
FREEDOM FEST July 5
FREEDOM FEST
This Fourth of July weekend, we’ll be at the TX State Capitol with songs of freedom and joy from some of Austin’s favorite musicians. The dream of American freedom belongs to all of us, and we will not stop until all of us are free.
Our freedom. Our people.
BYO drinks & snacks, camp chairs & picnic blankets.
Lineup:
MOBLEY Sensational one-man band
“He’s relentless, both in his pursuit of perfection and in his determination to entertain. Mobley, a singer, producer and multi-instrumentalist… makes soaring and soulful pop music, as he’s honed his craft, his profile has soared.” – Jeff McCord, KUTX Music Director
Tameca Jones, Soul and R&B singer
Robert A. Kraft, Blues and soul singer, Executive Director of the Bastrop Live Music Foundation
Shakes & Chills fiery punk band
…and a very special drag performance by Vida Santina
The American Revolution was a stand against tyranny and kings. That same spirit has lived on—from the Boston Tea Party to the Underground Railroad, from Stonewall to the Civil Rights Movement. Join the civil rights movement of our generation. Freedom for EVERY TEXAN.
Organizations that will be tabling:
Drag Against Ice
Please consider the heat! Bring a hat, sunscreen, umbrella, fan. etc. Emergency water will be available on-site but please bring your own.
SAFETY: We take security concerns very seriously. This is a pre-planned event permitted through the Texas State Preservation Board. We will have a volunteer team of protest monitors in highly visible clothing available for concerns, de-escalation, and support for our community.
IMMIGRATION: Everyone is welcome at all of our events, and we want everyone to be aware of heightened immigration risk on federal property including TX Capitol grounds. This officially permitted event is on Capitol grounds, which is policed by DPS. It is DPS policy to work with ICE. It is not APD policy to coordinate with ICE, but they also do not interfere in ICE arrests.
LAW ENFORCEMENT: This is an officially permitted event on State Capitol grounds, under the law enforcement jurisdiction of Texas DPS. Outside of Capitol grounds is under the jurisdiction of APD. APD and DPS have a working relationship. ***Our event does not have a permit to march and NO MARCH IS PLANNED. ***
TRANSPORTATION & PARKING: Lines 1, 10, 103, 20, and 3 drop off near the Capitol: plan your trip. We expect parking at the Capitol Visitors Parking Garage (free for the first 2 hours) to fill quickly. You can also park on Red River or in the neighborhoods west of the TX Capitol using the Park ATX app with discount codes: FREE15ATX1, FREE15ATX2
BATHROOMS: ADA available bathrooms are available inside the TX Capitol building. Please note that you will have to pass through a DPS security checkpoint to enter and building and use the bathroom.
Media disclaimer: There will be media and photos/videos of this event taken and shared on the internet by participants and journalists. Feel free to wear a mask for wellness or privacy reasons, and feel free to take your own photos and videos! Tag us: @handsoffcentraltx #handsofftx #freedomfest
Languages Disclaimer: Language interpretation for languages other than English will not be guaranteed at this event.
Nonviolent Protest Disclaimer: HOCTX and official coalition partners are committed to nonviolent civic resistance. We are utilizing our First Amendment constitutional right to protest and our right to lobby our representative government. We emphasize protecting the civil rights and physical safety of everyone at our events.
By attending our events, you are implicitly agreeing that while you attend our event, you will respect the laws and constitution of the United States and State of Texas and not create or contribute to a safety issue for our attendees and neighbors. We protect our community and defend democracy - we do not put people at risk or threaten violence. This is an all-ages, family-friendly event. Please be considerate of our community and especially children’s safety.
Veteran? Freedom’s Shield is the veterans arm of HOCTX. Plug in on-site to defend democracy, the constitution, and our first amendment rights. Email your interest and questions to veterans@handsoffcentraltx.org
If your organization would like to partner with us to defend democracy, please email president@handsoffcentraltx.org
For journalist or influencer media inquiries please email president@handsoffcentraltx.org

Texas Makes Good Trouble
Good Trouble Lives On is a national day of nonviolent action to respond to the attacks posed on our civil and human rights by the Trump administration and to remind them that in America, the power lies with the people.
