Indiana and Ohio government offices close Monday
All federal and state offices in Indiana will be closed Monday, Oct. 12. In Indianapolis, City-County offices will also close in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Similarly, Ohio state offices will be closed, though the Canton Rep reports that general city administrative offices in Canton will remain open, with the exception of Council offices and courts.
Indiana’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will be closed from Saturday, Oct. 10, through Monday, Oct. 12. Residents can still use 24-hour BMV Connect kiosks for certain transactions. In Indianapolis, all branches of the Indianapolis Public Library will close on Monday.
USPS closes while private carriers maintain service
The United States Postal Service will be closed on Oct. 12, and no mail will be delivered. The Canton Rep notes that customers can still use self-service kiosks at select locations or order stamps via usps.com.
Private carriers will maintain varying levels of service:
- UPS: Delivery and pickup services remain available. However, UPS Ground Saver and UPS Mail Innovations deliveries will require one additional business day in transit.
- FedEx: The company will operate on modified hours. FedEx Office locations will remain open, though the Canton Rep reports possible delays in express and ground economy deliveries.
- Amazon: Customers should expect no difference in service, according to the Canton Rep.
Most banks close but major retailers remain open
Most banks will close Monday. The Canton Rep specifically identifies Bank of America, PNC Bank, Fifth Third Bank, KeyBank, First Financial Bank, and U.S. Bank as closed. Chase and Huntington will remain open, though they will operate with limited or delayed service.
The stock market will operate on regular hours, but the bond market will be closed. Most major retailers—including Walmart, Target, CVS, Kroger, Meijer, and Aldi—will remain open for business.
School closures vary while trash pickup continues
School closures vary by district. Indianapolis Public Schools will be closed Monday as the district begins its fall break. In Ohio, the Canton Rep reports that most public school districts remain open, though parents are encouraged to verify individual district schedules.
Trash pickup in Indianapolis will follow its normal schedule. The Canton Rep reports that trash pickup in Canton will also proceed as normal, though other localities may see changes to public services.
Origins of the Dual Observance
Columbus Day became a national holiday in 1937 to recognize the contributions of Italian-Americans. Indigenous Peoples’ Day commemorates the history and culture of Native Americans, often serving as an alternative to Columbus Day due to the violence and slavery Christopher Columbus used against native populations starting in 1492.
The recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day varies by region. South Dakota first recognized the holiday in 1989. By 2019, the Pew Research Center found that the District of Columbia, Maine, New Mexico, and Vermont had replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Common Questions About October Holidays
When is the holiday observed each year?
Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day are always observed on the second Monday of October. In 2027, the date will be Oct. 11.
Which specific banks in Ohio are staying open?
According to the Canton Rep, Chase and Huntington will be open on Oct. 12, though they will provide limited or delayed services.
Are there any BMV services available during the closure?
While physical branches are closed, Indiana residents can use 24-hour BMV Connect kiosks or complete transactions online via IN.gov/BMV.
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