Big crowds of protesters are expected Saturday at thousands of places around the U.S. — including at least 16 events around San Diego — in opposition to what some are characterizing as increasingly authoritarian practices by President Donald Trump.
It’s the second “No Kings” protest and third mass movement against the administration this year, and it comes amid an intensifying conflict between federal law enforcement and protesters nationwide. Organizers are stressing the peaceful nature of the protests: “A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.”
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Some conservative politicians have condemned the protests as “Hate America” rallies, while others say it represents a “patriotic” fight for First Amendment rights.
There are three events planned for downtown San Diego on Saturday, expected to be the largest in the county. The two main actions are planned to take place Civic Center Plaza, whose attendees are expected to march over to Waterfront Park, where they will link up with other protesters and continue a 2 mile march down North Harbor Drive to West Harbor Drive, then back up to Waterfront Park at Ash Street.
‘No Kings’ Protests Saturday Oct. 18, 2025
Click a circle on the map to learn more about a protest, zoom out to see more protests happening around the world.
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Millions are expected to turn out throughout the nation on Saturday, and organizers expect participation to far exceed the 5 million demonstrators who turned out for June 14’s No Kings day, according to NBC News. That event was on the same day, President Donald Trump’s birthday, that a military parade was held in D.C. to honor the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary. This Saturday, Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will be at Camp Pendleton for an event commemorating the U.S. Marine’s 250th.
Trump’s crackdown against protests, especially in Democratic cities, has intensified since the June marches. He has since sent National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., and Memphis, Tenn. His efforts to deploy troops to Chicago and Portland, Oregon, have stalled in federal court.
The “No Kings” organizers have led numerous virtual safety trainings leading up to the protests with the help of the American Civil Liberties Union, which is listed as an official partner on the “No Kings” website. Each official protest has a safety plan, which includes designated medics and emergency meeting spots.
The last “No Kings” protests drew tens of thousands of people to downtown San Diego. As will be the case on Saturday, the two main downtown protests merged in front of the county building at Waterfront Park, forming a crowd estimated to be as high as 60,000 people.
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Here’s where protests are planned for Saturday around San Diego County (traffic is likely to be disrupted near the downtown march, but the other events are planned for sidewalks and park):
San Diego
Downtown:
- Civic Center Plaza: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Ruocco Park: 9:30-11:30 a.m. (kids and parents); 585 Harbor Lane
- Waterfront Park: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.; 1600 Pacific Highway
Around the city:
- Carmel Valley: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.; Carmel Country Road and Del Mar Heights Road
- College Area: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Montezuma Road and College Avenue
- La Jolla: 10-11:30 a.m.; Girard Avenue and Pearl Street
- Mira Mesa: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.; corner of Mira Mesa Bouleveard and Westview Parkway
- Pacific Beach: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.; Ingraham Street and Riviera Drive
- Rancho Bernardo: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Rancho Bernardo Road & Bernardo Center Drive
Around the County
- Borrego Springs: 1-2 p.m.; 571 Palm Canyon Drive
- Carlsbad: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.; Carlsbad Boulevard and Pine Avenue
- Chula Vista: 10-11:30 a.m.; Birch Road and Millenia Avenue
- El Cajon: 10 a.m.-12 p.m;. Fletcher Parkway and Magnolia Avenue
- Ramona: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; sign up for event location
- San Marcos: 4-5:30 p.m.; West San Marcos Boulevard and Grand Avenue
- Vista: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.; East Vista Way and Civic Center Drive (Wildwood Park)
The Associated Press contributed to this report — Ed.
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