The origin of May Day as a holiday to celebrate workers dates back to 1886, when the American Federation of Labor commemorated a general strike in the United States against unfair labor laws.

The issues driving May Day have since evolved. On May 1st, 2026 in the Bay Area, thousands of people are planning to skip school and work and publicly protest shrinking social services, the expansion of ICE, political manipulation, international wars, and rampant corporate interests.

This Friday, KALW’s news team will be out in the field to provide live coverage on-air and online a this page. Return to this page on May 1st for regular updates on Bay Area demonstrations.

KALW LIVE REPORT LOCATIONS:

SFO Shut Down
International Departures Terminal
11am

Berkeley Students Rise Up
UC Berkeley
1145am

St. Paul Students Rise Up
Oakland Children’s Fairly Land
10am

Lawyers, Judges, and Legal Advocates Mobilize
Phillip Burton Federal Building Plaza
12pm

Workers' Needs Over Billionaires Greed
Civic Center
2pm

Oakland Sin Fronteras
Fruitvale Plaza
2pm

San Jose May Day
San Jose City Hall
2pm

Santa Rosa May Day
Juilliard Park
4pm