On May 1, 2026, millions of Americans will work to create a nationwide economic disturbance in honor of May Day with No School. No Work. No Shopping. (i.e., staying out of work and school and not shopping). Dozens of cities and organizations in Virginia will participate in this demonstration in collaboration with the May Day Strong coalition.
This year’s message is simple: “Workers over Billionaires” highlights the vital importance of workers with calls to reject business as usual. With affordability issues increasingly important to thousands of Virginians, this May Day hopes to bring about economic change for working Virginians.
Want to participate but can’t skip work? There are plenty of protests and rallies where you can show your support.
Planning to take action this May Day? Organizers ask that you first take the May Day online pledge.
Here are your May Day events throughout Virginia.
Friday, May 1, 2026
May Day events in Southeast Virginia
May Day Strong: Workers Over Billionaires (Chesapeake, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.)
A rally in support of Virginia workers, immigrants, and those with disabilities.
638 Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake
May Day Strong: Workers Over Billionaires (Virginia Beach, 3:30-5:30 p.m.)
A rally during rush hour traffic at Town Center.
Virginia Beach Blvd. & Independence Blvd., Virginia Beach
May Day Strong: Workers Over Billionaires (Williamsburg, 6-7:30 p.m.)
A rally outside the Williamsburg James City County Courthouse.
5201 Monticello Ave., Williamsburg
May Day events in Southwest Virginia
May Day Strong: Workers Over Billionaires (Abingdon, 4:30-6:30 p.m.)
A rally outside of Representative Morgan Griffith’s office, with a community picnic to follow.
323 W Main St., Abingdon
May Day Strong: Workers Over Billionaires (Christiansburg, 5:30- 7 p.m.)
A rally hosted by NRV Indivisible.
Corners of N Franklin St. & E Main St., Christiansburg
May Day Strong: Students Rise Up on May Day, Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, 12-2 p.m.)
A rally for Virginia Tech students to protest billionaires and their effect on higher education.
Squire’s Lawn
560 Drillfield Dr., Blacksburg
May Day events in Central Virginia
May Day Strong: Workers Over Billionaires (Virtual, day-long)
A virtual event in solidarity with May Day demonstrations.
May Day Strong: Workers Over Billionaires (Lynchburg, 8-9 a.m.)
A morning rally in support of workers’ rights.
Lakeside Dr., Lynchburg
Party of Socialism and Liberation Virginia: Rally & March (Richmond, 5 p.m.)
A rally and march to the Virginia Capitol starting in Monroe Park.
620 W Main St., Richmond
Virginia 50501: May Day event (Richmond, 5 p.m.)
An event with tabling, a pop-up food bank, free meals, and donation collection in support of Virginia workers.
Brook Rd., Richmond
May Day events in the Valley
May Day Strong: Workers Over Billionaires (Charlottesville, 12-5 p.m.)
An event at Booker T. Washington Park with music and kids’ activities.
1001 Preston Ave., Charlottesville
May Day events in Northern Virginia
May Day Strong: Workers Over Billionaires (Alexandria, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.)
A march to Washington, D.C., in collaboration with Indivisible.
1900 King St., Alexandria
May Day Strong: Workers Over Billionaires (Fairfax, 12-1:30 p.m.)
A rally in support of workers’ rights.
4400 University Dr., Fairfax
May Day Strong: Workers Over Billionaires (Arlington, 12-2 p.m.)
A community park potluck with arts and crafts, books, and speed dating.
RSVP for the location, Arlington
Prince William Education Association: Workers Over Billionaires (Manassas, 2-4 p.m.)
A coordinated walkout event for teachers in Prince William County.
9300 Grant Ave., Manassas
Herndon-Reston Indivisible: Postcard writing event (Herndon, 4 – 6 p.m.)
A postcard writing event in solidarity with workers’ rights.
768 Center St., Herndon
May Day Strong: Workers Over Billionaires (Franconia, 4 – 5 p.m.)
A rally in honor of May Day.
S Van Dorn St. & Kingstowne Village Pkwy., Kingstowne
Have an event to add? Email State Organizing Coordinator Ava Edwards at ava@couriernewsroom.com. Please send details at least one week before the event.
Related: Virginia lawmakers pass bill to end collective bargaining ban for public workers
