Is Today a Holiday? Discover Every Celebration & Observance Happening on October 12, 2026

Today, Monday, October 12 2026, the United States observes the dual federal holiday known traditionally as Columbus Day and increasingly as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Because it is on the official federal holiday calendar, all non-essential federal offices and courts are closed, and most state and local governments follow suit. Is the post office open today? No—every U.S. Post Office is closed and regular mail delivery is paused for the day. UPS and FedEx keep normal pickup and drop-off schedules, although some neighborhood storefronts may shorten hours. Are banks open on Columbus Day 2026? Most major banks—including Bank of America, Chase, Citi, and Wells Fargo—close their lobbies and call centers, but ATMs and mobile apps remain available for deposits and transfers. The Federal Reserve clears no wire transfers or ACH payments until Tuesday morning. What retail stores and restaurants remain open? Big-box chains such as Walmart, Target, Home Depot, and Costco operate on regular Monday hours, and many announce “Indigenous Peoples’ Day” or “Columbus Day” flash sales to capture long-weekend shoppers. Supermarkets, convenience stores, and most fast-casual dining spots also stay open. Public schools: District calendars vary. Many K-12 systems align with the federal schedule and give students a three-day weekend, while others hold classes and use the day to highlight Indigenous history. Check your local district website for bell times and bus routes. Stock market and bond market status: The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq trade as normal, but the bond market observes a partial holiday and closes at 2 p.m. ET. Travel outlook: Because the date falls outside peak summer and before the winter holidays, airfare and hotel rates remain relatively low. Traffic still spikes on interstates leading into major leaf-peeping destinations across New England, the Great Lakes, and the Pacific Northwest. If you plan a road trip, leave before noon to avoid evening congestion. Why do we celebrate Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the same date? Columbus Day became a federal holiday in 1937, honoring the 1492 voyage. In recent decades, activists have championed Indigenous Peoples’ Day to recognize the cultures and resilience of Native nations. As of 2026, more than half of U.S. states and over 180 cities officially rename or co-celebrate the holiday, hosting powwows, land-acknowledgment ceremonies, and cultural festivals. Key takeaways for “holiday today” searchers: • No mail delivery; post offices closed. • Most banks closed; ATMs and online banking open. • Federal, state, and local government offices largely closed. • Retail stores, restaurants, and stock markets open; bond market short day. • Expect travel deals and moderate highway traffic. Before heading out, double-check local hours and transit schedules, and if you’re off work, consider attending an Indigenous Peoples’ Day event to honor the history and cultures that predate Columbus’s arrival.