Which States Celebrate Columbus Day vs. Indigenous Peoples Day?
On October 12, 2026, Americans will once again mark a national holiday that carries more than one name.
At the federal level, it remains Columbus Day but, across the country, many states and cities are choosing to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead or alongside it.
Columbus Day 2026 States
Columbus Day has been recognized as a federal holiday since 1937 and is still observed by many states and U.S. territories. According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, federal offices and most banks will be closed on October 12, 2026.
However, only some states treat it as a paid public holiday. Others acknowledge the date symbolically or combine it with other commemorations. The Columbus Day 2026 states list remains a patchwork of traditions that reflect local history and evolving perspectives.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2026
While the federal government still officially calls it Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2026 will also be recognized in many parts of the country.
These states have replaced Columbus Day with a holiday honoring Native Americans:
Maine
New Mexico
South Dakota (as Native Americans' Day)
Vermont
District of Columbia
Several other states, including Alaska, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oregon and Wisconsin, recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day in some form, often through a governor's proclamation. Hawaii observes Discoverers' Day instead of Columbus Day, honoring the Polynesian navigators who first reached the islands.
A growing number of cities and school districts have also followed suit, choosing to honor Native American heritage, resilience, and contributions. For others, the day serves as a moment to reflect on both histories, European exploration and Indigenous survival.
States That Observe Columbus Day
According to data from the Pew Research Center, about 30 states and three U.S. territories still recognize Columbus Day in some form. However, only 20 states and two territories list it as a paid state holiday in 2026 for government employees.
Some states hold dual observances, while others have renamed the day altogether. The result is a diverse national map where one holiday can take many different shapes, depending on where you live.
Offices Closed October 12, 2026
Because Columbus Day remains a federal holiday, post offices and federal courts will close on October 12. Most major banks will also be closed, though stock markets will remain open.
State and local closures depend on local laws. For example, New York’s Department of Financial Services lists “Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day” among its official 2026 bank holidays, meaning financial institutions will probably be closed.
A Day of Reflection and Change
Whether it is called Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the second Monday in October continues to evolve. Each year, more states and communities reassess what the holiday means to them and how best to observe it.
In 2026, the two celebrations stand side by side, offering Americans a chance to reflect on discovery, identity, and a shared history that continues to unfold.
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