News Summary
On October 18, over a dozen protests are planned across Grand Rapids and West Michigan as part of a nationwide movement opposing President Trump. Organized under the ‘No Kings’ banner, these demonstrations aim to address issues like immigrant arrests and increased ICE presence. Key events include a gathering at Rosa Parks Circle and a community festival at Riverside Park. The movement emphasizes nonviolence and community engagement as participants express their concerns about perceived governmental overreach.
Grand Rapids, Michigan – Over a dozen protests are scheduled for Saturday, October 18, across the Grand Rapids area and West Michigan as part of a nationwide movement opposing President Donald Trump and his administration. The demonstrations come at a time when more than 100 communities throughout Michigan are set to participate, aiming to address various issues that supporters cite as significant concerns.
The protests, organized under the “No Kings” banner, first initiated in June, will draw attention to problems such as immigrant arrests at courthouses and an increase in ICE presence in communities. Cities involved in the statewide protests include Ann Arbor, Flint, Saginaw, Jackson, Detroit, and Lansing.
In response to the planned protests, Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican affiliates have expressed criticism. However, the movement appears to have gained considerable momentum since previous “No Kings” events that saw thousands of participants in June.
Participants are encouraged to select rallies that resonate with their concerns, according to organizers. Key events scheduled in the Grand Rapids area include:
- GR Coalition to Oppose Trump gathering at Rosa Parks Circle from 1-4 p.m., featuring speakers from grassroots groups and student organizations.
- No Kings Community Festival at Riverside Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., which will include entertainment, activities, and a food donation drive for SECOM.
The community festival is designed to celebrate a vision of a country without kings and features a “civil rights graveyard” art exhibit aimed at raising awareness about civil rights issues.
In addition to the protests in the Grand Rapids area, additional events are planned in Kent, Ottawa, Kalamazoo, and Muskegon counties. Each location will have specific times and venues for participants to gather:
- Lowell: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (RSVP required)
- Holland: 1 to 3 p.m. at Centennial Park
- Grand Haven: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Robbins Road and 172nd Avenue
- Muskegon: Events at Lakes Mall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and at Heritage Landing from 5 to 7 p.m.
- Kalamazoo: Noon to 2 p.m. on S Drake Road
- South Haven: 2 to 4 p.m. at First Congregational Church
- Saugatuck/Douglas: Noon to 1:30 p.m. on Saugatuck/Douglas Bridge
- Protests will also take place in Allegan, Greenville, Hastings, Battle Creek, Cassopolis, Fremont, Niles, Paw Paw, St. Joseph County, and White Lake.
The No Kings protests are intended to be nonviolent, emphasizing community safety and non-confrontation. The movement positions itself as a foundational effort against authoritarianism and is gaining traction nationwide. Event organizers encourage participants to bring signs, document the events, and proactively diffuse potential confrontations.
As the protests unfold on October 18, communities across Michigan and beyond will express their perspectives and concerns, as supporters rally for social justice and an end to perceived governmental overreach.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Grand Rapids Hosts ‘No Kings’ Demonstrations for Unity
Saline Township Leads Opposition Against AI Data Centers
No Kings Protests Set to Gather Thousands in Michigan
New Townhome Developments Approved in Grand Rapids
Michigan Lawmakers Finalize $81 Billion State Budget
Michigan Approves Balanced Bipartisan State Budget
Michigan Senate Approves 24% Tax on Marijuana Sales
Michigan Lawmakers Approve $75.9 Billion Budget
Michigan Legislature Passes $52 Billion Budget Bills
Proposed 24% Wholesale Tax on Michigan Cannabis Industry
Additional Resources
- MLive: Over a Dozen ‘No Kings’ Protests Planned
- Wikipedia: Protest
- Free Press: ‘No Kings’ Protests in Michigan
- Google Search: No Kings protest
- WZZM 13: No Kings Demonstrations in West Michigan
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Social Movement
- Wood TV: ‘Good Trouble’ Protest in Grand Rapids
- Google News: No Kings protests October 2025
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.
