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Another round of No Kings rallies is set for the Philadelphia region and across the country this weekend.

The big picture: The protests, which will bring road closures and traffic delays to Center City, come amid growing frustration about the ongoing government shutdown and widespread opposition to President Trump's military crackdown on Democratic-led cities across America.

State of play: Philadelphia's No Kings protest will start with a march around 12:15pm on Saturday from City Hall to Independence Mall.

Speakers will take the stage at the mall at roughly 1:30pm, and include elected officials like U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon and Philly District Attorney Larry Krasner. 

A spokesperson for Indivisible Philadelphia, the lead organizer for the Philly rally, tells Axios that protesters are encouraged to wear a yellow accent as a show of solidarity. 

Other participating groups include the American Civil Liberties Union, American Federation of Teachers, 50501, Human Rights Campaign, Indivisible and MoveOn.

Zoom out: More than 2,500 events are planned across the U.S.

That includes rallies in Northwest Philly, Havertown, Cheltenham, Norristown and Langhorne.

What they're saying: "Together, millions will send a clear and unmistakable message: we are a nation of equals, and our country will not be ruled by fear or force," No Kings organizers said in a statement.

The other side: The recurring movement against the Trump administration has garnered sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers who say Democrats are protesting as a ploy during the government shutdown.

What we're watching: Philly's rally could be big.

The city's last No Kings protest in June drew an estimated 80,000 people, per NBC.

🚧 Road closures: Streets along the Philly rally route will close in phases, starting at approximately 11am around City Hall. 

The city will lift road closures as streets are cleared. 

Parking restrictions will also be posted. 

Plus: The Philly Bike Ride is also scheduled for Saturday, which will bring road closures along a 20-mile route stretching from City Hall to Penns Landing and Kelly Drive early Saturday.

The ride starts at 7:30am with a festival scheduled in front of the Philly Art Museum, which will end at 12:30pm.

More "No Kings" protests planned for Philadelphia region this weekend

A map of the U.S. showing the locations of "No Kings" protest events planned for Oct. 18, 2025. There were more than 2,000 events planned in 1,700 cities as of Oct. 14, 2025.

Another round of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="No Kings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/15/no-kings-rally-protest-october-18-trump" data-vars-content-id="03ea777a-12ce-4066-9eaf-2c50d89a84df" data-vars-headline="More &quot;No Kings&quot; protests planned for Philadelphia region this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/15/no-kings-rally-protest-october-18-trump" target="_self">No Kings</a> rallies is set for the Philadelphia region and across the country this weekend.The big picture: The protests, which will bring road closures and traffic delays to Center City, come amid <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing frustration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/how-americans-feel-about-government-shutdown" data-vars-content-id="03ea777a-12ce-4066-9eaf-2c50d89a84df" data-vars-headline="More &quot;No Kings&quot; protests planned for Philadelphia region this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/how-americans-feel-about-government-shutdown" target="_blank">growing frustration</a> about the ongoing government shutdown and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="widespread opposition" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/08/trump-military-deployment-criticism-polls-october" data-vars-content-id="03ea777a-12ce-4066-9eaf-2c50d89a84df" data-vars-headline="More &quot;No Kings&quot; protests planned for Philadelphia region this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/08/trump-military-deployment-criticism-polls-october" target="_self">widespread opposition</a> to President Trump&#x27;s military crackdown on Democratic-led cities across America.

Politics

News

Data: Movement Advancement Project; Map: Jacque Schrag/Axios

Pennsylvania is among more than two dozen U.S. states with trigger laws that would limit marriage equality if the Supreme Court overturns its legalization of gay marriage.

Why it matters: On the 10th anniversary of Obergefell v. Hodges, access to marriage equality faces increasing opposition. 

Driving the news: Republican lawmakers this year have backed ballot measures to undermine same-sex couples' right to marry.

Measures seeking to reverse the Obergefell decision have been introduced in Idaho, Michigan, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, NBC News reported in February.

In Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas, lawmakers have introduced bills that don't explicitly refer to the 2015 Supreme Court ruling but would create a category called "covenant marriage" for one man and one woman.

The other side: Ballot initiatives have cropped up in Idaho, Nebraska, Virginia and Arizona to let voters decide on marriage equality in 2026 elections — in response to anti-same-sex marriage efforts.

Zoom in: The Pennsylvania House passed a bill last year, sponsored by state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia), to remove the state's dormant ban on same-sex marriage, but it has languished in a Senate committee.

Despite a nationwide poll that found same-sex marriage was supported by a majority of voters in every state in 2024, Pennsylvania lawmakers have lacked the political will to remove the ban. 

Flashback: State lawmakers enacted the same-sex marriage ban in 1996 under then-Gov. Tom Ridge. 

But Ridge and others who supported the ban have since changed their stances.

By the numbers: 32 states have constitutional and/or legislative bans on marriage equality — currently unenforceable because of the Supreme Court ruling.

