'No Kings' returns across California but 'will look very different'

"No Kings" events planned across the country (and around the world) next month are taking a slightly different approach than previous installments, which drew millions nationwide in opposition to what

organizers described as executive overreach.

October's events will focus on encouraging people to vote early ahead of the midterm elections.

"Millions took to the streets last year and gathered for one of the largest single-day, nonviolent direct actions in U.S. history in March," organizers said in a Sept. 8 news release. "'No Kings: Vote Early' is the next step in this growing movement, making sure we use our collective power at the ballot box for the future we want for our families, communities, and country."

Organizers say the day's events "will look very different," with activities ranging from block parties and rallies to walks to the polls, all sharing the goal of "making sure every eligible voter has a plan to vote early (where possible), knows their options for how to vote, and is ready to make their voice count by casting their ballot."

Here's what to know about the upcoming "No Kings" events planned in California.

When is 'No Kings: Vote Early' planned for?

"No Kings: Vote Early" events are planned to take place across the Golden State, the rest of the nation, and some parts of the globe on Saturday, Oct. 17, with times varying by location.

What is 'No Kings?'

"No Kings" events are organized by a broad coalition of progressive organizations, labor unions, and activist groups, including Indivisible, the 50501 Movement, the American Civil Liberties Union and MoveOn Civic Action.

The events, organizers say, respond to President Donald Trump and what they describe as efforts to "control" the populace.

"With every ICE raid, every escalation abroad, and every abuse of power at home, Americans are rising in opposition to Trump's attempt to rule through fear and force," Ezra Levin, co-executive director of Indivisible, said in a March statement. "Trump crosses a new red line, and more people are deciding they've had enough. That is why people across the country are organizing, showing up for their neighbors, and making one thing unmistakably clear: we are done with the corruption, the cruelty, and the authoritarianism."

Protestors hold up their signs during a No Kings protest at the intersection of CA-111 and Monterey Avenue in Palm Desert, Calif., Saturday, March 28, 2026.

During the first "No Kings" installment in June 2025, more than five million people participated at 2,100 events, while the subsequent October round saw seven million people at 2,700 events, according to event organizers. The most recent event in March drew between eight and nine million participants worldwide across 3,300 organized events.

"The No Kings movement has always been about making clear that power in this country lies with the American people, not an authoritarian government or its billionaire allies," Joel Payne, chief communications officer for MoveOn Civic Action, said in a statement. "No matter how much elected officials may try to silence our voices and make it harder for people to vote, they won't succeed. The next No Kings will provide MoveOn members the runway and momentum to deliver turnout so large the results can't be questioned."

What to know about California events

An online map of planned No Kings Day protests for Oct. 17 shows dozens of events planned up and down the Golden State, with more around metropolitan areas.

To check whether an event is planned near you, enter a ZIP code or address. From there, the interactive map will take you to that general area, where you will see location icons you can click to learn more about any planned event.

Cities with events planned in Southern California include:

San Diego: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. near Del Mar Highlands Town Center
Oceanside: 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Oceanside Civic Center
Newport Beach: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Huntington Beach: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Huntington Beach Pier
Riverside: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in downtown Riverside
Temecula: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Temecula Duck Pond
Crestline: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Palm Springs: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Demuth Community Center
Victorville: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Irvine: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Trabuco Center
Los Angeles: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Gloria Molina Grand Park
Long Beach: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Ventura: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ventura County Government Center
Santa Barbara: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Alameda Park
Bakersfield: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Protestors hold up their signs for passing traffic during a No Kings protest at the intersection of CA-111 and Monterey Avenue in Palm Desert, Calif., Saturday, March 28, 2026.

Cities with events planned in Central California include:

Monterey: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Window On The Bay
Salinas: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at sidewalks along Star Shopping Center
Porterville: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Veterans Park
Fresno: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. along Blackstone Avenue between Nees and Alluvial avenues
Modesto: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Rose Avenue Park