Columbus Day: What’s open and closed on Oct. 13?

Here’s a detailed look at Columbus Day—how it’s observed, and what tends to be open or closed on October 13, 2025 (the second Monday of October). Because practices vary by locale, this is a broad overview; always double-check locally before making plans.

What is Columbus Day (and Indigenous Peoples’ Day)?

Columbus Day is a federal holiday in the U.S., observed on the second Monday in October. It commemorates Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas in 1492.
Over time, the day has become more contested. Many states, cities, and institutions now observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day (or a hybrid observance) on the same date to emphasize Native American history, resilience, and culture.
On the federal level, Columbus Day remains a formal holiday, and many federal offices close for the day.

Because it is a federal holiday, certain services follow federal holiday rules—though many private businesses choose whether to close or remain open.

What Will Be Closed on Oct. 13 (Columbus Day)?

Here’s what you can generally expect to be closed or heavily limited on Columbus Day:

1. Federal, State, and Local Government Offices

All federal offices (IRS, Social Security, and federal courts) will be closed.
Many state and local government offices (courts, DMV, licensing offices, etc.) also suspend operations or observe a holiday schedule.
Administrative offices at the county or municipal level are typically closed. For example, Webb County in Texas has announced that its administrative offices will be closed.

2. U.S. Postal Service (USPS)

The post office will not deliver regular mail on Columbus Day.
Post office branches are closed to the public.
Some post offices offer Priority Mail Express or limited services via self-service kiosks where available.

3. Most Banks and Financial Institutions (Physical Branches)

Because the Federal Reserve observes the holiday, most banks follow suit and close physical branches.
Major banks like Bank of America and Wells Fargo have confirmed full closures of their branches on October 13.
However, ATMs and digital banking (mobile, online) typically remain available.
Be aware: ACH transfers, wire transfers, and other interbank processes are delayed or paused because they depend on the Federal Reserve’s systems, which are offline for the holiday.

4. Bond Market

While equity markets remain open (see below), the bond market is closed in observance of Columbus Day.

5. Some Schools & Libraries

Many public school districts observe the holiday and close; in some regions, schools may remain open depending on local policy.
Libraries often close in line with municipal holiday schedules.

6. Judicial/Courts

Courts (federal, state, local) generally close for the day.

What Will Likely Be Open (or Partially Available) on Oct. 13?

Even with many institutional closures, life still goes on. These types of businesses and services tend to remain operating, though sometimes under modified hours:

1. Retail Stores, Grocery Stores, Pharmacies

Large national chains (like Walmart, Target, and supermarkets) typically remain open on Columbus Day.
Pharmacies and drugstores may also run as usual—but individual locations could choose reduced hours.
Local smaller shops may vary—some close in observance, but many stay open to serve customers.

2. Restaurants and Food Services

Most restaurants, cafés, and fast-food outlets will be open, though possibly with holiday or reduced hours.
Some chains may operate normally; others (especially in smaller towns) might close.
Always a good idea to call ahead or check online hours for that location.

3. Delivery and Shipping Companies

UPS generally continues operations.
FedEx often operates but may have adjusted pickup/delivery schedules.
Private couriers and local shipping services may continue working, though some delay or route changes can occur.

4. Public Transportation

In many cities, transit systems (buses, subways, trains) run a normal weekday schedule or a modified service.
Some transit agencies may reduce frequency or suspend certain routes, so checking local transit agency notices is recommended.

5. Stock Market / Equity Trading

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ remain open for trading on Columbus Day.
Trading hours remain standard (9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET).

6. Emergency Services / Hospitals

Emergency services (fire, police, ambulance) continue to operate.
Hospitals, urgent care centers, and medical clinics generally remain open (though some doctors’ offices may close).
Pharmacies in hospitals often operate continuously.

7. Online Services

Digital platforms (banking apps, brokerages, online bill pay) remain accessible.
However, as mentioned, behind-the-scenes processing (ACH, wires) will wait until the next business day.

Highlights & Special Notes for Oct. 13, 2025

Though many assume the stock market closes, equity markets will remain open on this holiday.
The bond market, however, will be closed.
Because the Federal Reserve is closed, many interbank financial mechanisms (ACH, wire) pause, which can delay payrolls, transfers, or automatic payments.
Major banks like Bank of America and Wells Fargo are confirming full closures, though ATMs and digital services remain active.
Some banks (e.g. Chase or TD) may keep branches open, but internal processing is still treated as a holiday.
Local public schools’ status will vary. In Houston, for example, some districts will be closed while others remain open.

Tips to Navigate the Day

Plan for banking
Do any essential in-person banking or cash withdrawals in advance (Friday or earlier).
Check local branch schedules
Even within the same bank, some locations might differ in whether they open.
Don’t rely on mail delivery
Assume no USPS deliveries, and plan accordingly.
Expect delays in transfers
Payments that rely on the Federal Reserve (e.g. ACH, wire) will be processed the next business day.
Call ahead to businesses
If you need to visit a specific store, office, or service, check hours in advance (many post hours online).
Check public transit / schedules
Holiday or weekday schedules may vary, so review your city’s transit announcements.
Use online tools
Banking, bill pay, and brokerage tools generally work—even on holidays—though with processing delays.