This means about 60% of LGBTQ+ adults live in states where access to marriage equality would change if Obergefell were struck down, according to the Movement Advancement Project.

Context: Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas in 2022, in overturning Roe v. Wade, said the court "should reconsider" its opinions protecting same-sex relationships and same-sex marriage.

Thomas, one of the court's conservative justices, wrote in a concurring opinion that they should revisit other precedents decided under substantive due process to "correct the error."

Zoom out: Later that year, Congress passed the Respect for Marriage Act, which codified the right to same-sex and interracial marriages.

But the law does not prohibit states from taking steps to ban or restrict same-sex marriage if Obergefell is overturned.

Same-sex marriage at risk in Pennsylvania without Obergefell

Pennsylvania lawmakers have lacked the political will to successfully remove the state's dormant ban.

A map showing the states with marriage equality bans as of June 23, 2025 that would go into effect if the 2015 Obergefell ruling is overturned. 24 states have both a statutory and constitutional amendment ban, three states only have a constitutional ban, five states only have a statutory ban and 18 

Pennsylvania is among more than two dozen U.S. states with trigger laws that would limit <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="marriage equality" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/06/20/same-sex-marriage-us-scotus" data-vars-content-id="194c5b82-45b8-4859-b186-a7fec3cf770a" data-vars-headline="Same-sex marriage at risk in Pennsylvania without Obergefell" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/06/20/same-sex-marriage-us-scotus" target="_self">marriage equality</a> if the Supreme Court overturns its legalization of gay marriage.Why it matters: On the 10th anniversary of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Obergefell" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/06/24/obergefell-supreme-courts-roe-wade-ruling-privacy" data-vars-content-id="194c5b82-45b8-4859-b186-a7fec3cf770a" data-vars-headline="Same-sex marriage at risk in Pennsylvania without Obergefell" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/06/24/obergefell-supreme-courts-roe-wade-ruling-privacy" target="_self">Obergefell</a> v. Hodges, access to marriage equality faces increasing opposition.

Data: Hands Off!; Note: Events planned outside of the U.S. are not shown; Map: Kavya Beheraj/Axios

A nationwide anti-Trump movement is anticipated to draw thousands of protesters to the Philadelphia region on Saturday.

Why it matters: "Hands Off!" is expected to be the largest single-day protest since President Trump entered office for his second term.

By the numbers: More than 1,100 rallies, visibility events and meetings were scheduled in all 50 states, as of Wednesday afternoon.

Organizers said they had nearly 250,000 RSVPs as of March 29.

State of play: Protesters are rallying against several Trump administration policies, including its handling of Social Security benefits, layoffs across the federal workforce, attacks on consumer protections and anti-immigrant policies and attacks on transgender people.

The protests are also against Elon Musk's involvement in the federal government via DOGE. He has already faced a wave of demonstrations at Tesla dealerships worldwide via the #TeslaTakedown movement.

Driving the news: Groups across Pennsylvania are organizing dozens of local protests Saturday, including in Philly and neighboring suburbs.

Vicki Miller, a leader of grassroots activist group Indivisible Philadelphia, tells Axios they're expecting more than 6,000 people to turn out for the Philadelphia event.

The demonstration, which runs from noon to 3pm, will start at the steps of City Hall before proceeding to Independence Mall, where protesters will gather near the visitors center.

Zoom in: Police are closing down nearby Sixth Street and will be stationed at the protest to ensure the peace, Miller says.

Additionally, volunteer marshals will help police the crowd to ensure there's no "nonsense."

A lineup of speakers — including U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle, state Sen. Vincent Hughes and state Rep. Chris Rabb — will address how the Trump administration's policies are reshaping Pennsylvanians' lives, particularly for immigrants and veterans, Miller says.

Councilmember Rue Landau is expected to talk about the impact of federal cuts on Philly and some of her life experiences as the chamber's first openly LGBTQ member.

What they're saying: "This is about power and greed versus people and democracy," Landau tells Axios in a statement. "In Philly, we know what happens when billionaires try to buy power and silence communities."

"People are angry. They're scared. They're frustrated. They're filled with anxiety," Miller, who is emceeing the event, tells Axios. "I hear about this every day, many times a day."

What we're watching: Will Gov. Josh Shapiro and Mayor Cherelle Parker show up?

There aren't plans for the governor to attend, a Shapiro spokesperson tells Axios as of Thursday afternoon.

The city didn't immediately respond to Axios' request for comment about whether Parker or someone from her administration will make an appearance.

Philly's anti-Trump "Hands Off!" protest expected to draw thousands

Groups across Pennsylvania are organizing dozens of local protests Saturday.

A U.S. map showing the location of Hands Off! rallies and visibility events planned for April 5, 2025. As of the evening of April 2nd, there have been at least 1,000 events planned across all 50 states, with a significant concentration in the Northeast, West Coast, and Rust Belt.

