Austin No Kings protest: Time, location, route, what to know

Thousands of protesters march through downtown Austin for the No Kings rally, Oct. 18, 2025. The rally against President Donald Trump and his policies included speakers, a march from the Texas State Capitol to Auditorium Shores and live music and occurred in conjunction with others across the country.

A wave of political demonstrations organized under the “No Kings” movement is set to stretch across Central Texas on Saturday, with events planned in at least eight communities surrounding a large-scale rally in Austin that organizers say could draw tens of thousands to Auditorium Shores.

The events are part of "No Kings 3," the third nationwide day of action staged since the inauguration of President Donald Trump. In Austin, organizers are planning a mix of speeches, music and civic engagement activities. Similar demonstrations in Austin have recently drawn tens of thousands of people.

Protestors gather at the "No Kings" protest on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

When and where is the Austin protest?

The Austin event is scheduled for 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Auditorium Shores, at 900 W. Riverside Drive. Organizers also say people who want to march will gather at Austin City Hall at noon, with the march set to step off at 12:30 p.m. and head across the South First Street bridge to the rally site.

Attendees who cannot join the march will head straight to Auditorium Shores for the 1 p.m. start.

The Austin event is part of a nationwide “No Kings” day of action.

Organizers describe the movement as nonpartisan and aimed at pushing back against what they call authoritarianism, executive overreach and attacks on democratic institutions. In Texas, events are also being framed around immigration enforcement, civil liberties and opposition to the Trump administration.

What began in 2025 as a single day of protest has grown into what organizers describe as a broader national movement.

Protestors gather at the "No Kings" protest on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

Where else are “No Kings” protests happening around the Austin area?

In addition to Austin, events are planned across Central Texas on Saturday:

• Dripping Springs: 9 to 11 a.m., Veterans Memorial Park, 511 E. Mercer St. Organizers say the event will include a visibility protest in downtown Dripping Springs, with participants waving flags and signs at a major intersection. An optional meetup is planned afterward at a nearby distillery.
• Bastrop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Bastrop County Courthouse, 804 Pecan St. The event includes speakers, organizing information and a planned march from the courthouse and back.
• Taylor: 10 a.m. to noon, Bill Pickett Statue at West Second and North Main streets. Rally-style gathering in downtown Taylor.
• Georgetown: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Williamson County Historic Courthouse, 710 Main St. ADA-accessible courthouse rally with dedicated parking.
• Round Rock: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Big Boy Hester Family Field at Memorial Park, 601 N. Lee St. Midday rally at a city park.
• Lago Vista: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., near RM 1431 and Lohman Ford Road intersection. Roadside visibility rally with participants waving signs to passing traffic. Organizers note the timing is designed so attendees can travel to the larger Austin rally afterward. Attendees should park elsewhere after drop-off.
• Cedar Park: 1 to 4 p.m., East Whitestone Boulevard and 183A frontage road. Afternoon visibility protest along a major roadway.
• Pflugerville: 1 to 4 p.m., 2301 Kelly Lane. ADA-accessible afternoon demonstration with full accessibility features including dedicated parking, wheelchair ramps and no stairs.

Who’s organizing the Austin event?

Melody Tremallo leads thousands of protesters through downtown Austin for the No Kings rally, Oct. 18, 2025. The rally against President Donald Trump and his policies included speakers, a march from the Texas State Capitol to Auditorium Shores and live music and occurred in conjunction with others across the country.

The event is being led by a coalition that includes Hands Off Central Texas, Indivisible groups and the League of Women Voters of the Austin Area, alongside dozens of local organizations focused on civil rights and civic engagement.

More than 80 groups are expected to participate with booths, resources and organizing opportunities.

What to expect at the Austin rally

Two protesters wearing inflatable Pikachu costumes walk through Auditorium Shores after marching with thousands of others from the Texas State Capitol for the No Kings rally, Oct. 18, 2025. The rally against President Donald Trump and his policies included speakers, a march from the Texas State Capitol to Auditorium Shores and live music and occurred in conjunction with others across the country.

Organizers are framing the event as both a protest and a community gathering. Plans include:

• Live performances and speakers
• Interactive art installations and activities
• Information tables and organizing opportunities
• Family-friendly elements like art projects and community spaces

How big could it get?

Previous “No Kings” events in Austin have drawn tens of thousands of people, according to organizers. They say this weekend’s rally could surpass that, citing growing participation in the movement.

Crowds of that size can create festival-like conditions downtown, with heavy foot traffic and limited cell service in dense areas, according to organizers’ guidance.

Safety and police presence

Organizers say the demonstrations are rooted in nonviolent action and are asking participants to follow the law and help de-escalate conflicts. They also advise against bringing weapons, including those that may be legally carried.

For the Austin rally, organizers say volunteer safety teams, legal observers and street medics will be present. Austin police are also expected to have a presence.

Protesters crossing the First Street bridge are reflected in the sunglasses of a protester watching the crowd go by as thousands march through downtown Austin for the No Kings rally, Oct. 18, 2025. The rally against President Donald Trump and his policies included speakers, a march from the Texas State Capitol to Auditorium Shores and live music and occurred in conjunction with others across the country.

What attendees should know before going

Organizers recommend bringing water, sunscreen and comfortable shoes. Parking near downtown is expected to be limited, and attendees are encouraged to carpool or use public transit.

Attendees should also expect media coverage and may be photographed or recorded.

Can you get fired for attending a “No Kings” protest?

In Texas, most private-sector employees are at-will, meaning employers generally have broad discretion to discipline or terminate workers unless limited by law or contract.

A woman adjusts her American flag as she marches with thousands of other protesters through downtown Austin for the No Kings rally, Oct. 18, 2025. The rally against President Donald Trump and his policies included speakers, a march from the Texas State Capitol to Auditorium Shores and live music and occurred in conjunction with others across the country.

Public employees have some First Amendment protections but can still face discipline if participation disrupts operations or violates workplace policies.

Workers concerned about potential consequences may want to review employer policies or seek legal advice.