Los Angeles Holiday Guide: What Closes and What Stays Open for Indigenous People’s Day / Columbus Day

Los Angeles will observe Indigenous People’s Day and Columbus Day on Monday, which means a number of municipal services, public facilities and private businesses will operate on modified schedules or remain closed. This guide breaks down the likely closures, transit adjustments, community activities and planning tips so residents and visitors can prepare for the day.

Major Closures to Expect

City and county offices typically shut down for the holiday, and many public-facing services will not be available for in-person visits. If you have errands planned that require staffing—such as appointments at municipal agencies—reschedule or complete them before the holiday to avoid delays.

• Los Angeles City Hall and most municipal administrative offices – closed
• Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) branches – closed for in-person services
• Public libraries across Los Angeles County – closed or operating on limited hours
• Post Offices – most U.S. Postal Service locations observe federal holidays and will be closed
• Community centers, recreation programs and many municipal pools – closed or canceled

Public Transit: What Riders Should Know

Transit agencies often run altered schedules on holidays. LA Metro and other regional transit providers commonly operate on a holiday or Sunday timetable rather than their regular weekday service. Although emergency transit and essential routes remain available, frequency is reduced and some express or shuttle services may not operate.

Tip: LA Metro normally carries hundreds of thousands of trips on a typical weekday; expect lower ridership and fewer departures on the holiday, so plan trips in advance and check live schedules on the LA Metro website or app.

Essential Services That Continue

Public safety and emergency response (police, fire and ambulance services) remain active throughout the holiday. Utility operations—water, power and emergency repairs—also continue to respond to outages or urgent calls. If you require emergency assistance, always call the usual numbers.

Quick Reference: Common Services and Holiday Status

How Local Businesses and Cultural Organizations Are Responding

Across Los Angeles, responses vary. Some independent businesses close to allow staff to attend community gatherings or observe the day, while others remain open and host events—lectures, film screenings, artisan markets and food pop-ups that spotlight Indigenous cultures and histories. Museums and cultural centers sometimes offer curated programs that amplify tribal voices and local Indigenous artists.

Rather than typical storefront promotions, many restaurants and shops focus on educational or community-first programming. Consider supporting Indigenous-owned businesses, attending educational events or donating to local tribal organizations as meaningful ways to engage.

Weekend Planning Tips: Avoid Interruptions

If you have plans that require municipal services, handle them before Monday. Here are practical actions to minimize holiday disruption:

• Return library books and pick up holds before the holiday to avoid fines or missed pickups.
• Complete DMV transactions or schedule appointments on a business day prior to the holiday.
• Confirm hours with banks, medical offices and any private businesses you plan to visit.
• Expect transit to run less frequently—allow extra travel time or arrange alternate transportation (ride-hailing, bike, carpool).
• Use official websites and apps (LA Metro, City of Los Angeles, USPS) for up-to-date service notices.

Alternatives and Activities to Consider

If you’re looking for things to do over the long weekend that don’t depend on city services, consider outdoor and self-guided options that showcase the region’s natural and cultural assets:

• Explore local hiking trails or coastal paths—Griffith Park, Santa Monica Bay and the Palos Verdes coastline are popular choices.
• Visit museums with ongoing Indigenous exhibits—check institutions’ sites for any special programming.
• Attend farmers markets or neighborhood street fairs that often operate on weekends.
• Seek out community-hosted events or Indigenous-led workshops that focus on storytelling, crafts and traditional knowledge.

Final Notes: Stay Informed

Holiday observances can vary by agency and neighborhood, so verify the status of specific services and businesses before you go. For official updates, check the LA Metro live alerts, the City of Los Angeles website, the County of Los Angeles service pages and the U.S. Postal Service notice board. Local news outlets—including NBC Los Angeles—will also publish compiled closure lists and any last-minute changes.

Planning ahead will help you avoid inconvenience and give you more opportunity to participate in— or respectfully observe—the many community events honoring Indigenous peoples on this day.