Dallas City Hall will close Monday, October 12, for what the city calls “Indigenous Peoples’ Day,” leaving Columbus Day out of its closure announcement as President Donald Trump honors the explorer.
Columbus Day remains the official federal holiday. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management lists Monday, October 12, as Columbus Day on its 2026 federal holiday schedule.
Dallas adopted its designation in 2019
Dallas City Council adopted a resolution October 8, 2019, declaring the second Monday in October Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
The resolution states that “recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead of Columbus Day will better reflect Dallas’ values of being welcoming and tolerant.”
Dallas’ official 2026 calendar lists October 12 under that designation. The city’s October 7 closure announcement also uses Indigenous Peoples’ Day without mentioning Columbus Day.
Trump honors Columbus
Trump’s October 7 proclamation explicitly designates October 12, 2026, as Columbus Day and directs the display of American flags on all public buildings to honor Columbus and those who contributed to building the nation.
“We are forever indebted to his courageous voyage, and we will never allow his legacy to be erased by radical extremists,” Trump wrote.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Trump’s 2025 proclamation also honored Columbus and called for flags on public buildings. Earlier DX reporting examined Columbus’ historical legacy and efforts to replace Columbus Day.
City facilities close Monday
City offices, Dallas Municipal Court, library branches, recreation centers and Park and Recreation maintenance facilities will close Monday. Library digital services will remain available.
The Office of Arts and Culture will close its administrative offices and cultural centers Monday, except for the Latino Cultural Center, which will close Tuesday, October 13, instead.
Dallas Water Utilities will close its administrative and customer service offices. Residents can report emergency water problems through 311.
Trash pickup and essential services continue
Garbage, recycling, and brush and bulky-item collections will continue on their regular schedules. The McCommas Bluff Landfill and transfer stations will maintain regular residential self-service disposal hours.
Dallas Animal Services will keep its shelter open during normal business hours, and animal services officers will continue responding to requests through 311.
The city’s 311 representatives will remain available. Residents can also submit non-emergency service requests through the online portal or mobile app.
