The second round of “No Kings” protests proved to be a party on Saturday in San Diego.
Though Republicans in recent days have labeled the events across the country as “Hate America” rallies, thousands of San Diegans, bearing signs and donning costumes, sought to tell a different tale.
“No Kings” organizers refer to the protests as a nonviolent day of action against the Trump administration. Approximately 25,000 people showed up in downtown San Diego alone, according to police estimates, with thousands more gathering at events across the region.
An estimated 7 million people turned out in cities and towns across the nation Saturday, organizers said, 2 million more than the last “No Kings” protest on June 14.
“I’ve been protesting my whole life for America. Everything. Back to the ‘60s,” said resident Bob Begin, who attended “No Kings” in El Cajon. “Today’s the most important one, because it matters to our grandkids, to our children. It’s up to us.”
In late September, President Donald Trump referred to Portland as “war-ravaged” and “like living in hell.” In response, Portlanders dressed in inflatable animal costumes while protesting against the federal government’s deployment of the National Guard.
That response quickly went viral on social media, and San Diegans were apparently inspired by Portlanders Saturday.
Marchers (and their pets!) also donned costumes — ranging from animals to mermaids to the Statue of Liberty. And music was a part of the day, with participants playing instruments and dancing, lending a festive atmosphere to the rallies despite their serious purpose.
The crowd in San Diego Saturday Oct. 18, 2025, at the downtown “No Kings” rally. (Photo by Adrian Childress/Times of San Diego)There were 16 “No Kings” events in San Diego County alone. Times of San Diego visited four of them to observe and share protesters’ thoughts.
Civic Center and Waterfront Park
In downtown San Diego, people spread across three locations and converged to march up Pacific Highway. A purple hippo and blue shark set the tone, dancing in Waterfront Park to the beat of a drumming circle.
Along the way, protesters enjoyed a DJ, one-man band and even bagpipes. Some of those without instruments improvised, slapping out a beat on upside-down buckets.
Lashaan Crane and her husband brought their percussion instruments. “We are both musicians, so it felt right to bring the pulse and the drum to the march. And to spread the love.”
A father-son veteran duo marched alongside each other. Mario Posada Sr. served in the U.S. Marine Corps in Vietnam.
“As a 17-year-old, I volunteered to risk my life to serve my country and defend our democracy,” he said. “That’s why I’m here today — to defend our democracy.”
His 27-year-old son served in Yemen with the U.S. Air Force. As a queer Latino veteran, Mario Posada Jr. is concerned about Trump’s attacks on marginalized service members.
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