Where San Diegans are demonstrating on May Day
Rally organizers throughout the county call on community members to join in on support of workers’ and immigrants’ rights.
Written by Lauren J. Mapp, Edited by Kate Morrissey
Friday is May Day, an international observance honoring the labor movement and the struggles of workers around the world.
The observance was originally established on May 1, 1889, to commemorate the third anniversary of the Haymarket Riot, a deadly confrontation between labor protesters and police in Chicago. Up to eight civilians and seven police officers were killed during the riot — and dozens of others on both sides were wounded — after a bomb was thrown during the rally and police retaliated with indiscriminate gunfire.
Many activists are calling on community members to honor the day by staying home from school and work on May 1, and by abstaining from shopping that day. There are also nearly a dozen demonstrations planned throughout San Diego County, with organizers calling for economic justice, support for immigrants and better protection for workers.
Know an event we missed? Email lauren@daylightsandiego.org.
Editor's note: We have used AI to help us extract information from event flyers, but humans have selected, adjusted and reviewed each entry.
April 29
Sign-Making Party: The San Diego Liberation Center, Peace and Freedom Party San Diego, and the Party for Socialism and Liberation are hosting a sign-making meetup in preparation for May Day demonstrations. 6 p.m., San Diego Liberation Center, 810 L Ave., National City, CA 91950
May 1
Chicano Park: A coalition of organizers are holding a general strike in Chicano Park to commemorate International Workers' Day and call for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Noon, Chicano Park, 1949 Logan Ave., San Diego, CA 92113
UC San Diego: Students at UC San Diego are leading a walkout that calls on students, workers and community members to rally for affordability, safety and freedom in education. Organizers ask that protesters bring their own signs. 12:15 - 3 p.m., University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, San Diego, CA 92093
San Diego State University: Students at SDSU are leading a rally inviting students, alumni and community members to advocate for education affordability and worker rights. 2 - 4 p.m., Hepner Hall, Campanile Mall, San Diego, CA 92182
Oceanside: A rally and march demand worker rights, taxes on the rich and protection of democracy. Organizers are also collecting nonperishable food donations for families impacted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in North County. 10 - 11:45 a.m., North Coast Highway and Pier View Way, Oceanside, CA 92054
Encinitas: A community rally calls for economic justice and worker solidarity as part of nationwide May Day actions. 4:30 - 5:30 p.m., 1424 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas, CA 92024
Mira Mesa: A local gathering invites community members to rally for worker rights and economic equity. 4:30 p.m., Mira Mesa Boulevard and Westview Parkway, San Diego, CA 92126
Downtown San Diego: Labor unions and community groups will gather for a rally and march at Waterfront Park to advocate for worker power and economic justice. 4 - 5:30 p.m., Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92101
El Cajon: A rally at Parkway Plaza brings together community members to advocate for worker rights and democratic protections. 1 - 2:30 p.m., Parkway Plaza, 415 Fletcher Parkway, El Cajon, CA 92020
La Jolla: A community rally calls for worker solidarity and expanded democratic protections. 5 - 6 p.m., Girard Avenue and Pearl Street, La Jolla, CA 92037
Del Mar: A rally at the Del Mar Civic Center focuses on worker rights, democracy and economic equity. 11 a.m. - noon, Del Mar Civic Center, 1050 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014
CSU San Marcos: A student-led walkout invites participants to rally for affordability, safety and worker rights in education. Organizers ask that protesters bring their own signs. Noon - 3 p.m., California State University San Marcos, 333 S Twin Oaks Valley Road, San Marcos, CA 92096
Oceanside: A coalition of political organizations and community groups are hosting a rally at Balderrama Park in Oceanside. 6 p.m., Balderrama Park, 709 San Diego St., Oceanside, CA 92058
