Status: Under Construction | Last Updated: 4/6/2026

This May Day,

It’s Workers Over Billionaires

On May 1, 2026, workers, students, and families rally, march, and take action across the country to demand a nation that puts workers over billionaires, with many refusing business as usual through No School. No Work. No Shopping.

Here in Traverse City, Michigan we’re calling on individuals, businesses, and students to join together for a Mutual Aid Picnic.

What does that mean? Get all the information you need, and more, below.

QUICK NAVIGATION

GENERAL

Accessibility
Day Of Status Update
Action For The Day
Notice of Filming & Photography

NATIONAL RESOURCES

May Day Strong
Why Take Action?
Support The Movement

Local Resources

Mutual Aid Picnic
Participating Organizations
Location
Parking
Safety

DAY OF STATUS UPDATE

Check back here on the day of the event to get a full update on weather conditions, and other last minute event information. Keep in mind the May Day Mutual Aid Picnic in Traverse City is not a rain-or-shine event and will be called off if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

MAY DAY STRONG NATIONAL RESOURCES

Billionaires are stealing public dollars, separating families and destroying U.S. democracy in their pursuit of profit, but in the streets and on the shop floor, in union halls and the halls of Congress, working people are rising up and fighting for freedom, fairness and security.

The May Day Strong Coalition is a broad tent, stretching from labor, to multi-issue advocacy groups and everyday workers who are fed up with the billionaire agenda. You can find a full list of organizational partners here.

Learn more about the movement here.

THE DEMANDS

Tax the rich so our families, not their fortunes, come first,
No ICE. No war.  No private army serving authoritarian power.
Expand democracy. Hands off our vote.

Sign The May Day Pledge

WHY TAKE ACTION?

  • We want our tax dollars to go to schools and housing, not to sending federal agents into our cities to attack and kill our neighbors. No one should live under ICE violence or militarized occupation, period. Our tax dollars should fund stability and care, not occupation and repression.

  • Democracy should work for working people, not billionaire interests.
    While working families are stretched to the brink, billionaires and corporations are posting record profits and hoarding the wealth our labor creates. That money should be funding housing, schools, healthcare, and the public goods that make life livable.

  • The Corporations and the ultra-rich have rigged the system and it won’t get un-rigged unless working people take big actions together. Corporations and the ultra-wealthy are rigging the rules to protect their power and shut the rest of us out. A government captured by billionaire interests will not solve a crisis that benefits them without us making it.

  • Organized people are the only force that has ever stopped authoritarian takeovers and changed the rules to work for working people. Those who profit from a rigged system will not voluntarily give it up. When working people move together, we can defend our communities, protect our rights, and force the government to put our families over their fortunes.

TRAVERSE CITY MUTUAL AID PICNIC

More info coming soon!

LOCATION

ROTARY SQUARE

ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION

Democracy belongs to all of us, and we're committed to making every event as accessible as possible to everyone who wants to participate. Below you'll find accessibility information related to location, parking, best drop-off locations, and how to request additional accommodations.

Check our Day Of Status Report for weather and terrain conditions.

Contact For Accommodations

If you have any questions or needs that we have not listed below, please email comms@traverseindivisible.org.

Accessibility Drop-Off Locations

Rotary Square: As this is a relaxed community picnic, there is no reserved accessibility area. Come as you would for a leisurely day in the park. However, the best place to get dropped off is in the alleyway / paid parking lot on the southern edge of Rotary Square, directly across from the Post Office off Union Street.

Accessible Parking

Rotary Square: Rotary Square is located downtown Traverse City, so while there is dedicated accessible parking in the area, most of it is farther from the park and would require crossing sidewalks, roads, and the marching route. Your best bet is to use the metered parking along the South side of Rotary Square. This usually fills up quickly, so if you’re considering this option we encourage you to show up early.

Transportation Options

Coming soon.

Participation Options

Coming soon.

Park Terrain

Rotary Square is a large grassy park, surrounded by public sidewalks on three sides, and an alleyway / parking lot on the southern side. It is very flat, and is generally well kept. There is a small bench / soap box on the western edge of the park that is generally open for seating. For the most part the park is accessible by walker or wheelchair, although some heavier automatic mobility devices might have trouble operating on the soft ground.

Restroom Access

Rotary Square: No portable restrooms available. Downtown business and public facilities only.

Seating Areas

Due to the nature of this event there is no reserved seating, and space in the park is available on a first-come first-serve basis. People are encouraged to bring blankets on which to sit with their friends or organization, or folding beach / camping chairs.

Sensory Considerations

The May Day Mutual Aid Picnic will be a literal day in the park. You can expect general downtown traffic noise, as well as the sounds of nature. There will be conversation from other participants, as well as the possibility of unamplified music or singing. There will not be any type of electronic audio or visual devices. If you have specific sensory needs or questions about what to expect, please contact us at comms@traverseindivisible.org.

Assistive Services

This is an unstaffed event, and there will not be dedicated accessibility liaisons. However, if you’d like to have someone meet you at the park to help you get your bearings, please inquire by emailing comms@traverseindivisible.org.

Downloadable Resources

Text-only version of this website as a Word document coming soon.

