So, you're trying to figure out when to book that cabin or if you actually have a Monday off to sleep in. It happens every year. We hit September, the air gets that first little crisp bite, and suddenly everyone is Googling when is Columbus Day weekend because nobody can quite remember if it’s the second or third Monday of October.
In 2026, the long weekend officially kicks off on Friday, October 9, with the holiday itself landing on Monday, October 12.
It’s a weirdly timed break. It sits right in that sweet spot where the summer heat is a distant memory but the soul-crushing winter hasn't quite settled in yet. For a lot of people, especially in the Northeast, this is the "peak foliage" weekend. It’s also a point of massive confusion because of the shifting cultural landscape surrounding the holiday's name.
The math behind the Monday
Federal law dictates this. Since the Uniform Monday Holiday Act was signed in 1968 (and took effect in 1971), we don't celebrate on the actual anniversary of the 1492 landing. Instead, it’s always the second Monday in October.
Why?
Government efficiency. Basically, Congress decided that three-day weekends were better for morale and retail sales than random midweek holidays that disrupted the work week. So, if you're planning your 2026 getaway, just look at the calendar, find the first Monday, and skip to the next one. That’s your mark.
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Why knowing when is Columbus Day weekend is getting complicated
There is a massive shift happening in how we label this mid-October break. If you live in a place like South Dakota, New Mexico, or Maine, you might not even see "Columbus Day" on your local calendar anymore. They've pivoted to Indigenous Peoples' Day.
This isn't just a "woke" trend; it’s a legal reality that affects everything from bank hours to trash pickup. Currently, over a dozen states and hundreds of cities have officially made the switch. This matters for your travel plans. If you're heading to a state that celebrates Indigenous Peoples' Day, expect heavy crowds at cultural festivals and potentially different sets of closures than what you'd find in a state sticking to the traditional name.
Honest talk? Most people just call it "the long weekend in October" at this point.
What stays open and what shuts down
This is a federal holiday. That means the big stuff—post offices, federal courts, the Social Security Administration—will definitely be dark on Monday, October 12.
But retail? Retail never sleeps.
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In fact, the 2026 Columbus Day weekend is likely to be a massive shopping event. Think of it as the precursor to Black Friday. Major outlets like Macy’s and Wayfair usually drop "Fall Clearance" sales that are actually pretty decent if you need a new couch or a heavy coat.
- Banks: Most will be closed. Use the ATM on Sunday.
- Schools: This is a toss-up. Many districts now use this as a "Professional Development" day for teachers, giving kids the day off, while others power right through it. Check your specific district’s 2026-2027 calendar.
- Stock Market: Interestingly, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq usually stay open. If you’re a day trader, you don’t get a day off.
- National Parks: They are open, and usually very, very crowded.
The Leaf Peeper Factor
If you are asking when is Columbus Day weekend because you want to see the trees turn orange, you need to be strategic. 2026 is predicted to follow the trend of slightly delayed foliage due to warming autumns.
In the White Mountains of New Hampshire or the Adirondacks in New York, October 10-12 is usually "peak" or just past it. If you wait until the following weekend, you might just be looking at sticks.
Booking a rental? Do it now. Like, right now. Professional travelers usually book their October long weekend spots by May. By the time August rolls around, you're stuck with the overpriced "rustic" shack that doesn't have reliable heating.
The Travel Logistics of 2026
Flight prices for the mid-October corridor are notoriously volatile. According to historical data from Hopper and Google Flights, the "sweet spot" for booking a domestic flight for this specific weekend is roughly 45 to 60 days out.
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Don't expect many "deals" on flights to New England or Denver. These are high-demand hubs for this weekend. However, if you head south—say, to the Gulf Coast or Florida—you can actually find some of the lowest prices of the year because it's technically still hurricane season and the "snowbirds" haven't migrated yet.
A note on the "Italian-American" tradition
In cities like New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia, the weekend remains a massive celebration of Italian heritage. The NYC Columbus Day Parade is usually held on the Monday. If you're planning to be in Manhattan on October 12, 2026, Fifth Avenue will be a parking lot. Plan your Uber rides accordingly.
Actionable Steps for your 2026 October Weekend
If you want to actually enjoy the break instead of spending it stressed about closures or crowds, follow this checklist.
- Check the School Calendar: Before you book a non-refundable flight, verify if your kids actually have Monday, Oct 12 off. Some districts have swapped this holiday for a mid-November break instead.
- Reserve Rental Cars Early: There is a weird rental car shortage that tends to hit regional airports (like Burlington, VT or Portland, ME) during this specific weekend. Don't rely on ride-shares in rural leaf-peeping areas.
- Confirm Local Names: If you are searching for local events, search for both "Columbus Day events" and "Indigenous Peoples' Day festivals." You might miss a great local market or concert because you used the wrong search term for that specific region.
- Bank Ahead: Since it's a federal holiday, wire transfers and checks won't clear on Monday. If you have a mortgage payment or a big bill due on the 12th, handle it by the Thursday prior.
- Dining Reservations: For "peak foliage" towns, restaurants fill up weeks in advance. If you're eyeing a specific spot in Asheville or the Berkshires, get on OpenTable by early September.
The 2026 October long weekend is a bridge between seasons. Whether you're honoring heritage, celebrating indigenous culture, or just trying to find a trail that isn't packed with tourists, the timing is everything. Mark October 9-12 on your calendar and get the logistics out of the way so you can actually enjoy the crisp air.