Columbus Day 2026: What's Open and Closed

Columbus Day, observed annually on the second Monday in October, occurs on October 12, 2026. This federal holiday can affect the availability of various services, leading to confusion about what remains open and closed.

As a federal holiday, mail delivery and U.S. Post Office locations will be closed. The Federal Reserve also observes the holiday, influencing most national banks. However, some banks, like Chase Bank, may keep their branches open, though online transactions will be treated as if conducted on a holiday. Bank of America has announced its branches will be closed.

In contrast to some public services, financial markets will operate normally. Both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq will be open for trading. School closures vary; public schools are not automatically closed, and private schools have their own calendaring. Pharmacies, including major chains like CVS and Walgreens, along with most retail and grocery stores such as Walmart, Target, Kroger, and Whole Foods, are expected to maintain regular business hours.

Costco warehouses will also be open. Restaurants, cafes, and bakeries will generally be open to serve customers. While Columbus Day is a historically debated observance, with many communities also recognizing Indigenous Peoples' Day, essential consumer services are largely expected to continue their operations.