Tens of thousands of people are expected to participate in protests against the Trump administration, its policies and as organizers demand fair rights for everyday workers over the nation’s ultra-wealthy.
Protests, rallies, marches and walkouts are planned across the nation – including in New York – on Friday, May 1. Some other protests are set to take around the nation this weekend – on May 2 and May 3. Thousands of scheduled events encourage supporters to skip work, school and shopping as part of a coordinated effort nationwide. Turnout, timing and themes will vary by location.
May 1 is historically known as May Day or International Workers’ Day. The day commemorates efforts made to improve workers’ rights. It’s a date historically linked to labor movements and protests around the world, though it’s not a federal holiday in the United States.
The volunteer-led 50501 movement, which spurred other nationwide protests in the past year, is helping organize the demonstrations along with labor unions, student groups and other grassroots organizations.
Some actions have been framed as anti-Trump, with organizers citing opposition to the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement actions and the war in Iran as part of a broader movement, demanding a nation that “puts workers over billionaires,” organizers say on the official MayDayStrong.org website.
“We make this country run and we know how to take care of each other,” organizers said on the MayDayStrong.org website. “Our families and our freedoms need defending. Together we will ensure access to opportunity and a better life for all.”
Where are May Day protests in New York?
As of late April, dozens of May Day protests and rallies are listed across New York state on May 1. Locations and times for May Day Strong 2026 actions may change, but maps and event listings show rallies and protests planned in many spots across the Empire State.
Here’s a sampling of some Friday, May 1 events across New York state:
For more events, go to MayDayStrong.org and click on the New York state map.
What holiday is May 1?
May 1 is known as May Day, or International Workers’ Day, a holiday that dates back centuries to when workers pushed for workplace protections and an eight-hour workday, according to Britannica. It’s not a federal holiday in the United States, though cities like New York City, often see protests tied to labor, immigration and economic issues.
May Day is a public holiday in countries including India, France, Greece, Germany, Spain, Portugal, and South Africa. In the United States, Labor Day is a similar observance and is a federal holiday and takes place on the first Monday of September. in 2026, Labor Day is Monday, Sept. 7.
What is May Day Strong 2026?
May Day Strong 2026 is a nationally coordinated day of action planned May 1, calling on people across the U.S. to disrupt “business as usual” through a mix of rallies, marches, school walkouts and voluntary boycotts under the slogan “No Work. No School. No Shopping,” according to the official MayDayStrong.org website.
Organizers are taking on a modern extension to International Workers’ Day, which has ties to the 19th-century labor movement and the fight for the eight-hour workday, according to Britannica.
Organizers say the 2026 action is intended to show solidarity to demand the following, organizers say: economic inequality, immigration enforcement, war spending and voting rights, with heavy emphasis on everyday people having power over corporations and billionaires.
According to a national press release from May Day Strong organizers, as many as 3,000 events are expected nationwide on May Day 2026, ranging from sidewalk protests and marches to teach-ins and community gatherings.
Will May Day protests impact schools, transit or work?
It depends on the location, but mass shutdowns of transit, school or work are unlikely. Organizers behind May Day Strong 2026 are urging people to participate in a “No Work, No School, No Shopping” day of action, but they have emphasized participation is voluntary and that people should not risk their jobs or paychecks to take part.
Where else are May Day Strong protests near me?
People searching for “May Day protests near me” can find a list of planned events through the May Day Strong website, which offers an interactive map, which will continue to be updated ahead of May 1. Some events will be held May 2 or May 3.
Contributing: USA Today network
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Why are people protesting in NY today? What to know about May Day rallies
Reporting by Victoria E. Freile, New York Connect Team / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
