Most people have Halloween on their minds during October, but there are two holidays — Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day — that happen first, and both on the same date.
Columbus Day has been a national holiday since 1937 to celebrate the contributions of Italian-Americans. However, a growing number of people have advocated Indigenous People should be recognized instead, citing Italian explorer Christopher Columbus’ use of violence and slavery to subjugate the native people he encountered after landing in the Americas in 1492.
Although the Biden administration issued a proclamation calling Indigenous Peoples Day a federally recognized holiday alongside Columbus Day, it remains doubtful President Donald Trump will acknowledge it.
In April, Trump made a social media post saying he would bring “Columbus Day back from the ashes,” adding that he was “reinstating Columbus Day under the same rules, dates, and locations.”
Columbus Day, however, never disappeared from the federal list of holidays. It’s been recognized for decades. Here’s what Hoosiers should know about both days and what’s open and closed.
When is Columbus Day 2025?
Monday, Oct. 13, is the date Columbus Day will be observed in 2025.
When is Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2025?
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is also Monday, Oct. 13.
Is Columbus Day still a federal holiday?
Yes. Columbus Day is one of 11 federal holidays recognized by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Some argue it celebrates Italian American heritage, while others say it glorifies an exploration that led to the genocide of native peoples.
“To have had American colonialism looked at throughout history as not being a problem and celebrated as a good thing is deeply problematic to any of us who live in a (Native-American) community or reservation,” Scott Stevens, the director of the Native American and Indigenous Studies Program at Syracuse University, previously told USA TODAY.
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What is Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
Indigenous Peoples’ Day commemorates the history and culture of Native Americans, and it’s not a recent invention.
South Dakota was the first state to recognize it in 1989, and the California cities of Berkeley and Santa Cruz followed suit.
As of 2025, approximately 30 states and Washington, D.C. do not recognize Columbus Day. About 221 cities have renamed it or replaced it with Indigenous Peoples’ Day, according to renamecolumbusday.org. Some states recognize Indigenous Peoples Day via proclamation, while others treat it as an official holiday.
Is Columbus Day always on a Monday?
Yes. The observance of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day is always on the second Monday of October.
Are federal and state government offices open Columbus Day?
All federal and state offices in Indiana will be closed on Monday, Oct. 13. Indy’s City-County offices also will be closed for Columbus Day and Indigenous People’s Day.
Will the post office be open Columbus Day?
The United States Postal Service will be closed Columbus Day. No mail will be delivered.
Is FedEx open on Columbus Day?
FedEx will operate on modified hours while FedEx Office and other services will be open.
Will UPS deliver on Ingigenous Peoples’ Day?
UPS delivery and pickup services will be available on Monday, Oct. 13. However, UPS Ground Saver and UPS Mail Innovations deliveries will require an additional business day in transit.
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Is the BMV closed on Columbus Day?
Yes. Indiana’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles will be closed from Saturday, Oct. 11 through Monday, October 13 in observance of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
To find a 24-hour BMV Connect kiosk near you, to make an online transaction or for a complete list of BMV branch locations and hours, visit IN.gov/BMV.
Are banks open on Columbus Day?
Most banks will be closed Monday in observance of Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Will supermarkets or big stores close on Columbus Day?
Hoosiers will still be able to shop at most supermarkets, such as Kroger, Meijer, and Aldi, which will remain open. That includes other major retailers like Target, Walmart, and CVS. Check each store’s website for a list of locations and hours.
Will the stock market be open on Columbus Day?
The stock market will be open on Monday, but the bond market will be closed.
What else is closed for Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
Some Indiana classrooms will be closed on Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day, including Indianapolis Public Schools, which begins fall break on Monday, Oct. 13.
All branches of the Indianapolis Public Library will be closed Monday, Oct. 13, for Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Will my trash get picked up on Columbus Day?
Regular trash pickup in Indianapolis will continue with a normal schedule during Columbus Day. The next holiday to affect trash pickup is Thanksgiving.
When is Columbus Day 2026, Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2026?
October 12, 2026, is the date of next year’s holidays for Columbus Day and National Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Chris Sims is a digital producer for the Journal Star. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims.
John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at JTuftsReports.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Columbus Day 2025, or National Indigenous Peoples’ Day? They’re almost here
Reporting by John Tufts and Chris Sims, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
