Rochester City Hall and multiple administrative offices will close Monday, October 13 in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Rochester, New York – Most of Rochester’s government offices will take a pause on Monday, Oct. 13, as the city observes Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a holiday recognizing the history, culture, and resilience of Indigenous communities across the nation.

City Hall and a number of administrative offices will close for the day, including the Rochester Public Libraries, Rochester Animal Services, Neighborhood Service Centers, R-Centers, and the Honorable Loretta C. Scott Center for Human Services at 57 St. Paul Street. City officials noted that the closure is part of the city’s continued effort to honor the day with respect and reflection.

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While in-person services will not be available, essential public works operations will continue as normal. Residents will not see any changes to their refuse and recycling pickup schedules, and city sanitation crews will operate on the regular collection timetable.

The city’s 311 Call Center will also remain available to the public, running its standard hours from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. “The 311 Call Center will be open normal hours from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 13,” officials confirmed. This will ensure that residents can still access non-emergency assistance or report issues throughout the day.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which replaces the federal observance of Columbus Day in many municipalities, serves as an opportunity to acknowledge the deep-rooted contributions of Native peoples and the importance of preserving their traditions. For Rochester, it’s a moment not only of commemoration but also of learning and appreciation.

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City leaders encourage residents to take the day to reflect on the region’s Indigenous heritage and to engage with educational resources or local cultural events that honor Native American history. Although public facilities will be closed, many community organizations throughout the area plan to recognize the holiday through discussions, art exhibits, and family activities that celebrate Indigenous voices and stories.

Normal city operations and public hours are expected to resume on Tuesday, Oct. 14.