By Rocky Mountain Voice editorial board
This Saturday, a coalition of far-left activist groups is planning to flood downtown Denver for a protest they’re calling “No Kings Day”—timed deliberately to coincide with President Trump’s birthday and a nationwide military parade celebrating the Army’s 250th birthday.
While organizers claim the event is a celebration of “freedom from tyranny,” their messaging, sponsors and past behavior suggest otherwise. The event—set to take place at Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park from 1–6 p.m.—includes an “activist fair” featuring over 30 organizations.
Among the participating groups are Denver Communists, Party for Socialism and Liberation, Democratic Socialists of America and the Colorado Palestine Coalition. The event is also being promoted by 50501, a national activist group that has previously supported anti-Israel and anti-law enforcement demonstrations.
Organizers say the protest will include chalk art, food vendors, dance performances and poetry readings. But the real objective appears more political than poetic: a direct challenge to traditional American values, law enforcement and conservative leadership. On social media, the group has called for a “nationwide day of defiance” and encouraged attendees to wear black, bring signs and participate in “direct action.”
In other words: this is not just a picnic in the park.
Events are planned not just in Denver, but in over 40 locations across Colorado—including Boulder, Fort Collins, Arvada, and Parker. In Parker, tensions have already escalated. After being denied a permit due to a conflict with the Parker Days Festival, organizers say they’re moving forward anyway—setting off alarms for local law enforcement.
Given what’s happened in cities like Los Angeles this week—where violent protests led to fires, vandalism and over 200 arrests—many Denver residents are bracing for impact. Protesters in L.A. torched driverless cars, stormed federal buildings and clashed with police. President Trump responded by deploying the National Guard and warned, “Law and order will prevail.”
Tensions are already rising in Denver. A lead-up protest on Tuesday caused major traffic disruptions along I-25 and ended in multiple arrests. Police used smoke and pepper balls to disperse the group after they attempted to block key roadways.
Saturday’s protest hasn’t been labeled high-risk—yet—but the messaging is clear. Promotional flyers call for the dismantling of “systems of oppression” and reject both political parties outright. “We don’t want Trump—we don’t want Biden—we want liberation,” some protest flyers state. Given the week’s earlier demonstrations, city officials are watching Civic Center Park and the Capitol for possible new unrest.
Several groups involved have spoken out against police presence and are promoting “community defense”—a term often linked to more confrontational tactics.
Regardless of your weekend plans, be aware of the situation downtown. While some may downplay the protest’s nature, its organizers are calling for systemic change that goes well beyond typical civic demonstration.
Remain aware of developments as they unfold. Rocky Mountain Voice will provide real-time updates throughout Saturday’s events.