There are a number of May Day events happening across the region on Wednesday May 1 2019, marking International Workers’ Day by taking the streets, celebrating in parks, and remembering the ways that capitalism underpins so many of the problems people face every day. From east to west, here are the events we’ve received details about from their organizers and a short excerpt from each callout.

Got a May Day event that isn’t on the list? Submit it through our events page and we’ll add it!

Kingston: May Day BBQ and March

5:00 pm, Skeleton Park, 157 Ordnance Street

“Politicians are energy vampires, trying to channel our enthusiasm and

demands into their campaigns for power. Instead of giving up our agency in exchange for more false promises, let’s stay focused on building grassroots and dynamic movements that seek to address root issues and fight to win!”

Toronto May Day

5:00 pm, City Hall,100 Queen Street West

“At its national convention in Chicago, held in 1884, the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions (which later became the American Federation of Labor), proclaimed that “eight hours shall constitute a legal day’s labor from and after May 1, 1886.” The following year, the FOTLU, backed by many Knights of Labor locals, reiterated their proclamation stating that it would be supported by strikes and demonstrations. At first, most radicals and anarchists regarded this demand as too reformist, failing to strike “at the root of the evil.” A year before the Haymarket Massacre, Samuel Fielden pointed out in the anarchist newspaper, The Alarm, that “whether a man works eight hours a day or ten hours a day, he is still a slave.””

Hamilton: May Day 2019 Against Capitalism and Authoritarianism

4:00 pm, Gore Park, King and James

“So here’s the deal… we want everyone who misses a loud and defiant May Day to bring your flags, your noisemakers, flyers to hand out to workers, and all the friends you can rally. This will be a march for workers liberation from capitalism but also for a world free from hierarchy and domination. Not welcome are bosses, landlords, and those who support dictatorship of any kind!”

Kitchener-Waterloo May Day

4:30 pm, Victoria Park, 32 Dill Street

“Our goal is to create an event that is inclusive and free to everyone; grounded in mutual aid, voluntary participation, and personal/collective autonomy, without authority. We’re dreaming up a fierce, fun, family friendly event, with diverse activities and a potluck in the park, followed by a most marvelous march. Let’s put our dreams into action together!”

Picton: May Day March Against Ford Cuts

4:00pm, Cenotaph (Across from Tim Horton’s)

“May 1st, International Workers Day, let’s have our voices heard and let the Ford government know that we don’t want cuts to our library services, to our education system, to the disabled, to Autism programs, and the many other cuts being made to gut our public services. The cuts only hurt the average workers and the most vulnerable, while the government simultaneously offers tax cuts to rich corporations.

We’ll gather at the cenotaph in front of Tim Horton’s on Main street at 4pm and March to the Picton Town Hall where all are invited to share a meal provided by Food Not Bombs.”

Peterborough Unity Feast <= It’s on April 30!

6:30 pm, Confederation Park, 500 George St. N

“Join together with members of the Migrant Rights Network and people from across the city who are dedicated to anti-racism and community building.Bring a dish to share, stories about food, land and culture and share in the beauty of a UNITY FEAST as we gather to build a strong, committed and connected anti-racist movement in Peterborough.”