As the Fourth of July approaches, the traditional parades and patriotic festivities may look different this year in cities across the U.S. Activist groups and grassroots organizations are planning nationwide rallies and protests under the banner of “Free America”, branding the movement as a “No Kings 2.0” resistance against President Donald Trump’s policies and what they describe as the country’s increasing shift toward authoritarianism.
Women’s March: ‘Free America Is Wherever We Are’
The Women’s March, which began in response to Trump’s 2017 election victory, is spearheading over 199 Free America events scheduled across the country. Organizers describe the movement as a reimagining of what freedom truly means in America.
“This July 4th, while the U.S. marks Independence Day, we’ll gather—on porches, in town squares, backyards, and streets—to stand for real freedom and build a vision of a Free America brick by brick,” the group states on its official site.
New England Free America event locations include:
- Providence, RI
- Fairfield, CT
- Milford, CT
- West Hartford, CT
- Swansea, MA
- Freeport, ME
- Portland, ME
- Shelburne, VT
One major gathering in Rhode Island will be hosted by the 50501 movement—short for “50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement”—at 7:30 p.m. on July 4 at the Rhode Island State House.
“This 4th of July, we gather to honor its spirit of dissent and stand together for the freedom, justice, and dignity every community deserves,” said the group in a post.
Indivisible: No Kings 2.0
Chapters of Indivisible, a resistance group formed in opposition to Trump-era policies, are organizing “No Kings 2.0” rallies in several states, including Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
“On the anniversary of our break from monarchy, we stand united to say: Not now. Not ever. No kings in America,” reads the event page for the Topsfield, MA protest.
Exact protest locations are available through Indivisible’s official event map.
The People’s Union USA: Silence Over Fireworks
The People’s Union USA, the group behind February’s economic blackout, plans to mark July 4 with a “silent protest” aimed at rejecting traditional celebrations and highlighting ongoing issues like war threats, ICE raids, and corruption.
“With everything happening, we are not free. We are not independent. To celebrate as if we are is dishonest,” said group leader John Schwarz.
In a viral social media message, Schwarz urged Americans to avoid parades, fireworks, and big box stores this Independence Day.
“Support small businesses or stay home with loved ones. Let silence speak louder than fireworks,” he
added.
Context: Growing Protest Movement
The “No Kings” slogan was previously used during a Memorial Day protest in Los Angeles, organized in response to Trump’s harsh tactics against immigration-related demonstrations. Now, with tensions rising and political polarization intensifying ahead of the 2026 election cycle, July 4 is set to become a battleground between celebration and dissent.
While fireworks may still light up the skies, many Americans plan to use the day to amplify a very different kind of message.
