What Is Patriots’ Day? Everything You Need To Know — What’s Open, What’s Closed, And Why It Matters In 2025

Patriots' Day 2025, which falls on Monday, April 21, carries particular weight this year as it commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the events generally considered to be the start of the American Revolutionary War. The historic and traditional day is being celebrated with reenactments, parades, and the Boston Marathon, the famous one, among other activities throughout Massachusetts.

What is Patriots' Day?

Patriots' Day, a state holiday in Massachusetts, is commemorated each year on the third Monday of April. The holiday commemorates the historic battles at Lexington and Concord, fought on April 19, 1775, that marked the beginning of the American Revolution. First declared a holiday in Massachusetts in 1894 by then-Governor Frederic Greenhalge, it was subsequently rescheduled to its present observation date in 1969 to create a three-day weekend.

Where is Patriots' Day Celebrated?

Apart from Massachusetts, Patriots' Day has been made official in Maine, where it is particularly spelled as "Patriots' Day." It is also recognized in Connecticut, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Florida, although it is not a public holiday in all of them. Significant among these is that it was recognized by Connecticut in 2018, followed by North Dakota in 2021.

Boston Marathon 2025: Roads, Transit, and Security

The Boston Marathon, promoted each year by the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) since 1897, is in the spotlight on Patriots' Day. The internationally famous 26.2-mile race starts in Hopkinton and finishes on Boylston Street, attracting tens of thousands of runners and spectators.

Actor Mark Wahlberg, in the role of a Boston police officer, films a scene for the movie "Patriots Day.” | Credits: Reuters

To facilitate the race and events, several MBTA services will be affected:
• Copley Station will close for the entire day.
• Selected Green Line stations (South Street, Kent Street, Saint Mary's Street) will be shut between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
• There is expected to be more train frequency on the Framingham/Worcester Line, which also runs parallel to the marathon.
• Bicycles, including folding bicycles, are prohibited on the subway and Framingham/Worcester Line trains starting Sunday evening.

All MBTA subway lines other than the Blue Line, in addition to several buses, will follow a weekday or Saturday regular schedule with numerous detours and changes to services applying.

Local Customs: Red Sox Home Game & Historical Reenactments

As part of a beloved tradition, the Boston Red Sox will host a home game at Fenway Park, with the first pitch at 11:10 a.m. This allows spectators to view the game and then head to the crowds near Kenmore Square to cheer on marathon runners as they complete the last mile.

In the meantime, reenactments at Minuteman National Park, parades in Lexington, Concord, and Lincoln, and community events celebrate the historic nature of the day.

What’s Open and Closed on Patriots’ Day?

While federal offices and most businesses will operate as usual, Massachusetts state government services and municipal offices will be closed. Here’s a breakdown:

Government Services
• State Courts, State Offices, RMV, and Public Libraries: Closed
• Federal Courts and Offices: Open
• Public Schools: Closed statewide for April vacation week (April 21–25)

Financial Institutions
• New York Stock Exchange and Banks: Open (Check locally for hours)

Retail and Shopping

All major retail chains and malls, including Target, Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, CVS, and Market Basket, will be open. However, marathon-related traffic restrictions may affect travel to some locations.

Liquor and Cannabis
• Liquor Stores: Open
• Cannabis Dispensaries: Open, at the discretion of individual businesses

Mail and Parcel Services
• USPS, FedEx, UPS: Open and operating

Public Transit and Buses
• MBTA: Modified weekday schedules with closures and detours
• Regional Transit Authorities: Varying services; some running on Saturday schedules, others fully closed.
• Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard transit systems will run regular service.