On June 14, demonstrators in cities across the country mobilized for the first No Kings Day, a nationwide “day of defiance” against what organizers call authoritarian encroachments by the Trump administration, timed to coincide with the president’s military parade and birthday.
Millions of people turned out at over 2,000 sites nationwide to affirm that “in America, we don’t have kings.” Protesters emphasized nonviolent resistance, de-escalation, and a commitment to democratic accountability.
In Kansas and the Kansas City metro, the first No Kings protests drew strong turnout and momentum. In Kansas City, thousands filled Mill Creek Park and surrounding streets. Marchers wove from West 47th Street through the Plaza and north along Broadway.
Organizers in Kansas City now say “there are twice as many organizations involved this time than there were in June, and we expect more people to show up.”
In Wichita, the first No Kings Day brought over 8,000 participants, to what was one of Kansas’s largest peaceful demonstrations.”
More Diverse No Kings 2 Rally
This Saturday’s “No Kings 2” rally is expected to be even larger than the first one. This time the rallies are expected to occur globally, with more than 2,500 official events planned across 17 countries.
Organizers hope to push beyond the initial energy and draw even broader participation, especially from communities that were less visible in June, including African Americans. Nationally, coverage suggests that fewer Black activists attended the first rally—perhaps because June’s protests coincided with Juneteenth observances and local commemorations.
Some organizers now are actively working to reach Black communities and emphasize that democracy demands broad participation from all racial and ethnic groups.
In Kansas, the movement frames its opposition to “would-be kings” as resistance to unchecked power, corruption, and threats to constitutional norms.
“The state of our country right now is one of crisis. Every person — regardless of age, race, income, or background — is being impacted by the corrupt actions of this administration,” said Shannon Boone, organizer with Defend Democracy ICT. “It’s up to We the People to remind those in Washington that they work for us.”
No Kings 2 promises speeches, marches, voter registration, community tables, de-escalation teams, and visual solidarity with protests worldwide.
Rally Schedule — Wichita Area, Kansas City Area, and Beyond in Kansas
Wichita Area
- Douglas & Broadway, Downtown Wichita — Saturday, Oct. 18 at 12 PM
Speakers begin about 1 PM at the SW corner of the Ruffin Building.
Participants are encouraged to line sidewalks from Douglas & Main to Douglas & St. Francis for a defiant but peaceful rally. - March Option — Saturday, Oct. 18 at 11 AM
Begins at Old Sedgwick County Courthouse, 510 N Main.
Protestors will march down Broadway to Douglas to join the main Wichita rally.
Kansas City Area
- Kansas City (Mill Creek Park, MO) — 2 PM – 4 PM
Rally followed by a march. - Wyandotte County (106th and Parallel Parkway) – 12 PM – 1:30 PM
- Overland Park (7500 Metcalf Ave) — 10 AM – 4 PM
All-day rally event. - Overland Park (College Blvd & Quivira, JCCC Lawn) — 1 PM – 3 PM
Sidewalk protest at 2 PM afterward. - Lee’s Summit (NE Douglas & NE Chipman) — 10 AM – 12 PM
Rally window. - Liberty (Route 291 & W. Kansas St.) — 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Rally at the intersection (all four corners). - Platte City (2301 Running Horse Rd.) — 10:30 AM – 12 PM
Rally there. - Excelsior Springs (Century Park at Hwy 69 & Wornall) — 10 AM – 12 PM
Local rally.
Other Kansas Locations
- Hutchinson (Crescent Park, 1700 N Main) — 10 AM – 12 PM
Rally in Hutchinson. - Topeka (21st & Wanamaker) — 11 AM – 1 PM
Protestors will occupy all four corners of the intersection. - Topeka (Kansas State Capitol, 300 SW 10th St.) — 12 PM – 2 PM
Starts on the south side of the Capitol with activities; march downtown Kansas Ave (10th to 8th) and around the Capitol; ends with sign-waving on 10th St. - Salina (S. 9th & W. Magnolia) — 9 AM – 8 PM
Extended protest schedule. - Emporia (Commercial St & 6th Ave) — 11 AM – 1 PM
Local rally. - Junction City (Heritage Park, 6th & Washington) — 12 PM – 2 PM
Rally in Junction City. - Manhattan (City Park, 1220 Poyntz Ave) — 2 PM – 4 PM
Rally and bandshell performance (2 – 3 PM), followed by street demonstration.