Bennito L. Kelty
Audio By Carbonatix
The first No Kings protest in Denver brought out more than 5,000 people to the Colorado State Capitol, and a reported five million people nationally. It was the last major anti-Trump protest in Denver before a clear downturn in attendance in July, August and September.
However, controversial policies from President Donald Trump and his administration have Coloradans eager to return in force on Saturday, October 18, for the second No Kings protest.
Part of a national day of protest, the No Kings demonstration in Denver will feature live music, speeches, informational booths, chants and sign-making, in a format that sounds similar to the “activists fairs” hosted at recent protests in front of the State Capitol. However, there are more No Kings events scheduled across Colorado, including over a dozen in the Denver metro and a demonstration in Colorado Springs that is expected to draw thousands.
Upwards of 2,500 different protests are expected to take place in the U.S on October 18, according to No Kings organizers.
“The fight isn’t over,” reads an online description for the upcoming demonstrations across the country. “President Trump has doubled down — sending masked agents into our streets, terrorizing immigrant families, silencing voters, dismantling protections, and handing our future to billionaire allies while everyday people struggle. He wants us to believe his rule is absolute. We’re here to remind him: it’s not.”
Here’s more of what you need to know before joining Denver’s No Kings protest on October 18, with details from local organizers and information about additional events, such as marches and overpass demonstrations.
Where Is the No Kings Protest in Denver?
The upcoming No Kings protest in Denver will take place at the Colorado State Capitol. According to the Capitol permit for the event, protesters will gather on the West Steps and at Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park across the street.
According to an online billing for the protest, the main action will take place at Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park, and “activities like sign-making and sidewalk chalking will be on the west steps.”
When Is the No Kings Protest?
According to online fliers for No Kings, the protest in Denver will take place from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 18.
Similar protests in Denver have gone on past the posted stop time when turnout is large and have carried on into the night or spilled into other parts of town. The permit for the event allows protesters on the Capitol west steps and Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Will There be a March?
Yes, online descriptions of No Kings promise “a march through the heart of our city” from 1 to 2 p.m., but the exact route hasn’t been shared. During previous protests, marches have gone down south, often down Broadway, or north, into downtown.
How to Get There
Denver’s protest is along major roads, like East Colfax Avenue, Lincoln Street and Broadway. Parking a few blocks away from the Capitol is a good idea, as large turnouts can back up traffic.
The 0, 15 and the 83D/L bus lines have stops on East Colfax Avenue, Lincoln Street and Broadway that are a block or two from the action. Capitol Hill doesn’t have any light rail stations, but RTD stops at 10th Avenue and Osage Street and downtown on 16th Street are about a thirty-minute walk from the Capitol. And you can always scoop an e-bike or scooter along the way.
You may have to plan alternative ways home, however: RTD says it will monitor the situation closely, and may have to adjust service depending on the crowds. Watch for service alerts.
Who Is Organizing Denver’s No Kings Protest?
Multiple local groups have put out information on the upcoming No Kings protest, including 50501 Colorado, Solidarity Warriors, the Indivisible Action Network, Pulse Colorado and the Service Employees International Union, among others. Most of the Denver groups spreading the word on No Kings have been involved in organizing protests against President Donald Trump all year, with many of them forming shortly after he returned to office in January.
The permit holder for the event is Indivisible Colorado, a local branch of a national progressive activist network.
Other No Kings Protests in Colorado
No Kings protests are planned around the Denver area, from Aurora to Wheat Ridge, and throughout Colorado. They all take place on Saturday, October 18, but many of them have different start and end times. Find details about your closest protest on a national map by No Kings and an online list of events in Colorado.
In northern Colorado, a rally and food donation drive is planned for 9 a.m. at the Fort Collins Civic Center Park, according to Indivisible Northern Colorado, which will host alongside the League of Women Voters of Larimer County and the American Association of University Professors.
Anyone driving to or from the mountains via Interstate 70 instead on October 18 will likely see protesters on the Genesee Overpass near exit 254 in Golden, according to an online description. The protesters expected to hold up signs for get support from passing motorists from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. that Saturday.
In addition to the main event at the State Capitol, Denver protesters are planning to wave anti-Trump signs at traffic on Colorado Boulevard from 1 to 3 p.m., with gatherings expected at major intersections with Alameda, Mexico and Eighth avenues.
