By Kole Meschke
Grand Rapids will host another set of No Kings demonstrations on Saturday, Oct. 18, including a community festival and a protest march, designed to highlight resistance, unity, and local engagement in a growing national struggle.
At 11 a.m., Indivisible Greater Grand Rapids will organize its “Community Festival” at the South end of Riverside Park, near 2001 Monroe Avenue NE. At 1 p.m., SPARC (Solidarity, Progress, Action, and Resistance Collective) will commence its protest and march at Rosa Parks Circle.
The organizers of the No Kings Community Festival have planned family-friendly events.
“This festival aims to provide entertainment, community group action tables, and various activities for adults and children to foster a sense of hope and community in a nation devoid of kings,” organizers stated in a press release.
Additionally, there will be a food drive to collect donations for SECOM. Ballot signing will also be held to support Invest In MI Kids, Ranked Choice Voting, and Michiganders for Money Out of Politics.
Organizers for the demonstration at Rosa Parks Circle emphasized that the movement continues to grow in size and spirit.
“Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger,” the event website states. “‘No Kings’ is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together.”
They added that a core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. Participants are urged to de-escalate any potential confrontation and act lawfully at all times. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.
“The president thinks his rule is absolute,” the statement continued. “But in America, we don’t have kings—and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty. Grow our movement and join us.”
