What’s Open and Closed on Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2024: Essential Information for Monday, October 14

Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2024, observed on Monday, October 14, is gaining more recognition across the United States. As a holiday that honors the history and culture of Native American peoples, it runs parallel to Columbus Day, a federal holiday. This means that while some institutions may close for the day, others remain open. If you’re wondering how the holiday will impact your routine, here’s what you need to know about what’s open and closed on Indigenous Peoples’ Day this year.

Federal and State Government Offices

Since Columbus Day is still a federal holiday, most federal offices will be closed on Indigenous Peoples’ Day. This includes:

• U.S. Post Offices: There will be no mail delivery, and all post office locations will be closed for the day. If you need to send something urgent, be sure to do it before the weekend.
• Federal Courts: Like most federal offices, courts will not be operating, and all federal buildings will be closed.

However, the status of state government offices varies widely depending on the location. States like South Dakota, Maine, and New Mexico officially recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day, so state offices in these states may close. In states that don’t recognize the holiday, it’s business as usual.

Banks

Most banks will close for the day, as they follow the federal holiday calendar. This includes major national banks like:

• Bank of America
• Chase
• Wells Fargo

Online banking services and ATMs will still be available, so you can still manage basic banking tasks. However, any transactions requiring human assistance may need to wait until Tuesday.

Schools

Whether schools are open or closed depends on the district and state. For example, schools in areas that officially recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day might close. In other states where Columbus Day is still the primary holiday, schools might be closed as well. However, many school districts don’t close for either holiday, so it’s best to check with your local school district’s calendar.

Retail Stores and Restaurants

Most retail businesses, including major chains, will remain open on Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Stores like Walmart, Target, and Costco typically don’t observe federal holidays outside of Thanksgiving and Christmas, so you can expect normal hours.

Restaurants, too, generally stay open, though some local or family-owned spots might close in recognition of the day. It’s a good idea to call ahead if you’re planning to visit smaller, independent businesses.

Public Transportation

If you rely on public transportation, expect holiday or reduced service in many cities. This applies to buses, trains, and subways in metro areas like New York City, Washington D.C., and Chicago. Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft will still be available.

Garbage and Recycling Collection

Most areas will follow their regular collection schedule, though some cities may experience a one-day delay, particularly in places where Columbus Day is more widely observed. If you live in a city that officially recognizes Indigenous Peoples’ Day, check with your local waste management department to see if there’s any disruption to your service.

Stock Market

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ will both remain open on Indigenous Peoples’ Day. If you’re planning any trades, the markets will operate on their usual schedule.

Museums and Cultural Sites

Many museums, especially those dedicated to Native American culture or history, will host special events and exhibits in honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Museums in cities like Washington, D.C., New York, and Albuquerque are likely to have special programming, so it’s a great opportunity to explore indigenous heritage.

Conclusion

While Indigenous Peoples’ Day isn’t universally recognized in the U.S., it’s gaining momentum, and closures or operations may depend on where you live. Federal offices, post offices, and most banks will close, while many retail stores, restaurants, and cultural sites will stay open. Be sure to check local schedules, especially if you need to access specific services, as the holiday’s impact varies across states and cities.

If you’re planning ahead, it’s always a good idea to call or check online for any changes in hours or services, especially for schools, public transportation, and local businesses. Whether you’re heading out to shop or staying in to reflect on the day’s significance, Indigenous Peoples’ Day continues to remind us of the importance of recognizing and celebrating Native American culture and contributions.

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