Alexandria residents face a cascade of service changes and closures on October 12 as the city observes Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
When Monday, October 12, arrives, the rhythm of daily life in Alexandria will undergo a familiar, holiday-induced pause. Since 2019. the city has officially recognized the date as Indigenous Peoples’ Day—a shift from the federal Columbus Day holiday—and with it comes a significant realignment of government. school. and transit schedules.
Most city offices. including the Alexandria General District Court. Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. the Court Service Unit. the Circuit Court. the Clerk of Circuit Court. the Alexandria Health Department. the Flora Krause Casey Health Center. and Teen Wellness Center clinics. will shutter their doors for the day. Students at Alexandria City Public Schools will be off. as the date is set aside as a professional learning day for staff. Across the city, library branches and the Virginia DMV will also be closed.
Transportation will look different for commuters. DASH bus service moves to a Saturday-Sunday schedule, meaning lines 102, 103, and 104 will not operate at all. The King Street Trolley remains on its daily routine. running between the King Street Metro and City Hall/Market Square from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at 15-minute intervals. Metrorail will follow a weekend schedule from 5 a.m. to midnight, while Metrobus runs on a Saturday and supplemental schedule. While regular fares apply, those driving to Metro-owned lots can enjoy free parking. However, Metro Access subscription trips are canceled, and the Virginia Railway Express will not run.
Waste management services are pushed back by 24 hours, with collections sliding from Monday to Tuesday, and so on throughout the week. The Household Hazardous Waste Electronic Collection Drop-off Center will remain closed.
Not everything is coming to a halt. The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria opens its doors from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with adoptions beginning at noon. For animal emergencies or wildlife concerns, residents can reach 703-746-4444. Several recreation centers—Charles Houston, Chinquapin, and Patrick Henry—will welcome visitors from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Torpedo Factory Art Center operates from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., while Gadsby’s Tavern Museum and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum will be open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. All other Historic Alexandria museums will be closed.
Drivers will find a brief reprieve in parking enforcement: the Alexandria Police Department will not ticket for meter violations or residential permit infractions. However, temporary no-parking signs remain active. While the city’s impound lot is closed for the holiday and does not accrue fees. it should be noted that fees do continue to build over the weekend.
Despite the widespread closures, critical safety support remains accessible. The city continues to operate several 24/7 emergency hotlines: Child Protective Services (703-746-5800). Domestic Violence (703-746-4911). Emergency Mental Health and substance use crisis (703-746-3401). Adult Protective Services (703-746-5778 or 988). and the Sexual Assault Hotline (703-683-7273).
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