Iowans are joining in on nationwide May Day protests to voice their discontent against rising costs, the war in Iran and President Donald Trump’s leadership of ICE, amongst broader economic concerns. Protestors are hoping others will take action by not going to school, work or shopping from corporations on May 1.
What is May Day?
May 1 is known as International Workers’ Day, and in 2026, it’s drawing renewed attention as organizers behind the national May Day Strong movement call for protests, boycotts and walkouts across the United States.
May Day protests, a nationwide movement following the latest “No Kings” protests and backed by hundreds of organizations including 50501 and Indivisible, uses the global labor holiday to call attention to economic and workplace issues. For May Day 2026, organizers are encouraging supporters to avoid work, school and shopping on May 1 as part of coordinated protests and visibility actions across the country.
Organizers say protestors across the country will stand up and demand “that we tax the rich,” which organizers have backed with a 71-page policy roadmap and affordability agenda, according to the official maydaystrong.org website.
What May Day events are happening in Iowa?
Dozens of events are taking place across Iowa.
Many of the protests in central Iowa are organized by the local chapter of the National Education Association. More events can be found on the Mobilize website under their May Day strong tab.
Ames: Workers Over Billionaires Socialism 101 Teach-In
There will a teach-in and gathering at the Danfoss room of the Ames Public Library.
Des Moines: End the Wars, Stop ICE
A rally focused on the war in Iran and the blockade on Cuba will take place over the lunch hour at Cowles Commons in downtown Des Moines and include a march to the Capitol.
Des Moines: Workers Over Billionaires rally
Organizers will be hosting a rally at Gray’s Lake.
Des Moines: Stand in Support of Public Education
Multiple Des Moines Education Association members and allies will be walking into schools before class starts to support public education. Organizers are asking participants to wear red or any pro-public education shirt.
Some locations include Goodrell Middle School, River Woods Elementary School and Samuelson Elementary School.
Iowa City: Song Vigil – Singing Resistance
Protestors will be singing for grief and justice, according to their event page.
Iowa City: Workers & Families Town Hall
Organizers of this town hall are making three demands as part of their rally. They want to protect immigrant workers and families. They want officials to invest in housing, healthcare and good jobs in Johnson County. And they want to strengthen democracy locally.
The community town hall will also include a Johnson County Supervisors Candidate Forum.
USA Today reporter Lori Comstock contributed to this article.
Lucia Cheng is a service and trending reporter at the Des Moines Register. Contact her at lcheng@gannett.com or 515-284-8132.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowans to join nationwide May Day protests for economic change
Reporting by Lucia Cheng, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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