A nationwide anti-Trump movement is anticipated to draw thousands of protesters to the Philadelphia region on Saturday.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Hands Off!&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/03/hands-off-protest-trump-musk-april-5" data-vars-content-id="6bbfd080-57cc-4a6a-b08a-b4c5f8e59f5f" data-vars-headline="Philly&#x27;s anti-Trump &quot;Hands Off!&quot; protest expected to draw thousands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/03/hands-off-protest-trump-musk-april-5" target="_self">&quot;Hands Off!&quot;</a> is expected to be the largest single-day protest since President Trump entered office for his second term.

Anti-Trump protesters are hosting "Free America" rallies on Independence Day throughout the Philadelphia metro and across the county.

The big picture: This latest round of mass protests against President Trump comes amid growing discontent with his policies.

The Women's March encouraged protesters to plan rallies, marches, banner drops, street parades, art builds, BBQs, dance protests and block parties.

About 200 events were scheduled as of Tuesday afternoon, signaling less interest than the recent "No Kings" protests.

Zoom in: Northwest Philly's High Point Cafe is hosting the city's only scheduled event at noon on Friday with a public reading of the Declaration of Independence.

Other events in Pennsylvania are scheduled in King of Prussia and Springfield.

While New Jersey has rallies set for Trenton and Pine Hill.

Go deeper: What to know about Fourth of July anti-Trump protests

What to know about Fourth of July anti-Trump protests

Anti-Trump protests planned for July 4 in Philly region

This latest round of mass protests against President Trump is organized by the Women's March.

A map of the U.S. showing the locations of "Free America" protest events planned for July 4, 2025. There were at least 160 in-person events planned in cities as of July 1.

Anti-Trump protesters are hosting &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Free America" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/01/july-4-free-america-trump-protests-usa" data-vars-content-id="9f674fdc-6218-4a30-80ec-0f3dbe92d531" data-vars-headline="Anti-Trump protests planned for July 4 in Philly region" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/01/july-4-free-america-trump-protests-usa" target="_self">Free America</a>&quot; rallies on Independence Day throughout the Philadelphia metro and across the county.The big picture: This latest round of mass protests against President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="9f674fdc-6218-4a30-80ec-0f3dbe92d531" data-vars-headline="Anti-Trump protests planned for July 4 in Philly region" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump</a> comes amid <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/01/trump-big-beautiful-bill-polling" data-vars-content-id="9f674fdc-6218-4a30-80ec-0f3dbe92d531" data-vars-headline="Anti-Trump protests planned for July 4 in Philly region" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/01/trump-big-beautiful-bill-polling" target="_self">growing</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="discontent" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/29/prri-poll-most-americans-trump-dangerous-dictator" data-vars-content-id="9f674fdc-6218-4a30-80ec-0f3dbe92d531" data-vars-headline="Anti-Trump protests planned for July 4 in Philly region" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/29/prri-poll-most-americans-trump-dangerous-dictator" target="_self">discontent</a> with his policies.

The Philly region is joining another nationwide grassroots protest against the Trump administration this Saturday.

The big picture: The 50501 Movement takes momentum from recent protests to encourage Americans to become each other's "social support web" as the administration's policies target marginalized communities.

The 50501 Movement, meaning 50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement, is pushing back against what it called executive overreach from the Trump administration. 

More than 400 events are scheduled nationwide, including rallies, protests, nature cleanups and food drives.

Zoom in: The 50501 Philadelphia chapter posted on social media about a protest Saturday at noon at Independence Park, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolutionary War. 

Organizers are encouraging participants to come dressed up in costumes, bring drums, and "march against tyranny."

There are also several rallies planned in the Philly suburbs and New Jersey this weekend, including a rally and food drive in Trenton and another "Hands Off" event in Ambler. 

Catch up fast: Thousands of people gathered at Philly City Hall and Independence Mall earlier this month in support of the nationwide "Hands Off!" movement against Trump administration policies.

Go deeper: What to know about Saturday's 50501 Movement against the Trump administration

What to know about Saturday's 50501 Movement against the Trump administration

More anti-Trump protests planned in Philly region

The 50501 Movement is pushing back against what it called executive overreach from the Trump administration.

Dozens of protestors are seen on the streets 

Demonstrators at a 50501 Trump protest on April 5 at the Vermont State House in Montpelier, Vermont. Photo: John Lazenby/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

The Philly region is joining another nationwide grassroots protest against the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="c1acb843-8533-4027-8e30-181f6267eb03" data-vars-headline="More anti-Trump protests planned in Philly region" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump</a> administration this Saturday.The big picture: The 50501 Movement takes momentum from recent protests to encourage Americans to become each other&#x27;s &quot;social support web&quot; as the administration&#x27;s policies target marginalized communities.

April Rubin

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