Rhode Island Keeps Offices Closed for Columbus Day Holiday

Rhode Island residents faced holiday schedule changes on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, as Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day were observed, affecting state offices, schools, mail services and some businesses across the state.

Columbus Day is a federal holiday recognized across the United States, while Rhode Island also recognizes Indigenous Peoples' Day, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and state holiday information.

Federal offices and Rhode Island state offices, including courts, were closed for the holiday. Schools were also closed, with some exceptions, while many federal, state and private sector workers received paid holiday time off.

The United States Postal Service said post offices would not operate on Oct. 12 and regular mail delivery would not take place because of the federal holiday.

FedEx pickup and delivery services remained available on the holiday, with some early on-call and drop box pickups offered in certain areas, according to FedEx information. FedEx Office locations were also open.

UPS pickup and delivery services continued on Oct. 12, but UPS Ground Saver and UPS Mail Innovations deliveries were expected to face a one-day delay because of the USPS holiday. UPS Store locations remained open.

Bank operations varied during the holiday. Chase Bank branches remained open, although the company treated the day as a holiday for online transaction purposes, while TD Bank also remained open.

Financial markets followed a different schedule from government offices. The New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq and bond markets stayed open on Oct. 12, according to their regular holiday calendars.

Retail operations were largely unchanged, with major stores including Walmart, Target, Home Depot and Lowe's remaining open along with most grocery stores.

Waste collection schedules depended on local providers. Many neighborhoods delayed trash pickup by one day when the regular collection date fell on Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples' Day.