Is Bass Pro Shop Open on Memorial Day?

Yes, Bass Pro Shops are typically open on Memorial Day, operating during regular business hours or with slight modifications depending on the location. If you're asking is Bass Pro Shop open on Memorial Day, the answer for most stores across the United States is yes. Unlike holidays such as Thanksgiving or Christmas, when many locations close, Memorial Day is treated as a standard shopping day for this outdoor retail chain. However, hours may vary by region, store type (freestanding vs. mall-adjacent), or local regulations—so it’s essential to verify your specific store’s schedule before visiting.

Quick Overview: Are Bass Pro Shops Open on Memorial Day?

In general, Bass Pro Shops remain open on Memorial Day. This federal holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, marks the unofficial start of summer and is a popular time for outdoor recreation, fishing trips, camping excursions, and backyard gatherings. As a retailer specializing in hunting, fishing, boating, and outdoor gear, Bass Pro Shops sees increased demand during this period. Consequently, most locations choose to stay open to serve customers preparing for weekend adventures.

While there is no corporate-wide announcement every year stating that all stores will be open, historical data and customer reports consistently show that the vast majority of Bass Pro Shops operate on Memorial Day. Exceptions are rare but possible—especially in areas where staffing challenges, extreme weather, or unique local conditions could affect operations.

Typical Holiday Operating Policy at Bass Pro Shops

Bass Pro Shops follows a consistent pattern when determining holiday hours. The company prioritizes customer access during peak outdoor seasons while respecting traditional closures on major family-centered holidays.

Holidays when Bass Pro Shops are usually OPEN:

Memorial Day
Independence Day (July 4th)
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Columbus Day
Black Friday (with early openings)

Holidays when Bass Pro Shops are typically CLOSED:

Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
Easter Sunday (some locations may open late or have reduced hours)

New Year’s Day often sees modified hours, with many stores opening at noon or later. These decisions reflect both consumer behavior trends and employee welfare considerations.

The distinction between full closure and adjusted hours largely depends on whether the holiday aligns with high-demand periods for outdoor activities. Since Memorial Day kicks off fishing season in many regions and coincides with camping reservations and boating launches, keeping stores open supports both customer needs and sales goals.

Company Structure and Local Influence on Store Hours

Although Bass Pro Shops operates as a national chain, individual store hours can differ due to several factors:

Store Ownership Model: While most Bass Pro Shops are company-owned, some locations operate under affiliate agreements or partnerships (e.g., Cabela’s branded stores post-acquisition). These may follow slightly different operational guidelines.
Local Laws and Ordinances: Certain municipalities impose restrictions on large retailers opening on specific days, though these rarely apply to Memorial Day.
Location Type: Freestanding superstores (often over 100,000 square feet) tend to maintain more flexible hours than those located within shopping centers, which might need to conform to mall-wide schedules.
Regional Demand: Stores in rural areas or near lakes, rivers, and national forests may see higher foot traffic on Memorial Day weekend and thus prioritize extended availability.
Staffing Availability: Some smaller or remote locations may opt for shortened hours if staffing levels are low, even if they don’t fully close.

Because of these variables, a universal schedule does not exist. Customers should never assume uniformity across states or cities.

Why Memorial Day Affects Retail Operations Differently

Unlike Thanksgiving or Christmas—holidays centered around home, family meals, and religious observance—Memorial Day has evolved into a long-weekend occasion focused on travel, recreation, and seasonal preparation. For outdoor retailers like Bass Pro Shops, this creates a surge in demand for:

Fishing rods, reels, tackle, and bait
Camping equipment (tents, sleeping bags, grills)
Hunting licenses and related accessories (in applicable states)
Boat trailers, marine electronics, and safety gear
Outdoor apparel and footwear suitable for warm weather

Additionally, many state parks and waterways officially open their recreational seasons around Memorial Day, further driving interest in outdoor supplies. Retailers respond by remaining accessible throughout the holiday.

