MLK Jr. Day a federal holiday? Yes, here’s what’s closed in Reno

By Carly Sauvageau and Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY NETWORK / Reno Gazette Journal

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is less than a week away. The federal holiday is held each year on the third Monday of January.

Several government offices — including post offices and city-owned pools — will be closed for the holiday. However, most major retailers are expected to remain open during their normal hours.

Though these closures are typical for federal holidays, there have been some changes to 2026’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Visitors will no longer receive free admission to national parks on Martin Luther King Jr. Day or Juneteenth this year.

Here’s a closer look at what will be open and closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, as well as why national park admission is no longer free on the holiday.

When is Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026?

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is on Jan. 19 this year.

Are pools closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day?

The Northwest and Evelyn Mount Northeast Community Center pools will be closed for the holiday. Moana Springs pools will have reduced holiday hours on Jan. 19, opening at 5:30 a.m. and closing at noon, according to the city’s recreation department website.

What is closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Nevada?

All state government offices are closed on Monday, including the Department of Motor Vehicles.

What banks are closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day?

Nevada State Bank, Heritage Bank of Nevada, Wells Fargo, Bank of America and Chase will be closed on Jan. 19.

Will post offices be closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day?

Yes, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday. All United States Postal Service post offices will be closed.

FedEx will be open but operating with modified services on the holiday.

Is Costco open on Martin Luther King Jr. Day?

Yes, Costco will be open on Jan. 19. It is not a holiday for the company.

Is Target open on MLK Jr. Day? Is Walmart open on MLK Jr. Day?

Major retailers, including Target and Walmart, are expected to remain open on the holiday.

How did MLK Jr. Day become a holiday?

Civil rights leaders and supporters of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy began pushing for a federal holiday in his honor just days after his assassination on April 4, 1968. However, it wasn’t until 15 years later that former President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill into law on Nov. 2, 1983. It took an additional two years for all 50 states to officially recognize MLK Day.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is always celebrated on the third Monday in January.

Can Trump cancel MLK Jr. Day?

Federal holidays are established by Congress and cannot be canceled by a president. However, presidents can issue executive orders that affect how holidays are observed, Asbury Park Press reports.

National parks will no longer offer free admission on Martin Luther King Jr. Day or Juneteenth, but visitors will receive free entry on President Donald Trump’s birthday in June.

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect