Colorado is bracing for a major weekend of demonstrations as more than 50 “No Kings” protests are set to unfold across the state — part of a national wave calling for the protection of democracy and limits on executive power.
In Denver, organizers expect over 12,000 people to fill the streets downtown on Saturday, Oct. 18, beginning with speeches and live performances at noon on the west steps of the Colorado State Capitol. By 12:45 p.m., marchers will take to nearby streets, marking what’s expected to be one of the largest coordinated demonstrations in Colorado this fall.
The event follows the first “No Kings” protest held in Denver this past June, which drew an estimated 20,000 participants and shut down several major intersections as protesters rallied under banners reading “No Kings, Only Democracy.” Organizers say the movement’s momentum has continued to grow amid mounting frustration over what they call “President Trump’s escalating abuses of power” and an ongoing effort to “defend democracy from authoritarian overreach.”
While Denver’s march is expected to be the largest, simultaneous protests will take place in cities and suburbs across the metro area and beyond — including Aurora, Boulder, Littleton, Thornton, Arvada, Parker, Westminster, Highlands Ranch, and Commerce City. Each will feature its own schedule of speakers and local leaders, creating what organizers describe as a “statewide chorus of resistance.”
“The goal is to remind every voter, every official, and every citizen that democracy belongs to the people — not to any one person,” said a spokesperson for the coalition behind the rallies.
In preparation for the large crowds, Denver police have confirmed they are coordinating with event organizers to ensure safety and minimize disruption to downtown traffic. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, use public transit, and bring signs, water, and comfortable walking shoes.
With national attention on Colorado as one of the movement’s largest hubs, Saturday’s demonstrations are expected to be a show of both solidarity and warning — signaling that many Coloradans believe the balance of power and democracy itself are worth marching for.
