This year, Columbus Day, also known as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, lands on Monday, October 13.
While it’s a federal holiday and many schools have it off, there are plenty of businesses still open—as well as U.S. stock markets.
Here’s what to know about the holiday, and what’s open and closed today.
Why is the holiday called Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
Columbus Day, named after Italian explorer Christopher Columbus, occurs on the second Monday in October of every year, and celebrates Columbus’s arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492, in the Bahamas.
However, due to criticism over the treatment of Native Americans who were here when Columbus “discovered America,” President Joe Biden also officially named it Indigenous Peoples’ Day in 2021. So technically, there are two holidays happening simultaneously today, with some cities and states celebrating one or both.
Adding to the confusion, this year, on Thursday, President Donald Trump said: “We’re calling it Columbus Day.” In a separate presidential action on the White House website, Trump proclaimed Columbus “a true American hero,” and said, “Outrageously, in recent years, Christopher Columbus has been a prime target of a vicious and merciless campaign to erase our history, slander our heroes, and attack our heritage.”
What stores are open on Monday?
Walmart, Costco, Trader Joe’s, Aldi, and most supermarkets are open and have normal business hours.
Some smaller local businesses may be closed, so check with those stores to see if they have modified holiday hours.
Are CVS and Walgreens pharmacies open?
CVS and Walgreens typically operate during normal business hours, but pharmacy hours could vary among locations.
Are banks open on Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
Most banks follow the U.S. Federal Reserve System’s holiday schedule, which declares it a day off. However, bank hours vary.
Chase Bank branches are open; however, the company says this day “will be treated as a holiday for purposes of online transactions.” Bank of America branches are closed.
Check with your financial institution for further clarification.
Is the stock market open on Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
Yes, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq stock exchange are open for trading.
Is the post office open on Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
United States Postal Service (USPS) branches are closed, but UPS and FedEx are open for pickup and delivery services, according to both companies’ websites.
