Preparing for No Kings in Columbia!

Everything you need to know about tomorrow ✊

Oct 17, 2025

Need a ride?

By car, van, and bus, folks are coming from all over the state! Find a ride from Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Aiken, Greenville, Anderson, Spartanburg and more at linktr.ee/50501SC

Parking 101

Please look at this interactive parking map from the City of Columbia at: https://parking.columbiasc.gov/downtown-parking-map/

If you have limited mobility, Sumter Street is a viable drop off point with street parking in the area. Our next recommendation would be to park at the Lady Street Garage. Exit along Lady Street leaving by turning right out of the garage. Then turn right again at Main St, and the State House will be in front of you.

Know Your Rights: We have the right to protest

Familiarize yourself with your legal rights before attending. Understand your right to free speech, assembly, and protection against unlawful search and seizure.

The ACLU has compiled a comprehensive guide online at https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/protesters-rights

Rally Day Reminders

Absolutely no weapons.
Your accessibility needs are important! While we never recommend sitting down during escalation, we DO recommend bringing a chair if you’d like or need to sit during the rally itself. Also consider bringing other accessibility needs, like ear plugs for loud crowds and music.
Service animals welcome! Please no pets though, the crowd is expected to be too large for non-service animals. We don’t want your furry friend to be overwhelmed or scared.
Bring a friend! Remember to plan meeting points and what to do if separated.
Come prepared: Leave phones at home. Remember to apply sunscreen, eat, and hydrate before attending. Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Consider a KN95 or better (there’s a measles outbreak in SC y’all). Bring a snack and reusable water bottle, and then you can refill at the water table!

Mutual Aid Drive

If you’re able, please bring items for our Mutual Aid Drive in partnership with Food Not Bombs Midlands.

Event Schedule

1:30 - Join us at the State House in Columbia! We’ll start with meeting community members, chanting, and sign-waving. And music!

ℹ️ Stop by and see us at the 50501 Info Table, or find a volunteer with a badge for information and answers to your questions ℹ️
2:00 - Hear from local advocates, activists, and folks who are on the frontlines about the state of authoritarianism we’re in and what we can do about it.
2:30 - Optional march to the Governor’s Mansion. The rally will also continue at the State House with informational tables from labor and advocacy groups, more speakers (including several third party candidates), live music, and more!
4pm - The march will rejoin the rally for a special closing!