On Saturday, October 18, Chicago will rise up in unity and resistance as the Hands Off Chicago protest takes over Butler Field in Grant Park. Beginning at 12 PM CST at East Jackson Drive & South Columbus Drive, the rally is part of a nationwide day of action calling for democracy, civil rights, and community solidarity in the face of authoritarian attacks.
Founded by Kickstand Productions, the event carries a simple but powerful mission: bringing people together through music, free expression, and collective action. “We believe in the power of music to unite, to spread ideas and expand thought, to bring communities and people of all walks of life together,” the organizers said.
A Call to Defend Democracy
The urgency behind Hands Off Chicago comes amid what organizers describe as an authoritarian regime working to dismantle social services, silence dissent, and strip away civil liberties. As Indivisible Chicago explains:
“This isn’t just politics. It’s democracy versus dictatorship. We won’t accept a wannabe king, and we won’t back down in the face of chaos, corruption, and cruelty.”
Chicago, a city with deep roots of activism and resilience, is poised to send a message heard across the country: the people will not be silenced, and the community will stand strong against corruption and oppression.
A Broad Coalition of Support
The Hands Off Chicago Coalition brings together an unprecedented range of organizations. Leading partners include the Chicago Federation of Labor, Equality Illinois, Indivisible Chicago, Personal PAC, Sierra Club Illinois, and the ACLU of Illinois.
Additional support spans dozens of groups—from the Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Abortion Fund to Common Cause Illinois, the Human Rights Campaign, League of Women Voters of Chicago, Working Families Party of Illinois, and United Working Families—reflecting the breadth of communities determined to defend rights and democracy.
Accessibility & Inclusivity
Organizers emphasize that the event is built for everyone. The rally will feature:
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Mainly flat ground for easy navigation
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Dedicated seating
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Accessible restrooms
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ASL interpretation
A core principle of Hands Off Chicago is a commitment to nonviolent action. All participants are expected to de-escalate conflict and focus on peaceful, powerful protest.
Details
Event: Hands Off Chicago
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Time: 12 PM CST
Location: Butler Field, Grant Park (East Jackson Drive & South Columbus Drive)
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