Text-only version of this website as a .PDF file coming soon.

PARKING

On-street parking around F&M Park is limited. We encourage you to walk, bike the TART Trail (www.traversetrails.org), or take the free BATA Bayline bus (www.bata.net/bayline) to the event. Otherwise, consider showing up early!

Bayline Bus Stops Near F&M Park:

  • E. Front & Barlow (one block north of the park)

  • E. Front & Wellington (one block north of the park)

The Bayline runs every 15 minutes, and you can track your bus live at www.batabustracker.com or use Google Maps (select the transit option in 'directions').

Park-and-Ride Options:

  • Grand Traverse Civic Center

  • Old Woodland Creek Furniture lot (East Bay, next to Burger King)

  • Career Tech Center (Parsons Road)

  • Meijer on US 31 (park near the garden center)

All of these locations have Bayline access to get you downtown. Using public transit or the TART Trail helps reduce congestion and makes parking easier for those who need accessible drop-off at the park.

SAFETY

Safety isn't just a plan, it's how we show up for one another.

Peace is our top priority.

No Kings 3 is a permitted event, and we've been working closely with the Traverse City Police Department and DDA to ensure a safe, legal, and well-organized march.

We are committed to nonviolent action and peaceful resistance. We expect all participants to seek de-escalation with anyone who disagrees with our values and to act lawfully throughout the event. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to this event.

Our Peace and Safety team will be present throughout the march to provide support, answer questions, and help ensure everyone's wellbeing. If you see something concerning or need assistance, look for volunteers wearing orange high-visibility vests.

We're marching together, and we're looking out for each other. Stay aware of your surroundings, stay hydrated, and don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it.

Know before you go.

  • Stay on the sidewalks, out of the roads (except when crossing), and off private property.

  • When crossing roadways, make sure to obey all traffic laws and the instructions of our Peace & Safety volunteers.

  • There is no rush. Moving thousands of people down the sidewalk can take time. Remember, we’re not competing in a race, we’re out there to be visible and in community.

  • Local law enforcement is our ally. There will be heightened law enforcement presence along the march route. They are there to ensure our safety and that our right to public assembly and free speech is not infringed. Remember, local law enforcement is not ICE or Border Patrol, they are our neighbors and fellow community members.

  • There will be drones. We have coordinated with several independent volunteers who will be using drones to capture footage for safety, crowd counting, and publicity. They are licensed pilots, and have coordinated with FAA to ensure compliance and safety.

GET INVOLVED

We protect each other through preparation. Access free trainings for Peace and Safety volunteers and community members to help keep March 28th safe and empowering for all.

March 17 @ 8pm:Safety & Deescalation 201 - Scenario Planning & Training Others For Peace & Safety team volunteers

March 18 from 8pm: Know Your Rights: Protest Rights and Safety Practices For all event attendees

March 20 @ 3pm:We Keep Us Safe: No Kings Safety Marshal Training For Peace & Safety team volunteers

March 23 from 6pm: Know Your Rights: Protest Rights and Safety Practices For all event attendees

March 23 from 8pm: Conozca sus derechos: Derechos de protesta y prácticas de seguridad Para todos los participantes

March 25 from 8pm: People Power: How to have conversations about No Kings that move people For all event attendees

Ready to put your training to use? Join the No Kings 3 Peace & Safety Team by volunteering here.

ACTION FOR THE DAY

Ok, we’re all gathered together. Now what? Our power is in collective action, which is why every Traverse Indivisible event incorporates at least one action you can take on the day of the event.

Check back here soon to find out how you can pitch in!

PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS

Look for these groups and causes on march day. Get informed, and take action!

Democratic Socialists of Northwest Michigan

WHO: The new, 7-county-strong Michigan chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America is a political organization fighting for working class power and human rights here and everywhere.

Look For: Red roses, and a big red banner!

More Info: www.nwmidsa.org

Resist & Unsubscribe

WHO: an economic boycott campaign that calls on consumers to cancel subscriptions and reduce spending with major tech companies and firms that enable U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Look For: Maryellen along the march route, with a sandwich board QR code

More Info: https://www.resistandunsubscribe.com/

We The People In Truth

WHO: A grassroots organization was created with the purpose of providing comprehensive aid to individuals and families impacted by ICE violence and misconduct.

Look For: Neon pink shirts along the march route, and at Rotary Square

More Info: https://wethepeopleintruth.org/

NOTICE OF PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO RECORDING

By attending No Kings 3, you acknowledge and consent to being photographed, filmed, and/or recorded (including by drone) by Traverse Indivisible, Leelanau Indivisible, volunteers, and media. These images and recordings may be used for promotional, educational, and advocacy purposes on our website, social media, publications, and other public-facing platforms without compensation or further notice. If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, please notify a volunteer wearing an orange vest or position yourself away from cameras and designated filming areas. Your participation in this public event constitutes acceptance of these terms.

We are coordinating with independent drone operators who will capture aerial footage for safety monitoring, crowd documentation, and advocacy purposes. These pilots are not Traverse Indivisible volunteers but are working in close coordination with us. All drone operators are required to have the necessary permits and FAA approvals, and participant safety remains the top priority.