Columbus Day2026 · Date · History
5 U.S.C. §6103
About Columbus Day
Columbus Day is a United States federal holiday designated in 5 U.S.C. §6103(a) for the second Monday in October. It falls on October 12, 2026, and October 11, 2027.
The federal name and leave rules do not imply that every state, school, tribal government, business or community uses that name or closes on the date. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is separately recognized in some jurisdictions.
Why Columbus Day matters
The holiday is part of a contested historical conversation about European exploration, colonization and the experiences of Indigenous peoples.
A useful guide explains the federal legal name and schedule accurately while acknowledging alternative observances and differing community perspectives.
History of Columbus Day
Federal law lists Columbus Day by name as the second Monday in October. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management publishes October 12, 2026 and October 11, 2027 in its current federal holiday schedule.
The federal holiday is not identical to an assertion about the historical day Columbus arrived, nor does the law establish one uniform practice for every jurisdiction or employer.
How the observance developed
This timeline uses documented milestones from reviewed sources. Missing stages are left out rather than guessed.
United States Congress
5 U.S.C. §6103(a)
U.S. Office of Personnel Management for federal employee schedules; other bodies separately decide local observance
OPM federal calendar and law; no nationally single cultural organizer.
What the evidence establishes
Confirmed institutional roles and milestones are shown first. Details that could not be established from the reviewed sources are listed separately below.
5 fields not established in reviewed sources
How to Observe Columbus Day
Check your own jurisdiction, school and workplace calendars for observed names and closures.
Read historical accounts by Indigenous communities and other scholars alongside civic sources.
Use respectful language when discussing the holiday’s contested history.
Columbus Day Facts
5 U.S.C. §6103(a) establishes the federal second-Monday-in-October date.
OPM lists Columbus Day on Monday, October 12, 2026.
OPM lists Columbus Day on Monday, October 11, 2027.
Topic and context
What this page does not assume
- Keep the source-defined country, community, organizer or institutional scope; do not silently broaden it.
- Do not treat the title alone as proof of government recognition or public-holiday status.
- Do not add a creator, founding story or origin claim unless the supporting evidence establishes it.
- Remembrance Civic Context Care.
Evidence & sources
Sources used across the guide are gathered here. Labels show how each source supports the page, and contextual references are kept separate from primary evidence.
OPM statutory FAQ (opens in a new tab)
U.S. Code — 5 USC §6103 (opens in a new tab)
Federal Statute
OPM 2026/2027 schedule (opens in a new tab)
Understand it, compare it, then explore further
Start with the most common factual questions, then compare closely related observances and explore useful connections.
Frequently asked questions
When is Columbus Day?
Second Monday in October The documented recurrence rule is: Second Monday in October.
Does Columbus Day fall on the same date every year?
It follows a recurring calendar rule, so the Gregorian date can change from year to year.
Is Columbus Day an official public holiday?
Within the reviewed scope, it is identified as United States — federal legal public holiday. That status is not automatically extended to other countries or jurisdictions.
Who established or recognizes Columbus Day?
The reviewed sources identify United States Congress as the proclaiming or establishing body. Current facilitation or coordination is recorded as U.S. Office of Personnel Management for federal employee schedules; other bodies separately decide local observance.
Is Columbus Day international or country-specific?
No single country is assigned to this observance. Its documented scope is: United States — federal legal public holiday. Use that scope rather than assuming worldwide or country-specific status.
How is this page verified?
The factual information is checked against reviewed sources, including the date pattern, scope and institutional history. This page was checked on 2026-09-06.
When is Columbus Day 2026?
Monday, October 12, 2026, under the U.S. federal rule.
When is Columbus Day 2027?
Monday, October 11, 2027.
Is it a federal holiday?
Yes. It is designated under 5 U.S.C. §6103(a), with federal employee holiday rules.
Do all states and communities use the same name?
No. State, local and tribal recognition varies, and some observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Other observances on October 11
These observances are also listed on October 11, 2027.
International Day of the Girl Child
A/RES/66/170
National Coming Out Day
Human Rights Campaign material verifies October 11, 1988 as the first National Coming Out Day, Jean O’Leary and Dr. Robert Eichberg as organizers/co-founders, the first-anniversary-of-the-1…
National Heroes Day
The Bahamas National Heroes Act designates the second Monday in October as National Heroes Day and a public holiday.
Sports Day
Japan’s Act on National Holidays names Sports Day and sets it on the second Monday in October.