Columbus Day, also known as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, happens every October on the second Monday of the month.
Who gets a day off work on Columbus Day? What’s open and closed? Here’s what to know.
When is Columbus Day 2026?
This year, Columbus Day will fall on Monday, October 12.
Why is there a Columbus Day? Why is it also called Indigenous Peoples' Day?
Columbus Day commemorates the voyage and landing of Italian explorer Christopher Columbus in the New World on October 12, 1492.
Columbus Day is a federal holiday. Indigenous Peoples' Day is not, but it is still recognized as a national holiday. This holiday celebrates the histories, cultures, and perspectives of Indigenous peoples and their ancestors who lived in America before European explorers arrived.
Federal workers will have a day off on Columbus Day
Columbus Day is listed as one of 11 federal U.S. holidays, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel
Management.
Federal offices will be closed, and federal workers will have a paid day off.
Will mail come in on Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
Mail is not delivered on federal holidays, so you will not receive your regular mail or packages on Columbus Day.
USPS Priority Mail is the only service in operation.
Will FedEx and UPS have deliveries and pickups on Columbus Day?
UPS stores will be open and UPS will operate its pickup and delivery services on Columbus Day, but Mail Innovations deliveries will be impacted by the holiday. FedEx will also offer most of its services, such as FedEx Office, but some delivery services may operate on a modified schedule.
Will banks be open on Columbus Day?
No, banks and their branches will be closed since banks follow the federal holiday schedule.
Bank ATMs and digital banking features will still be in service.
Is there garbage pickup in Ohio on Indigenous Peoples’ Day? In Columbus, no, but yes in Cincinnati, Akron
It depends on where you live.
Columbus' city website provides a trash and recycling calendar showing Columbus Day as a holiday. Upcoming holidays include Veterans Day (Nov. 11), Thanksgiving (Nov. 27), Christmas, and New Year's Day.
However, Cincinnati's government web page doesn't list Columbus Day as a holiday, meaning trash and recycling pickup will happen as scheduled.
Similarly, Akron does not list Columbus Day on its garbage pickup holiday schedule. Trash pickup will likely happen, but check your local service for your holiday schedule on Indigenous Peoples' Day. Canton garbage pickup will follow a normal schedule on Columbus Day, according to the government website.
Check with your local waste disposal company to verify the trash pickup schedule on Columbus Day.
Will schools be open on Columbus Day?
Most schools will be closed on Columbus Day. However, school closings vary by state and school district. Check your local school district's website for school closures.
Will restaurants and stores be open on Columbus Day?
Most businesses and retailers will remain open, but some may have modified hours, so contact your local store to check its hours.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Is Columbus Day still a federal holiday? What's open and closed?
