News Summary
On October 18, Grand Rapids will hold a series of ‘No Kings’ demonstrations aimed at promoting resistance and local engagement. The events will include a community festival featuring family-friendly activities and a protest march. Organized by Indivisible Greater Grand Rapids and SPARC, the demonstrations encourage community participation against authoritarian governance. Attendees are urged to wear yellow to symbolize unity and to maintain a peaceful presence throughout the events. This initiative is part of a nationwide movement aiming to address social issues and encourage civic engagement.
Grand Rapids will host a series of ‘No Kings’ demonstrations on Saturday, October 18, aimed at promoting resistance, unity, and local engagement within a growing national struggle. The events will feature a “Community Festival” and a protest march designed to mobilize community action against perceived authoritarian governance.
The gathering will commence at 11 a.m. at the South end of Riverside Park near 2001 Monroe Avenue NE, organized by Indivisible Greater Grand Rapids. The community festival will include a range of family-friendly activities and entertainment, making it accessible for individuals of all ages. Participants can enjoy community action tables where they can learn about initiatives such as Invest In MI Kids, Ranked Choice Voting, and Michiganders for Money Out of Politics, and there will be a food drive to collect donations for SECOM.
Following the festival, a protest and march coordinated by SPARC (Solidarity, Progress, Action, and Resistance Collective) will begin at 1 p.m. at Rosa Parks Circle. Emphasizing a commitment to nonviolence, the event promotes de-escalation strategies for potential confrontations and advises attendees to leave weapons and any potentially escalating devices at home. Participants are encouraged to wear yellow to signify unity among demonstrators.
The slogan ‘No Kings’ serves as a foundational principle of American democracy, rejecting authoritarian rule. This movement began in response to nationwide protests against the Trump administration in June 2025 and aims to address various issues, including federal funding cuts and deportation practices. The movement has grown significantly, with nearly 100 events planned across Michigan on October 18 alone, including local protests in other cities such as Muskegon, where a rally is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lakes Mall.
The Grand Rapids Police Department is working alongside city officials to ensure the safety of all participants during the demonstrations. The last rally in June saw over 20 events across Southeast Michigan, drawing substantial participation and community interest. To enhance the movement’s impact, various partnering organizations have lent their support, further mobilizing community involvement.
Attendees are encouraged to bring signs and smartphones to document the events. Organizers have explicitly stated the importance of maintaining a peaceful presence throughout the demonstrations and avoiding confrontational behavior. The culmination of these events reflects a broader national dialogue about governance and civic engagement in the face of policies that many citizens find troubling.
In summary, the ‘No Kings’ demonstrations in Grand Rapids on October 18 will serve as a platform for expressing community concerns and promoting civic engagement. Through a combination of festive activities and a serious protest, participants will have the opportunity to voice their opinions while fostering a spirit of unity and resistance.
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Additional Resources
- WZZM 13: West Michigan Set to Host Several No Kings Demonstrations
- Detroit Free Press: No Kings Protests Scheduled
- Collegiate Live: What to Know for Grand Rapids No Kings Demonstrations
- Holland Sentinel: No Kings Protests Scheduled Near Holland
- MLive: No Kings Protests Scheduled for Over 100 Michigan Cities
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
