Scenes from Seattle’s ‘No Kings’ March

Over the weekend, on a gray, chilly Saturday afternoon, Seattle showed up by the thousands to partake in the second “No Kings” march. An estimated 90,000 people joined Seattle’s primary protest—starting at Seattle Center and marching into downtown—surpassing June’s protest of the same name by about 20,000 participants.

The “No Kings” protests began earlier this year as a nationwide movement denouncing authoritarianism, fascism, and policies linked to President Donald Trump.

Seattleites of all ages, genders, races, orientations—and even some four-legged residents—showed up wearing colorful attire, carrying creative signs, and bringing plenty of satire. Before the march began, crowds erupted as Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal took the stage at Seattle Center, calling for the people to be the movement that saves the country.

From the pre-protest rally to the march through downtown, the crowds remained peaceful and upbeat—buzzing with hope and solidarity. A marching band drummed and trumpeted alongside resounding chants. The procession stretched a mile, with a sense of solidarity running through the crowd. Inflatable frog, chicken, and shark costumes, Statues of Liberty, 18th-century kings, and handmaids in red robes were spotted in the crowd. Rainbow pride and Palestinian flags flew proudly alongside American stars and stripes. There was a palpable sense of community and togetherness, and a determination to infuse the event with creativity and positivity. About 2,600 “No Kings” events were held across nearly every U.S. state, making Seattle’s march part of a much larger national turnout.

Saturday’s march demonstrated a growing local movement grounded in unity and civic participation. Walking among the thousands, I felt proud of the city’s spirit. Now the question is, what comes next? How can we keep this past weekend’s energy alive and turn it into lasting change?

A group of people march outdoors, some holding signs and flags. Two people in fantasy costumes walk in front, surrounded by others in casual clothing. Trees and buildings are visible in the background.

A crowd of people at a protest hold up various handmade signs with slogans, including one that reads “WHAT WE DO OR DIDN’T DO MATTERS.” Trees and cloudy sky are visible in the background.

A group of people in red cloaks and white bonnets hold protest signs displaying statistics about violence and discrimination against women and girls.

A protester holds a sign that reads "NO FAUX KING WAY!" among a crowd with American flags and other signs. Trees and lights are visible in the background.

A protest sign with a Peanuts cartoon drawing and text asking the "Great Pumpkin" to address health insurance and an "evil cousin," topped with a small American flag.

Young child holding up a cardboard sign that reads "LOVE IS LOVE" with brightly colored letters on a city sidewalk.

Person in historical costume holds an American flag and a sign reading "NO KINGS SINCE 1776" at an outdoor event with other people and trees in the background.

A group of people at a protest hold signs, including one reading "Orange Lies Matter" with a cartoon and others with various messages, standing in front of tall orange structures.

A person in a koala costume holds a "Resist Fascism, Save Democracy" sign while walking in a protest with other people carrying signs.

A crowd of protesters gathers outdoors holding various signs, including ones reading "WE LOVE AMERICA RALLY" and "NO Dictator, NO Tyrant, NO Authoritarian, NO BUFFOON.

Person in a crowd holds a colorful protest sign with a cartoon cat and the words "ALL MONARCHS ARE USURPERS." Other protest signs and people are visible in the background.

A large crowd of people at a protest holds various signs, including ones that read "honk if you love DEMOCRACY" and "PROUDLY DIVORCED ANTI-FASCIST.

Three people in costume stand outside: two in inflatable chicken suits and one in a pink onesie. They are holding protest signs. Bicycles and trees are visible in the background.

A group of people at a protest. One person holds a sign that reads, "NO ICE IN SEATTLE (JUST RAIN)." Other protest signs are visible in the background.