A federal holiday doesn’t always mean an empty grocery store parking lot.
This year, Columbus Day falls on Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, giving many federal workers a three-day weekend.
And whether you’re using that extra time to stock the kitchen or you suddenly realize you’re missing something for dinner, Kroger shoppers should still be able to make a grocery run.
With holiday shopping, everyday deals, and a weekend to cater, big retailers like Kroger remain shoppers’ best bet to shop for that last-minute item.
Is Kroger open on Columbus Day 2026?
Most Kroger stores are expected to be open on Columbus Day.
Kroger has not announced a companywide Columbus Day closure for Oct. 12.
Store hours, however, vary by location, so shoppers should check Kroger’s official store locator before heading out.
Many Kroger locations open early in the morning and remain open into the evening, but there isn’t one operating schedule that applies to every store.
Pharmacies can also follow different hours from the supermarket itself.
That’s particularly important on holidays, when a grocery store may remain open while its pharmacy operates reduced hours or closes.
Pharmacy hours at Kroger already vary: the pharmacy closes at 8 pm, while the grocery store is open late until 11 pm during regular operating hours.
Kroger changes its operating hours for some holidays
Kroger does publish special hours when major holidays affect its schedule.
That makes checking the schedule important, even when a Kroger supermarket isn’t closing for an entire holiday.
Kroger usually closes only on Christmas Day, whereas on holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve, it closes early depending on the location.
With over 2,700 stores under different banners, Kroger has been working hard to become a one-stop shop for its customers.
It has also been leveraging technological advancements in artificial intelligence to make shopping easier and less time-consuming.
And add to it availability on most holidays, it makes life easier for every kind of shopper- from the planner to the procrastinator.
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