Patriots’ Day 2023: What’s Open and Closed in Massachusetts

BOSTON, Mass. — Patriots’ Day, a Massachusetts holiday commemorating the start of the American Revolution, falls on April 21 this year. On this day, locals will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington, Concord, and Menotomy, fought on April 19, 1775. Amidst the festivities, many businesses will operate as usual, but certain government services and schools will be closed.

The holiday is marked annually on the third Monday of April and includes the renowned Boston Marathon, where tens of thousands of runners will traverse the 26.2-mile course from Hopkinton to Boston‘s Boylston Street, cheered by enthusiastic spectators lining the route. In light of the event, transportation schedules will see noteworthy adjustments.

Schools across the state will be on April vacation from April 21 to 25, resulting in public schools being closed on Patriots' Day. State government offices, including the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) and state courts, will also close their doors for the day, further affecting usual operations.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect on Patriots’ Day: Federal courts and offices will remain open, as will banks and the New York Stock Exchange. Public libraries, state offices, and municipal offices, however, will be closed. Residents are urged to check with local providers regarding trash collection services, as there may be delays.

For those seeking retail opportunities, many stores will remain open. Aldi, CVS, Market Basket, Target, and Walmart are among the retailers indicating they will welcome customers. However, it is recommended that shoppers check with individual locations for hours as they may vary.

Massachusetts cannabis dispensaries also retain the right to operate according to their discretion, as no specific holiday mandates are enforced by the Cannabis Control Commission.

In terms of public transportation, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) will operate on a regular weekday schedule, though some stations will be closed for the marathon. Notably, Copley Station will shut down for the entire day to accommodate the influx of participants and spectators. Additionally, selected Green Line stations, including South Street and Kent Street, will close from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The MBTA will implement additional commuter rail services along the Framingham/Worcester line, which closely follows the marathon route. As part of the safety measures, bicycles will not be allowed on the subway or commuter rail services starting the evening before the event.

Public transit services are particularly relevant during this busy time, with various transit authorities across the state advising that service adjustments will occur. For example, while the Merrimack Valley Transit Authority will observe a Saturday schedule, some specific routes will not be operational.

Overall, participants and spectators planning to join the Patriots’ Day celebrations should be prepared for altered schedules, closures, and potential congestion in the area surrounding the marathon route. With both the historical commemoration and the highly anticipated race, April 21 promises to be a dynamic and festive day in Massachusetts.