Memorial Day vs. Other Summer Holidays

Compared to July 4th—which also sees strong sales but sometimes includes afternoon closures for staff holidays—or Labor Day, which signals the end of summer, Memorial Day stands out as a beginning rather than an end. This psychological shift encourages consumers to invest in gear, making it one of the busiest retail weekends of the year for outdoor-focused brands.

It's worth noting that while the store remains open on Memorial Day itself, hours on the preceding Saturday and Sunday may be extended to accommodate pre-holiday shoppers. Conversely, Tuesday (the day after the holiday) usually returns to standard operating times.

Holiday	Typical Bass Pro Shop Status	Notes
Memorial Day	Open (regular or extended hours)	High demand for fishing & camping gear
Independence Day	Mostly open	Some close early for staff events
Labor Day	Open	End-of-summer clearance promotions
Thanksgiving	Closed	No Black Friday openings until evening)
Christmas Day	Closed	All locations shut nationwide
New Year’s Day	Limited/Modified Hours	Often opens at noon

Planning Your Visit: What You Should Do Before Going

If you’re planning to shop at Bass Pro Shops on Memorial Day, here are practical steps to ensure a smooth experience:

1. Check Store Hours Online

Visit the official Bass Pro Shops website and use the “Store Locator” tool. Enter your zip code or city to find the nearest location. Click on the store listing to view its detailed profile, including:

Regular business hours
Memorial Day hours (if already posted)
Contact phone number
Address and map integration

2. Use the Mobile App

The Bass Pro Shops mobile app (available on iOS and Android) provides real-time updates on store hours, inventory availability, and exclusive app-only deals. Push notifications may alert users to last-minute changes in operation status.

3. Call Ahead

When in doubt, call your local store directly. Staff can confirm opening times, advise on expected crowd levels, and help locate specific products. This is especially useful if you're traveling from afar or need specialty items like fishing licenses or boat parts.

4. Arrive Early

Even if the store is open, expect heavier-than-usual traffic. Memorial Day weekend draws bargain hunters, last-minute campers, and anglers eager to launch the season. Arriving shortly after opening increases your chances of finding parking, avoiding lines, and securing limited-stock items.

5. Consider Online Alternatives

If your local store has restricted hours or you prefer convenience, Bass Pro Shops offers robust e-commerce options:

Free in-store pickup (BOPIS)
Same-day delivery in select markets
Nationwide shipping with no minimum order
Digital gift cards available instantly

Online ordering ensures you won’t miss out—even if physical locations adjust hours unexpectedly.

6. Verify Annually – Policies Change

Never rely on last year’s schedule. Retail holiday policies can change annually based on leadership decisions, labor contracts, or public health concerns. Always recheck the current year’s hours, ideally within one week of the holiday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bass Pro Shop open on Memorial Day 2025?

Yes, most Bass Pro Shops will be open on Memorial Day 2025, which falls on Monday, May 26. Final hours will be confirmed closer to the date via the store locator on basspro.com.

What time do Bass Pro Shops open on Memorial Day?

Opening times vary by location, but most stores open between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM local time. Some larger superstores may open earlier to handle anticipated crowds.

Are Cabela’s stores (owned by Bass Pro) open on Memorial Day?

Yes, Cabela’s locations, which are now part of the Bass Pro family, generally follow the same holiday schedule and remain open on Memorial Day with similar hours.

Does Bass Pro Shops offer Memorial Day sales?

Yes, Bass Pro Shops typically runs special promotions and discounts during Memorial Day weekend, including savings on camping gear, fishing equipment, and outdoor clothing. These deals often begin online the week prior.

Can I buy a fishing license at Bass Pro Shop on Memorial Day?

In many states, yes—you can purchase fishing licenses at participating Bass Pro Shops on Memorial Day, provided the store partners with the state’s licensing system. It’s recommended to call ahead to confirm availability, as not all locations offer this service.