May Day protests are taking place nationwide ahead of the weekend, with more than 30 events planned across Michigan on May 1.
“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,” the May Day Strong organization said on its website.
The wave of non-violent protests will take place in each U.S. state and Puerto Rico.
As of Friday morning, May 1, there are 35 protests scheduled in Michigan at varying times. Details on the location, time and activities may be found on the organization’s interactive event map by clicking on a city in Michigan. There is also an event map on the “No Kings” official website.
Here’s more on May Day 2026 and where protestors will gather in Michigan.
What is May Day 2026?
May Day also considered International Workers Day or Labor Day occurs each year on the first day of May which dates back to the late 19th century. It is dedicated to advocate for the class and labor struggles of people worldwide.
“Unlike Labor Day, May Day is not officially recognized in the United States as a federal holiday. However, both holidays have ties to the American labor movement and both uplift the accomplishments of workers,” the University of California Institute for Research on Labor and Employment said.
In addition to advocating for workers’ rights, May Day participants in 2026 have highlighted other issues on their website related to President Trump’s policies, such as:
Where are May Day protests in Michigan?
As of Friday morning, May 1, there are 35 protests slated across Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsula, according to the event maps. Here are the locations:
Events in the Upper Peninsula
Events in northern Lower Peninsula
Protests near Lansing
May Day protests around Grand Rapids
Demonstrations around Detroit
May Day events in southern Michigan
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: May Day protests planned in Michigan against Trump, billionaires
Reporting by Sarah Moore, USA TODAY NETWORK / Lansing State Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
