Boston, October 14, 2025
News Summary
A massive second round of ‘No Kings’ protests is set for October 18, with thousands expected to participate in over 2,100 events nationwide, including a major gathering in Boston. The protests oppose political dynasties and anti-democratic practices, aiming for a peaceful demonstration with performances and speeches from activists. Organizers emphasize nonviolence while addressing issues like immigration, healthcare, and voter suppression. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is expected to support the event, highlighting residents’ rights and peaceful activism.
Boston — Thousands Expected at ‘No Kings’ Protests Across New England and the U.S. on October 18. A second round of “No Kings” protests is scheduled for October 18, 2025, with hundreds of coordinated events planned across New England and the United States and a major gathering set for Boston’s Parade Grounds on Boston Common.
Key details
The No Kings protests are a coordinated effort targeting the rise of political dynasties and anti-democratic power. The last round of demonstrations in June attracted over five million people across more than 2,100 events nationwide. Organizers and local groups say the October 18 events will be nonviolent and focus on demonstrating opposition to perceived authoritarian tactics by the federal administration, including responses to mass shootings, immigration enforcement, and voter access.
Over 140 protests are planned in Massachusetts, including one major event in Boston. The event in Boston is set to take place at the Parade Grounds of Boston Common. Several activist groups, including the ACLU of Massachusetts, Indivisible Mass Coalition, and Mass 50501, are collaborating on the Boston protest. The Boston protest will feature live music and performances, including acts from Sheila Divine and Abbie Barrett. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is expected to attend the protest, advocating for peaceful demonstrations and emphasizing protection of residents’ rights while denouncing violence.
Organizers, aims and tone
The ‘No Kings’ movement was launched by Indivisible, a nonprofit coalition of political action groups. Movement organizers describe the campaign as a nationwide, grassroots effort to oppose what they view as anti-democratic practices and the entrenchment of political power within families and institutions. Participants and partner groups have emphasized that the demonstrations are intended to be nonviolent and to prioritize peaceful assembly.
Public criticisms associated with the protests focus on a range of federal policies and actions, including immigration policies, proposed healthcare cuts, and concerns about threats to democratic processes. Protesters are also responding to specific decisions and public reactions by President Donald Trump related to mass shootings, immigration, and alleged voter suppression.
Political responses and context
Political leaders and public figures have taken differing positions on the planned events. House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the upcoming protests and labeled them as hate-America rallies. Actor Robert De Niro has called on Americans to participate in the No Kings Day, connecting it to the American Revolution. Organizers have framed the day as a civic response rather than a partisan rally and have reiterated plans for nonviolent demonstrations.
Comparisons are being drawn to previous protests against the Trump administration, notably regarding a government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025. Supporters point to the scale of June’s demonstrations as evidence of broad engagement: the last round of demonstrations in June attracted over five million people across more than 2,100 events nationwide. Organizers say October 18 is a follow-up to maintain momentum and highlight local mobilization across states.
Logistics and public safety
Organizers and participating groups have coordinated permits, locations and performance schedules for major events. Boston’s Parade Grounds will host the primary Boston demonstration, with live performances listed among planned activities. Local civic groups and city officials have emphasized public safety and crowd management, asking attendees to follow local guidance and attend peacefully.
Participation and international reach
As of recent reports, over 2,100 local protests are scheduled across the United States and even internationally. The movement’s organizers encourage broad public participation while continuing to stress nonviolence. The Boston event is expected to draw significant attendance from across the region given its central location and planned programming.
FAQ
When are the protests?
When are the protests?
A second round of “No Kings” protests is scheduled for October 18, 2025.
What is the expected scale of the protests?
What is the expected scale of the protests?
Thousands Expected at ‘No Kings’ Protests Across New England and the U.S. on October 18.
How many events were held in the last round?
How many events were held in the last round?
The last round of demonstrations in June attracted over five million people across more than 2,100 events nationwide.
How many events are planned in Massachusetts?
How many events are planned in Massachusetts?
Over 140 protests are planned in Massachusetts, including one major event in Boston.
Where will the Boston event be held?
Where will the Boston event be held?
The event in Boston is set to take place at the Parade Grounds of Boston Common.
Who launched the movement?
Who launched the movement?
The ‘No Kings’ movement was launched by Indivisible, a nonprofit coalition of political action groups.
Who is organizing the Boston protest?
Who is organizing the Boston protest?
Several activist groups, including the ACLU of Massachusetts, Indivisible Mass Coalition, and Mass 50501, are collaborating on the Boston protest.
Will there be performances at the Boston protest?
Will there be performances at the Boston protest?
The Boston protest will feature live music and performances, including acts from Sheila Divine and Abbie Barrett.
What is the planned tone of the protests?
What is the planned tone of the protests?
Protests are intended to be nonviolent.
Will local officials attend?
Will local officials attend?
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is expected to attend the protest, advocating for peaceful demonstrations.
Are there political reactions to the protests?
Are there political reactions to the protests?
House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the upcoming protests and labeled them as hate-America rallies.
Have public figures commented on participation?
Have public figures commented on participation?
Actor Robert De Niro has called on Americans to participate in the No Kings Day, connecting it to the American Revolution.
Quick reference table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date | October 18, 2025 |
| Scope | Nationwide and international, with regional focus across New England |
| Massachusetts events | Over 140 protests are planned in Massachusetts, including one major event in Boston. |
| Boston location | Parade Grounds of Boston Common |
| Main organizing coalition | The ‘No Kings’ movement was launched by Indivisible, a nonprofit coalition of political action groups. |
| Boston collaborators | ACLU of Massachusetts; Indivisible Mass Coalition; Mass 50501 |
| Safety approach | Protests are intended to be nonviolent. |
| Featured performers (Boston) | Sheila Divine; Abbie Barrett |
| Local official attendance | Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is expected to attend the protest, advocating for peaceful demonstrations. |
| Previous turnout | The last round of demonstrations in June attracted over five million people across more than 2,100 events nationwide. |
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Additional Resources
- Wicked Local: No Kings Protest Overview
- Wikipedia: Protests in the United States
- Boston Herald: Mayor Wu to Headline Protest
- Google Search: No Kings Protest
- The Hill: No Kings Protests Information
- Google Scholar: No Kings Protests 2025
- Fox News: No Kings Protest Concerns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Protest
- CBS News: Boston No Kings Protests
- Google News: No Kings Protests October 2025
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