What is open, closed for Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples Day in NC?

Columbus Day is one of the last federal holidays of the year, but many people don't have the day off. Unlike other federal holidays, many states do not observe Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day on the second Monday in October. So while many in the state don't have the day off, some institutions

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Columbus Day is one of the last federal holidays of the year, but many people don't have the day off.

Unlike other federal holidays, many states do not observe Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day on the second Monday in October. So while many in the state don't have the day off, some institutions will be shut down due to their connection to the federal government.

On Oct. 7, North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein proclaimed Oct. 12, Indigenous Peoples Day in the Tar Heel State. Columbus Day is designated as a holiday in the state, but is not a paid day off for state workers.

Here's what to know about the federal holiday.

Is today, Oct. 12, Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day?

In the case of many states, holidays honoring indigenous peoples are also observed on the second Monday in October, observed alongside

Columbus Day. Other states celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day or similar holidays on their own dates as paid or unpaid holidays.

In 2021, President Joe Biden recognized both Indigenous Peoples Day and Columbus Day amid widespread concerns that honoring the explorer glorifies the exploitation and genocide of native peoples. Biden was the first president to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day.

Originally, it commemorates the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas on Oct. 12, 1492. But it is a contentious day for many people.

The Pew Research Center notes that Columbus Day has faced scrutiny from Native American advocates and others, who argue that Christopher Columbus isn't an appropriate person to celebrate, with observance at the state level varying widely.

What happens on Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day?

Britannica explains that Columbus Day commemorates the landing of Columbus in the Americas on Oct. 12, 1492. Originally, the date was observed on Oct. 12; since 1971, it has been observed on the second Monday in October.

Is Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day a federal holiday?

Columbus Day is among the 11 federal holidays observed by the U.S. government.

Indigenous Peoples Day, while observed by several states and many municipalities, is not an official federal holiday.

When is Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day 2026?

Columbus Day falls on Monday, Oct. 12 this year. Individual states may honor Indigenous Peoples Day on the same date as Columbus Day, or on their own separate dates as paid or unpaid holidays.

Are banks open on Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day?

Banks and financial services generally close on the same days the Federal Reserve observes, which follows the federal holiday schedule. Check with your local bank branch for holiday hours.

Many banks will have ATM services available, even if the building is closed. But be aware that some transactions, including deposits, might not process until the next business day.

Will mail be delivered on Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day?

The U.S. Postal Service is closed on all federal holidays, meaning no usual mail delivery will take place on Columbus Day.

Will FedEx, UPS deliver packages on Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day?

FedEx will deliver as usual on Monday, Oct. 12. UPS notes that pickup and delivery are available, but the USPS holiday will add one day of transit time to UPS Ground Saver and UPS Mail Innovations packages.