Staff Report / March 26, 2026
A wave of coordinated demonstrations is set to sweep across New York’s Finger Lakes region this weekend, as residents in multiple communities prepare to join a nationwide day of protest.
Organizers say the “No Kings” rallies, scheduled for Saturday, are part of a broader national movement aimed at opposing policies of the Trump administration. Locally, events are planned in towns and villages across several counties, reflecting what activists describe as a growing regional response to national political issues.
From late morning through early evening, gatherings will take place in communities including Auburn, Canandaigua, Hammondsport, Ithaca, Penn Yan, Trumansburg, Skaneateles, Watkins Glen, and locations throughout Wayne County. Each event is expected to follow a similar format, with participants assembling in public spaces such as town centers, sidewalks, and courthouse grounds.
According to organizers, the demonstrations are intended to remain peaceful while giving residents an opportunity to voice concerns over a range of issues. Among those cited are federal immigration enforcement actions, cuts to social programs like healthcare and education, environmental policy changes, and the rising cost of living.
The Finger Lakes protests are timed to coincide with hundreds—if not thousands—of similar events planned nationwide. Recent “No Kings” actions have drawn large crowds across the country, with organizers emphasizing nonviolent participation and community engagement as central goals of the movement.
While each local gathering is independently organized, the collective effort underscores a shared message: participants say they aim to challenge what they view as overreach by federal leadership and to advocate for democratic principles through public demonstration.
Officials have not indicated any major disruptions expected from the protests, though residents may notice increased activity in central areas of participating towns throughout the day.