From felony disenfranchisement to voter suppression bills like the SAVE Act, anti-democracy forces are working overtime to silence our voices. 60 years ago, President Johnson federalized the National Guard to protect peaceful civil rights marchers in Selma. Now, President Trump is calling the Guard to stop protestors from using their voice and to block progress on issues we care about.
We can’t wait. We need Good Trouble now!
On July 17th, the anniversary of Rep. John Lewis’ passing, we’re mobilizing across the country to demand that Congress protect our rights and ensure free and fair elections for all.
We’re sending a clear message:
In the United States, the power lies in the hands of the people. We demand an end to:
The extreme crackdown on our civil rights by the Trump administration, from our right to vote to our right to protest and free speech..
The attacks on black and brown Americans, immigrants, trans people, and other communities.
The slashing of programs that working people rely on, including Medicaid, SNAP, and Social Security.

KYR Protest Training
Join us for a comprehensive afternoon of protest training.
Essential tools for utilizing your 1st amendment rights and protecting your community, including:
Know Your Protesting Rights from local lawyers
Emergency Medic Training from Austin Street Medics
De-escalation Training from Sun Dragon Martial Arts
Nonviolence protest theory + a sneak peek at the HOCTX summer resistance plan
Location can seat 1,000 people!
RSVP HERE to reserve your spot (burner email is OK).
Can’t make it or heightened immigration risk? Livestream on the front/about page of our website.

No Kings / Kick Out The Clowns
On June 14, our clown-king will honor himself with a four-mile military parade in our nation’s capitol. This tacky parade will cost taxpayers millions of dollars.
Join us in protest of this ridiculous example of government waste.
Our nonviolent grassroots circus will turn satire into resistance and reclaim the big tent for democracy. 🎪🤡
WHEN: Saturday, June 14, 5 - 8 PM
WHERE: TX Capitol South Side
WEAR your most creative costume! Bring your family, friends, American and Texas flags, and protest signs!
Speakers & performers include Lloyd Doggett, Greg Casar, Sarah Eckhardt, Lulu Flores, John Bucy, Vanessa Fuentes, Chito Vela, Zo Qadri, Mike Siegel, Sara Spector, Joe Jaworski, Pooja Sethi, Michael LePak, Richie Diaz, Alexandra Haddix, Nevin K, Melody Tremallo, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, Brigitte Bandit, Raging Grannies & Purly Gates, ResistDance, Sophia Mirto, and more!
When you elect clowns, the country becomes a circus. 🤡 This will be a day of bold, creative actions from the Women’s March org - in protest of the chaos that has been sown across the country. Together, we’ll set a national record for the most circuses held in a single day while we simultaneously refuse to celebrate a petty clown who desperately wants to be seen as strong. We won’t stop until we build the country we all deserve.
Indivisible’s NO KINGS is a national day of action and mass mobilization in response to increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption. The flag doesn’t belong to those that seek to destroy our country - it belongs to us. Join us to make history.
We are a 100% nonviolent movement aiming to create an environment to empower the passionate resistance of Texans protesting to protect our community from state violence. We do not conflate the 1st amendment right of free speech with violence, and we do not endorse interpersonal or state violence. We demand that DPS, APD, NG, and state and local government to protect the civil rights of every American.
We have a team of volunteer protest monitors, legal observers, and street medics coming to this event. If you would like to volunteer for any of these teams in the future, please use this form to contact us!
CAPITOL RULES:
No sticks over 12 inches (including flag poles). Stilts are OK. No fire. Poi light spinning is fine! Flags are encouraged! Feel free to bring camp chairs, blankets, snacks and water. Alcohol is not permitted.
Soliciting donations and selling products is not allowed on Capitol grounds. We respect the DPS rules so we can continue to have impactful mass mobilization efforts on OUR Capitol grounds! If you would like to fund the resistance, please consider donating to the cost of this massive effort. Every dollar counts… and all donations are tax-deductible!
