Columbus Day in the United States
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Columbus Day in the United States is a U.S. federal holiday associated with the federal Columbus Day holiday; some jurisdictions use Indigenous Peoples’ Day or another observance. Its legal calendar rule is the second Monday in October.
Columbus Day
Holiday
United States
Country
2026
Next Date Year
Monday
Day
Oct
12
October 12, 2026
Columbus Day Date in United States
Date
October 12, 2026
Day
Monday
Public Holiday
Yes
Bank Holiday
No
Date Confirmed
Yes
Columbus Day Dates in United States
Columbus Day 2026
- Confirmed Official U.S. federal holiday schedule; OPM.
Columbus Day 2027
- Confirmed Official U.S. federal holiday schedule; OPM.
Columbus Day 2028
- Confirmed
History of Columbus Day
5 U.S.C. §6103 designates the second Monday in October as Columbus Day. States and local governments may use different names or observe different occasions on that date.
Importance of Columbus Day
Federal-holiday status governs federal agencies and covered federal employees. It does not require every private employer, state, school, bank or business to close or provide paid leave.
How Columbus Day Is Celebrated in United States
Observance varies substantially: some institutions commemorate Columbus, while others recognize Indigenous peoples or do not observe the federal holiday.
Office Impact
Most federal offices close on the OPM-listed day, subject to essential staffing. State, local and private offices follow their own laws, calendars and employer policies.
Bank Impact
Federal Reserve and bank schedules should be checked separately. Branch hours and payment settlement can change even when electronic services remain available.
School Impact
School calendars are determined by state and local systems and individual institutions; a federal holiday is not a universal national school-closure mandate.
Travel Information
Federal offices follow OPM, but state, local and transport calendars can differ on the second Monday in October.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Columbus Day in the United States?
The legal rule is the second Monday in October. OPM may list an earlier Friday or later Monday as the observed day for federal employees.
Must private employers close?
No. Federal law does not generally require private employers to provide holiday leave or holiday pay.
Are the legal and observed dates always the same?
No. A weekend fixed-date holiday can have an in-lieu weekday for most federal employees.