Public Notice: Official Holiday Service Schedules and MLK Day 2026 Observances
Public Notice: Official Holiday Service Schedules and MLK Day 2026 Observances
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 19, 2026, the City of Austin has announced several modifications to municipal services, facility hours, and public transit schedules. Residents are encouraged to review these official notices to ensure a smooth transition during the holiday weekend and to plan accordingly for the citywide march and festival activities.
Administrative Offices and Utility Payments
Most City of Austin administrative offices and municipal facilities will be closed on Monday, January 19. Normal business hours are scheduled to resume on Tuesday, January 20. While physical offices are closed, utility customers can still manage their accounts and make payments. Payments can be processed through the City of Austin Utilities website or by using the automated phone system. In-person utility payments remain available at authorized third-party retail locations, including most local H-E-B, CVS, Randall’s, and Walmart stores.
Austin Resource Recovery Schedule
Curbside collections for trash, recycling, and composting will not be affected by the MLK Day holiday. Austin Resource Recovery customers should place their bins at the curb by 5:30 a.m. on their regularly scheduled collection day. While curbside pickup remains on schedule, the Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center will be closed to the public on Monday. For residents managing winter debris, the Hornsby Bend Biosolids Management Plant will remain open for yard trimmings and large brush drop-offs during its standard holiday hours of 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
CapMetro Transit and Community March Detours
CapMetro will operate on a Saturday-level service schedule on Monday, January 19. Under this adjusted schedule, there will be no MetroRail, UT Shuttle, or Express bus service. Transit users should prepare for significant detours in the downtown area to accommodate the MLK Community March and Festival. Impacted bus routes include 2, 5, 7, 10, and 837. The march is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Texas State Capitol steps and conclude at Huston-Tillotson University by 3:00 p.m. Passengers are advised to expect delays and use the mobile app to locate temporary boarding zones.
Parks, Libraries, and Public Health
All Austin Public Library branches will be closed on both Sunday, January 18, and Monday, January 19. While Parks and Recreation Department offices and recreation centers will be closed, city parks, golf courses, and cemeteries will remain open for public use. Barton Springs Pool will be available for "swim at your own risk" sessions, although other year-round municipal pools will be closed. Additionally, Austin Public Health reminds residents that we are currently in peak flu and allergy season. Health officials urge the community to stay up to date on vaccinations and exercise caution during large public gatherings.