International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day, commemorates the historic struggle for an eight-hour workday and the broader fight for fair working conditions.
As national concerns grow over rising prices, international tensions, immigration enforcement actions, and the Trump administration’s attacks on public programs, this year’s theme is “Workers Over Billionaires,” with calls for “No School. No Work. No Shopping.” to reject business as usual.
Here’s your roundup of May Day protests, marches, and gatherings in Iowa:
Wednesday (April 29)
Progress Iowa: Storytelling Happy Hour (Virtual, 6-7pm)
Thursday (April 30)
May Day Strong: Dubuque, Iowa May Day 2026: Workers Over Billionaires (Dubuque, 4-5pm)
Friday (May 1)
Ames: Iowa May Day 2026: Workers Over Billionaires Socialism 101 Teach-In (Ames Public Library, 4-6pm)
Bettendorf (ISEA) Iowa State Education Association: Wear Red to Support Our Public Schools (Bettendorf, 6-7am)
Blue Grass (ISEA): Wear Your VSEA Shirt to Support Our Public Schools (6am-9pm)
Burlington (ISEA): Burlington EA Supporting Public Education Walk-In (Burlington, 8-8:15am)
Cedar Falls (ISEA): Stand in Support of Public Education (Cedar Falls, 7:45-8:15am)
Carroll: May Day 2026: Workers Over Billionaires (Carroll, 5:30-6:30pm)
Davenport (National Teachers Association): Davenport May Day 2026 (Davenport West High School, 6-7pm)
Decorah: Iowa May Day 2026: Workers Over Billionaires (5-6pm)
Des Moines (NEA): Stand in Support of Public Schools (River Woods Elementary School, 6:45-7:15am)
Des Moines (NEA): Samuelson May Day (Samuelson Elementary School, 7-7:15am)
Des Moines: May Day Strong (3-5pm Grey’s Lake)
Grinnell: May Day Strong (6th Avenue & Main Street, 12-1pm)
Indianola: May Day Strong (Moats Park, 4:30-5:30pm)
Iowa City: Song Vigil – Singing Resistance Iowa City (Iowa City, 5:30-6:30pm)
Iowa City: Iowa City May Day Workers & Families Town Hall (Iowa City, 7-8:30pm)
Hiawatha: Iowa May Day 2026: Workers Over Billionaires (Hiawatha, 3:45-5:15pm)
Jackson Junction (ISEA): Turkey Valley EA Supporting Public Education Walk-In (Jackson Junction, 7:45-8am)
Jefferson: May Day Strong (Greene County Democrats, 12-1pm)
Mason City: May Day Strong (West Park 12-2pm}
Ottumwa (ISEA): Wear Red and Walk-In for Public Education (Ottumwa, 7:45-8am)
Solon (ISEA): Stand in Support of Public Education (7:45-8am)
Walcott (ISEA): Wear Your VSEA Shirt to Support Our Public Schools (Walcott, 6am-9pm)
Waterloo (ISEA): Stand in Support of Public Education (7:45-8:15am)
Vinton (ISEA): Wear Your VSEA Shirt to Support Our Public Schools (Vinton, 6am-9pm)
Have an event to add? Email State Organizing Coordinator Lily Jackson, lily@couriernewsroom.com with details (please send details at least one week before the event).
Related: How River Hills health care workers won their union in Iowa
