More ‘No Kings’ anti-Trump protests planned across California. See when and where
Protesters are gathering across California once more to rally against President Donald Trump and his administration’s policies.
Months after “No Kings Day” demonstrations drew millions of participants across the United States, community members will come together on Saturday, Oct. 18, to peacefully protest Trump’s “authoritarian actions and power grabs,” organizers said in an Oct. 11 news release.
“Together, millions will send a clear and unmistakable message: we are a nation of equals, and our country will not be ruled by fear or force,” No Kings organizers said in the release.
As of Monday, Oct. 13, more than 2,500 No Kings events were planned in all 50 states, organizers said Monday, including dozens in cities throughout California.
Here’s what to know:
What is No Kings Day?
Organizers described No Kings as a “nationwide day of defiance.”
“From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, we’re taking action to reject authoritarianism — and show the world what democracy really looks like,” organizers said on the official No Kings website.
Several grassroots political organizations — including the American Civil Liberties Union, American Federation of Teachers and League of Conservation Voters — have partnered with protest organizers.
No Kings protesters previously gathered for anti-Trump demonstrations on June 14 — the same day as a massive military parade in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday. The lavish event, which cost an estimated $45 million, coincided with Trump’s 79th birthday.
More than five million people participated in the June day of action, No Kings organizers said.
Why are people protesting President Trump?
Demonstrators will gather on Saturday, Oct. 18, to protest “violent authoritarian attacks” on American freedoms, organizers said, including the deployment of federal troops to Los Angeles, Chicago and other U.S. cities.
The Trump administration is targeting immigrant families and “profiling, arresting and detaining people without warrants,” No Kings organizers said.
Other reasons for the Oct. 18 protest include the Trump administration’s “gutting” of environmental protections and education, the release said.
Where are No Kings events planned in California?
No Kings protests will be held at cities across California on Saturday, Oct. 18, including the following events:
Fresno: 9 to 11 a.m., Manchester Center, 1901 East Shields Ave.
Los Angeles: 10 a.m. to noon, Unidad Park & Community Garden at 1644 Beverly Blvd.
Merced: 10 a.m to noon, Courthouse Park, M and West 21st streets.
Modesto: Noon to 3 p.m. at Standiford Park, 401 Tokay Ave.
Sacramento: 10 a.m. to noon, California State Capitol, West Steps, 1315 10th St.
Santa Barbara: Noon to 3 p.m., Alameda Park, 1400 Santa Barbara St.
San Diego: 10 a.m. to noon, Civic Center Plaza, 1200 Third Ave.
San Francisco: 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., Market Street and Steuart Street.
San Jose: Noon to 2 p.m., North Second Street and East Saint James Street
San Luis Obispo: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 1000 Monterey St.
Ventura: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Ventura County Government Center, 800 South Victoria Ave.
What are my rights as a protester in California?
According to the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California, the First Amendment protects the right to organize a protest, express your opinion and photograph events while on public property.
“The First Amendment and the California Constitution protects your right to expressive speech,” Chessie Thacher, a senior staff attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California, previously told The Sacramento Bee.
“That means that you have the right to say what you want to say, but with exceptions,” Thacher said.
Those exceptions include true threats, defamation, harassment and obscenities.
When can police interfere with protests?
When protesters fail to comply with legal restrictions, such as evoking violence, law enforcement can intervene, the ACLU website says.
“Civil disobedience is a public, nonviolent, conscientious yet political act contrary to law, usually aimed at bringing about a change of the law or government policy,” as defined by the U.S. Department of Justice.
However, “civil disobedience is not protected speech under the Constitution,” the UCLA Police Department said.
An act of civil disobedience includes sitting on a public road to block traffic.
This story was originally published October 14, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
