws massive crowds
Reaching its 130th edition this year, the Boston Marathon remains one of the most celebrated foot races in the world. Spectators lining the course from Hopkinton into Boston’s Back Bay should plan for heavy crowds, widespread road closures and travel disruptions throughout much of the day. Checking real-time MBTA updates and road closure maps before heading out will make the experience considerably smoother.
Source: MassLive