Reporting by Daniella Segura, USA Today Network/Palm Springs Desert Sun
Thousands of “No Kings” events are planned nationwide this weekend.
The events, though, are taking a slightly different approach than previous installments, which drew millions nationwide in opposition to what organizers described as executive overreach.
October’s events will encourage people to vote early ahead of the midterm elections.
“Millions took to the streets last year and gathered for one of the largest single-day, nonviolent direct actions in U.S. history in March,” organizers said in a Sept. 8 news release. “‘No Kings: Vote Early’ is the next step in this growing movement, making sure we use our collective power at the ballot box for the future we want for our families, communities, and country.”
Organizers say the day’s events “will look very different,” with activities ranging from block parties and rallies to walks to the polls, all sharing the goal of “making sure every eligible voter has a plan to vote early (where possible), knows their options for how to vote, and is ready to make their voice count by casting their ballot.”
Here’s what to know about the upcoming “No Kings” events planned in California.
When is ‘No Kings: Vote Early’ planned for?
“No Kings: Vote Early” events are planned to take place across the Golden State, the rest of the nation, and some parts of the globe on Saturday, Oct. 17, with times varying by location.
What is ‘No Kings?’
“No Kings” events are organized by a broad coalition of progressive organizations, labor unions, and activist groups, including Indivisible, the 50501 Movement, the American Civil Liberties Union and MoveOn Civic Action.
The events, organizers say, respond to President Donald Trump and what they describe as efforts to “control” the populace.
“With every ICE raid, every escalation abroad, and every abuse of power at home, Americans are rising in opposition to Trump’s attempt to rule through fear and force,” Ezra Levin, co-executive director of Indivisible, said in a March statement. “Trump crosses a new red line, and more people are deciding they’ve had enough. That is why people across the country are organizing, showing up for their neighbors, and making one thing unmistakably clear: we are done with the corruption, the cruelty, and the authoritarianism.”
During the first “No Kings” installment in June 2025, more than five million people participated at 2,100 events, while the subsequent October round saw seven million people at 2,700 events, according to event organizers. The most recent event in March drew between eight and nine million participants worldwide across 3,300 organized events.
“The No Kings movement has always been about making clear that power in this country lies with the American people, not an authoritarian government or its billionaire allies,” Joel Payne, chief communications officer for MoveOn Civic Action, said in a statement. “No matter how much elected officials may try to silence our voices and make it harder for people to vote, they won’t succeed. The next No Kings will provide MoveOn members the runway and momentum to deliver turnout so large the results can’t be questioned.”
What to know about California events
An online map of planned No Kings Day protests for Oct. 17 shows dozens of events planned up and down the Golden State, with more around metropolitan areas.
To check whether an event is planned near you, enter a ZIP code or address. From there, the interactive map will take you to that general area, where you will see location icons you can click to learn more about any planned event.
Here’s a roundup of some planned “No Kings” events across California as of 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14.
Cities with events planned in Southern California
- San Diego: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Balboa Park
- Oceanside: 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Oceanside Civic Center
- Newport Beach: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Huntington Beach: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Huntington Beach Pier
- Riverside: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in downtown Riverside
- Temecula: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Temecula Duck Pond
- Crestline: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Palm Springs: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Palm Springs City Hall
- Victorville: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Irvine: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Trabuco Center
- Los Angeles: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Gloria Molina Grand Park
- Long Beach: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Torrance: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Torrance City Hall
- Ventura: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ventura County Government Center
- Santa Barbara: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Alameda Park
- Bakersfield: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Liberty Bell
Cities with events planned in Central California
- Monterey: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Window On The Bay
- Salinas: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at sidewalks along Star Shopping Center
- Porterville: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Veterans Park
- Los Banos: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Pacheco Park
- Fresno: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. along Blackstone Avenue between Nees and Alluvial avenues
- Modesto: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Rose Avenue Park
- Merced: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Courthouse Park
Cities with events planned in Northern California
- Santa Cruz: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at county courthouse steps
- San Jose: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at St. James Park
- San Francisco: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 18th and Dolores Street
- Oakland: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Sacramento: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Cesar Chavez Plaza
- Stockton: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the corner of Yokuts and Pacific Avenue
- Vacaville: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Vacaville City Hall
- Napa: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Oxbow Commons
- Sonoma: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Sonoma Valley Regional Library
- Yuba City: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Washington Square Park
- Chico: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Children’s Playground
- Fort Bragg: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. near Noyo River Bridge
- Eureka: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Humboldt County Superior Court
- Red Bluff: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at The Cone and Kimball Tower
- Crescent City: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Note: Some cities above have more than one “No Kings” event planned; find details on the event’s website.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun.
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