News Summary
On October 13, Massachusetts recognizes Columbus Day as a federal holiday, but cities like Boston and Worcester also honor it as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Public schools and government offices will be closed, although many businesses, including major retailers, will remain open. Transport services will operate on adjusted schedules, and some museums will offer free admission to residents. While discussions about the holiday’s name continue, it highlights a growing acknowledgment of indigenous history and culture in the state.
Boston – October 13, 2025, is a federal holiday in Massachusetts, marking the observance of Columbus Day. However, certain cities and towns, including Boston and Worcester, recognize this day as Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Despite ongoing discourse surrounding the holiday’s name, previous attempts to change its designation statewide have been unsuccessful.
On this holiday, Massachusetts public schools will be closed, along with all municipal, state, and federal government offices. The courts are also closed on October 13. The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) offices and service center locations across the state will not operate on this day.
While public institutions close, various businesses will remain operational. Many stores and supermarkets, including major retail chains such as Aldi, Costco, CVS, Target, and Walmart, are allowed to open for business. Liquor stores can also remain open, and restaurants and bars have the option to operate normally. However, most banks will be closed on this day, including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Capital One, and Citibank branches. Nonetheless, Chase Bank will remain open, but will treat the day as a holiday for online transactions.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) will operate its subways and buses on a Saturday schedule, while the Commuter Rail and ferry services will follow a weekday timetable on October 13. Notably, parking meters in Boston will be free with no time limit on this holiday.
In the arts sector, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston will offer free admission to Massachusetts residents on October 13. Similarly, the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston and the Worcester Art Museum will also provide complimentary access to visitors.
For residents planning their day, it is recommended to check with local cannabis dispensaries as they may choose to operate or remain closed on October 13. The United States Postal Service (USPS) will be closed, resulting in no regular mail delivery, although FedEx and UPS will operate, albeit with potential delays due to the holiday.
Trash collection services may also be impacted by the holiday, leading to possible delays in local trash pickups scheduled for October 13.
Columbus Day is one of twelve federal holidays recognized in the United States, observed annually on the second Monday in October. Despite its designation, discussions regarding the recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day continue to resonate throughout Massachusetts and beyond, illustrating a growing acknowledgment of indigenous history and cultures.
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Additional Resources
- MassLive: What’s Opened & Closed in Mass on Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2025
- Wikipedia: Columbus Day
- CBS News: Open/Closed on Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day
- Google Search: Columbus Day 2025
- WPRI: Do RI and Mass Recognize Both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Indigenous Peoples’ Day
- Telegram: Are Banks, Post Offices, and Stores Open in Massachusetts?
- Google News: Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2025
- Patch: What’s Open & Closed on Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Massachusetts
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
