Little Rock, Arkansas – Residents in Little Rock will find many local government doors closed at the start of the week as the city pauses to mark an important day of remembrance and national reflection. City officials announced that all municipal offices will shut down on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, in recognition of Daisy Gatson Bates Day and Presidents’ Day.
The annual observance honors civil rights leader Daisy Gatson Bates while also coinciding with the federal holiday dedicated to past U.S. presidents. For many in the community, the day carries both historical weight and practical impacts, especially when it comes to city services.
One of the most noticeable changes will affect household waste collection. Residents who normally expect their residential trash pickup on Monday should plan for a delay. According to the city, “Monday’s residential trash collection and WM recycling pickup will be Tuesday.” That shift will also ripple through the rest of the week.
Because of the holiday schedule, all trash and recycling routes will run one day later than usual for the remainder of the week. For example, Tuesday collections will move to Wednesday, Wednesday routes to Thursday, and so on. City leaders are urging residents to keep this adjustment in mind to avoid confusion or missed pickups.
Officials say the temporary closure is routine for major holidays but also serves as a reminder of the significance behind the date. Daisy Gatson Bates played a central role in the civil rights movement, and her legacy remains closely tied to Little Rock’s identity and history.
Despite the office closures, emergency services will continue operating without interruption, ensuring public safety remains fully staffed and active.
City leaders encourage residents to plan ahead for any business that typically requires in-person visits to municipal offices. Regular operations are expected to resume on Tuesday, Feb. 17, when offices reopen and normal service schedules begin to return—aside from the adjusted sanitation routes still catching up from the holiday pause.
