Public Service Notice: MLK Day Holiday Schedules and City Service Adjustments
Official City Holiday Observance
The City of San Antonio has announced that City Hall and most municipal offices will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. While administrative offices are closed, public safety and emergency services, including Police, Fire, and EMS, will remain fully operational. Residents requiring non-emergency assistance may contact the 3-1-1 Call Center, which will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours until 11 p.m. for urgent animal concerns or traffic signal malfunctions.
39th Annual MLK Jr. March and Transportation
San Antonio will host the nation’s largest MLK Day march starting at 10 a.m. at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy and concluding at Pittman-Sullivan Park. To facilitate attendance, VIA Metropolitan Transit is offering fare-free Park & Ride service from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Pickup locations include the Alamodome (Lot C) and St. Philip’s College (Lot 22). Return shuttle service from the park celebration will operate from 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. This year's event features keynote speaker Gabby Douglas and a headline performance by Coco Jones at the post-march celebration.
Waste Collection and Facility Closures
The Solid Waste Management Department has issued a holiday slide schedule for the week of January 19. There will be no garbage, recycling, or organics collection on Monday. All services will be delayed by one day: Monday collections will occur on Tuesday, Tuesday collections on Wednesday, and so forth, through Saturday. All bulky waste and household hazardous waste drop-off centers will be closed Monday, resuming normal operations on Tuesday, January 20. Additionally, the San Antonio Public Library system, Municipal Court, and Animal Care Services Lobby will be closed for the holiday, though city parks and trails remain open to the public.
Health and Weather Advisories
Metro Health has issued a high-level advisory following a significant spike in seasonal flu cases, with positivity rates reaching 17.74%. Health officials urge residents to take precautions during large outdoor gatherings and to seek vaccinations if they have not yet done so. Furthermore, following a recent cold front, the city reminds residents to protect the '4 P’s': People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants. Residents should check on vulnerable neighbors and ensure pets are brought indoors or provided with insulated shelter during the chilly morning hours.