Columbus Day
Columbus Day 2026 falls on Monday, October 12. In 2027, Columbus Day falls on Monday, October 11.
The dates of Columbus Day, this year and in the years ahead.
When is Columbus Day?
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Monday, October 13, 2025 |
| 2026 | Monday, October 12, 2026 |
| 2027 | Monday, October 11, 2027 |
| 2028 | Monday, October 9, 2028 |
| 2029 | Monday, October 8, 2029 |
| 2030 | Monday, October 14, 2030 |
| 2031 | Monday, October 13, 2031 |
Dates calculated from the statutory rules. Source: U.S. Office of Personnel Management: federal holidays. More about our sources
What is Columbus Day?
Columbus Day, on the second Monday in October, marks the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas on October 12, when his expedition reached an island in the Bahamas. For Italian Americans in particular, the day became a celebration of their heritage, and it later became a federal holiday. The Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved it to the second Monday in October.
As it always falls on a Monday, there's never an observed date.
In 2026 it falls on Monday, October 12.
Indigenous Peoples' Day
The holiday has become a subject of debate, because Columbus's arrival led to colonization and great suffering for the Indigenous peoples of the Americas. Many states, cities and school districts now observe the same Monday as Indigenous Peoples' Day, honoring Native American history and cultures, or mark both days together.
Under federal law the holiday is still called Columbus Day.
Is Columbus Day a day off?
Columbus Day is a federal holiday: federal offices are closed and there is no regular mail delivery. Banks that follow the Federal Reserve schedule are usually closed, but the stock markets are open. Many states do not give their employees the day off, and many private businesses and schools stay open, so it's one of the least widely observed federal holidays. Some school districts use it for a short fall break.
Frequently asked questions
When is Columbus Day 2026?
In 2026, Columbus Day falls on Monday, October 12.
Is Columbus Day a day off?
Columbus Day is a federal holiday: federal offices are closed and federal employees have the day off. Whether state offices, schools and private businesses close depends on the state and the employer; private employers are not required to give the day off.
Is Columbus Day the same as Indigenous Peoples' Day?
They fall on the same Monday. Many states and cities observe Indigenous Peoples' Day instead of or alongside Columbus Day; the federal holiday is still called Columbus Day.
Are banks open on Columbus Day?
Most banks that follow the Federal Reserve schedule are closed, but the stock markets are open.