What to Expect From Indigenous Peoples’ Day Closures

What is closed for Indigenous Peoples’ Day on October 12?

The holiday falls on Monday, October 12, 2026. Alexandria, Virginia, says its government offices will be closed that day. Its published list also includes local courts and related offices, library branches, health facilities and the Virginia DMV. ¹

Harrisonburg, Virginia, also plans to close its city offices. Its service schedule includes changes to waste collection and recycling. ⁴ These examples apply to those communities; they do not establish the schedule for every city or town.

• Alexandria government offices and the listed courts, library locations, health services and DMV: closed. ¹
• Harrisonburg city offices: closed. ⁴

Will schools, trash pickup or recycling change?

Alexandria City Public Schools will not hold regular student classes on October 12. The date is set aside for students, while staff have a professional learning day. ¹

In Harrisonburg, the trash route normally served on Monday will be collected Tuesday, October 13. Bulk and yard debris collection will not take place on either Monday or Tuesday. The city’s Recycling Convenience Center and Recycling Mobile Unit are also listed as closed Monday. ⁴

• Harrisonburg residents can use the ReCollect online scheduling system to arrange bulk and yard debris collection, according to the report. ⁴

How can I check my local holiday schedule?

Look for a holiday notice from your city or county, school district, or waste provider. Search using your place name and terms such as “Indigenous Peoples’ Day” or “October 12 schedule.” For a particular office, check that office’s own announcement before travelling.

Local news stories can point to changes, but they may cover only some services. The sources available here describe Alexandria, Harrisonburg and a brief notice about Aberdeen, South Dakota. ¹²⁴ They are not a complete directory of closures across the country.

Are all offices and services closed?

No. Schedules can differ even within one city. In Alexandria, for example, the Animal Welfare League plans to open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with adoptions beginning at noon. ¹ Check directly with a service before setting out.

A report from Aberdeen says some businesses and agencies will close for Native American Day, but the available information does not name all of them. ² The sources do not give a full schedule for federal or state offices, businesses, banks or postal services.

What should residents do before making plans?

Confirm the details that affect you: whether an office is open, whether an appointment is still scheduled, and whether waste or recycling collection has moved. An office’s own notice or a direct call can help clarify details that are missing from a general city announcement.

The reports show that holiday arrangements are local and service-specific. They do not provide a complete nationwide list, so residents should verify schedules with the relevant local government or provider.