Massachusetts, October 10, 2025
News Summary
On October 13, Massachusetts will commemorate either Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day, depending on local municipality choices. Boston and many other cities will observe Indigenous Peoples Day, while state and federal law maintains Columbus Day. Public offices, schools, and libraries will be closed, but retail businesses can operate at their discretion. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority will run on a weekend schedule, and local events include a revived Columbus Day Parade in Springfield.
Boston
Massachusetts prepares for varied Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day observances on October 13, 2025
October 13 will be recognized as either Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day, depending on the municipality in Massachusetts. Boston and some cities celebrate it as Indigenous Peoples Day, while state and federal law officially recognizes it as Columbus Day. Observed holiday is on Monday, October 13, 2025.
What will change for residents and services
The holiday will affect public offices, schools, and many services across Massachusetts. Municipal, state, and federal offices will be closed. Schools will be closed for the holiday. Libraries will be closed. Banks will be closed on this day. The stock market will remain open. US post offices will be closed, with express delivery options available.
Retail and hospitality businesses will largely decide their own hours. Retail stores will be open at the discretion of owners. Liquor stores are open at the discretion of owners. Supermarkets will also open at owners’ discretion. Convenience stores are open at the owner’s discretion. Taverns and bars will be open at the discretion of owners.
Transportation options will change. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) will operate on a weekend schedule, including all five subway lines, Commuter Rail lines, buses, and The RIDE. Commuter boat service is split: Hingham and Charlestown commuter boats will operate on a weekday schedule. In Boston, parking meter enforcement will pause for the holiday but other rules remain in effect: In Boston, parking meters will not be enforced; however, all other parking rules will apply.
Local events and observances
Cities and towns will mark the day in different ways. The Sons and Daughters of Italy are reviving the Columbus Day Parade in Springfield after a 20-year hiatus, scheduled for 2 PM on Sunday from Stonewall Bridge to the Columbus and Italian American Veterans Memorial Statue, featuring 58 marching units and floats. Municipalities including Boston will hold Indigenous Peoples Day observances or related events where applicable.
Context and recent trends
Historical and national context frames local choices. Columbus Day was established by Congress in 1968, effective from 1971, and is typically celebrated on the second Monday of October. Over recent years, jurisdictions have reconsidered the holiday: Over the past decade, more states have moved to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day, either replacing or adding to Columbus Day observance. At the state and local level across the country, Approximately 23 states and Washington D.C. have either replaced or added Indigenous Peoples Day. Additionally, Around 130 cities and multiple school districts celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day instead of or alongside Columbus Day. A related federal measure has not advanced in Congress: A bill known as the “Indigenous Peoples’ Day Act” was reintroduced in the 118th Congress but has stalled.
This mix of observances and choices creates a patchwork across Massachusetts, where state and federal calendars list Columbus Day but many municipalities and communities choose Indigenous Peoples Day or dual recognition.
Practical reminders
- Plan for closed government offices, libraries, and banks.
- Expect retailers, supermarkets, liquor and convenience stores, and taverns to decide hours individually.
- Use MBTA services on a weekend schedule for most transit; check commuter boat schedules for Hingham and Charlestown.
- Parking meters in Boston will not be enforced, but other parking regulations remain in force.
- Mail delivery from US post offices will not operate on the holiday except for express services.
Background
The second Monday of October has served as the federal observance since 1971 under a 1968 law. Over the past decade, an increasing number of states, cities and school districts have opted to rename or add Indigenous Peoples Day to recognize Indigenous histories and communities. The federal legislative effort to establish Indigenous Peoples Day nationwide has seen a measure reintroduced but not advanced in the 118th Congress.
FAQ
Will October 13 be observed as Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day in Massachusetts?
October 13 will be recognized as either Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day, depending on the municipality in Massachusetts.
Does Massachusetts state law recognize one name over the other?
Boston and some cities celebrate it as Indigenous Peoples Day, while state and federal law officially recognizes it as Columbus Day.
When is the observed holiday?
Observed holiday is on Monday, October 13, 2025.
Will banks and government offices be open?
Banks will be closed on this day. Municipal, state, and federal offices will be closed.
Are retail and convenience stores open?
Retail stores will be open at the discretion of owners. Convenience stores are open at the owner’s discretion. Supermarkets will also open at owners’ discretion. Liquor stores are open at the discretion of owners. Taverns and bars will be open at the discretion of owners.
What about mail and the post office?
US post offices will be closed, with express delivery options available.
Will public transit run?
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) will operate on a weekend schedule, including all five subway lines, Commuter Rail lines, buses, and The RIDE. Hingham and Charlestown commuter boats will operate on a weekday schedule.
Are parking meters enforced in Boston?
In Boston, parking meters will not be enforced; however, all other parking rules will apply.
Is the stock market open?
The stock market will remain open.
Are there any parades or local events?
The Sons and Daughters of Italy are reviving the Columbus Day Parade in Springfield after a 20-year hiatus, scheduled for 2 PM on Sunday from Stonewall Bridge to the Columbus and Italian American Veterans Memorial Statue, featuring 58 marching units and floats.
How common is Indigenous Peoples Day nationally?
Over the past decade, more states have moved to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day, either replacing or adding to Columbus Day observance. Approximately 23 states and Washington D.C. have either replaced or added Indigenous Peoples Day. Around 130 cities and multiple school districts celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day instead of or alongside Columbus Day. A bill known as the “Indigenous Peoples’ Day Act” was reintroduced in the 118th Congress but has stalled.
Quick reference table
| Service or item | Status on Monday, October 13, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Observed name | October 13 will be recognized as either Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples Day, depending on the municipality in Massachusetts. |
| State/federal designation | Boston and some cities celebrate it as Indigenous Peoples Day, while state and federal law officially recognizes it as Columbus Day. |
| Government offices | Municipal, state, and federal offices will be closed. |
| Schools | Schools will be closed for the holiday. |
| Banks | Banks will be closed on this day. |
| Stock market | The stock market will remain open. |
| Retail, supermarkets, convenience | Retail stores will be open at the discretion of owners. Supermarkets will also open at owners’ discretion. Convenience stores are open at the owner’s discretion. |
| Liquor stores, taverns, bars | Liquor stores are open at the discretion of owners. Taverns and bars will be open at the discretion of owners. |
| MBTA | The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) will operate on a weekend schedule, including all five subway lines, Commuter Rail lines, buses, and The RIDE. |
| Commuter boats (Hingham/Charlestown) | Hingham and Charlestown commuter boats will operate on a weekday schedule. |
| Parking in Boston | In Boston, parking meters will not be enforced; however, all other parking rules will apply. |
| US post offices | US post offices will be closed, with express delivery options available. |
| Local parade | The Sons and Daughters of Italy are reviving the Columbus Day Parade in Springfield after a 20-year hiatus, scheduled for 2 PM on Sunday from Stonewall Bridge to the Columbus and Italian American Veterans Memorial Statue, featuring 58 marching units and floats. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Boston Globe: What’s Open & Closed on Indigenous Peoples Day/Columbus Day
- MassLive: Columbus Day Parade Returns to Springfield
- Patriot Ledger: What’s Open and Closed on Columbus Day
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Columbus Day
- WWLP: It is Still Called Columbus 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.
