Columbus Day 2026 is bringing widespread changes to public services across New York City, Philadelphia and Washington DC, with schools, post offices and government offices among those closed on Monday, October 12.
The federal holiday is also known in many places as Indigenous Peoples’ Day or Italian Heritage Day. Banks and federal offices are generally shut, although cash machines, debit cards and online banking services remain available.
The US Postal Service has confirmed that post offices will close and regular mail collection and delivery will be suspended. Customers should also allow for possible delays to direct deposits and automated bill payments, which may move to the next working day.
UPS and FedEx services are expected to operate, while the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will hold normal trading sessions. Most major retailers, supermarkets and restaurants are also expected to open as usual, although individual businesses may set their own hours.
New York City services and parade closures
New York City Public Schools are closed for Italian Heritage/Indigenous Peoples’ Day, according to the 2026-27 school calendar. Alternate-side parking rules are suspended, although drivers should check signs carefully because other parking restrictions may still apply.
The 82nd annual Columbus Day Parade will travel along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. The route and surrounding streets will be subject to closures at the discretion of the NYPD, with Fifth Avenue between East 42nd Street and East 79th Street listed for closure by the city’s Notify NYC alert system.
The parade is expected to run from about 11.30am to 3.30pm, and motorists have been advised to use alternative routes and allow extra time for journeys.
Philadelphia and Washington DC
In Philadelphia, the school district and administrative offices are closed for Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The city will not collect rubbish or recycling on the holiday, with collections pushed back by one day for the remainder of the week.
Most SEPTA services are expected to operate on normal weekday schedules, meaning public transport will largely continue despite the changes to schools and refuse collection.
Washington DC is observing the day as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. DC Public Schools are closed on Monday and will reopen for pupils on Wednesday, October 14, following a scheduled parent-teacher conference day.
Washington’s Metro trains will run a weekend timetable from 5am until midnight, while buses will operate a Saturday supplementary service. Parks, recreation and community centres, as well as all DC DMV facilities, are closed.
The city’s parking enforcement is suspended for the day. The Department of Public Works will also pause rubbish, recycling and food-waste collections on Monday, with services moving back by one day through Saturday.
Residents using local services have been urged to check individual agency and business arrangements, as opening hours and collection schedules can vary even when the federal holiday is observed.