SAFETY: With recent escalations of state violence against people utilizing their first amendment rights, including here in Austin, we are taking security concerns very seriously. This is a pre-planned event permitted through the TX State Preservation Board. We will have a volunteer team of protest monitors in highly visible clothing available for concerns, de-escalation, and support for our community.
Please consider the heat! Bring a hat, sunscreen, umbrella, fan. etc. Emergency water will be available on-site but please bring your own.
LAW ENFORCEMENT: This is an officially permitted event on State Capitol grounds, under the law enforcement jurisdiction of Texas DPS. Outside of Capitol grounds is under the jurisdiction of APD. APD and DPS have a working relationship. ***Our event does not have an official permit to march and NO MARCH IS PLANNED. ***
We strongly condemn the unnecessary government overreach and use of public funds to station NG in the city of Austin, against the wishes of the Austin Mayor and City Council.
IMMIGRATION: HOCTX has a policy of not specifically inviting Texas residents on visas or without documentation to any of our events because nobody can guarantee that due process will be respected by law enforcement. That’s why we’re protesting! Everyone is welcome at all of our events, but we want everyone to be aware of heightened immigration risk on federal property including TX Capitol grounds. This officially permitted event is on Capitol grounds, which is policed by DPS. It is DPS policy to work with ICE. It is not APD policy to coordinate with ICE, but they also do not interfere in ICE arrests.
APD will be operating at 100% capacity on June 14, according to the APD Police Chief. Please drive carefully and be sure not to put yourself, your family, friends, and community at risk of law enforcement action.
TRANSPORTATION & PARKING: We are expecting a large turnout. Please carpool! CAPMETRO will be running extra buses for the hours surrounding our event. Lines 1, 10, 103, 20, and 3 drop off near the Capitol: plan your trip. We expect parking at the Capitol Visitors Parking Garage (free for the first 2 hours) to fill quickly. You can also park on Red River or in the neighborhoods west of the TX Capitol using the Park ATX app with discount codes: FREE15ATX1, FREE15ATX2
BATHROOMS: The TX Capitol has been closed for the duration of the event. We were informed of this change on Friday, the day before the event. To solve this last-minute problem, we are crowdfunding porta potties!
Media disclaimer: There will be media and photos/videos of this event taken and shared on the internet by participants and journalists. Feel free to wear a mask for wellness or privacy reasons, and feel free to take your own photos and videos! Tag us: @handsoffcentraltx #handsofftx #nokings
Languages Disclaimer: ASL will be available for speakers. Language interpretation for languages other than English will not be guaranteed at this event.
Nonviolent Protest Disclaimer: HOCTX and official coalition partners are committed to nonviolent civic resistance. We are utilizing our First Amendment constitutional right to protest and our right to lobby our representative government. We do everything in our power to protect the civil rights and physical safety of everyone at our events.
HOCTX has yet to have any notable incidents of safety issues at any of our events. Let’s keep it that way! This is not an appropriate event to consider engaging in civic disobediance or property damage. There will be heavy DPS and APD presence, and the Governor of TX has deployed Nation Guard to be on standby. We strongly condemn the unnecessary government overreach and use of public funds to station NG in the city of Austin, against the wishes of the Austin Mayor and City Council.
By attending our events, you are implicitly agreeing that while you attend our event, you will respect the laws and constitution of the United States and State of Texas and not create or contribute to a safety issue for our attendees and neighbors. We protect our community and defend democracy - we do not put people at risk or threaten violence.
Veteran? Freedom’s Shield is the veterans arm of HOCTX. Plug in on-site to defend democracy, the constitution, and our first amendment rights. Email your interest and questions to veterans@handsoffcentraltx.org
If your organization would like to partner with us to defend democracy, please email president@handsoffcentraltx.org
For journalist or influencer media inquiries please email president@handsoffcentraltx.org


Resistance Art Show
Our #HandsOffTX Capitol Sit-In has been going strong since MAYDAY May 1, 2025!
Resistance Art Show @ TX Capitol
Join us Friday, May 30 for a guerrilla art show at the Texas Capitol Rotunda!
Volunteers will be wearing photography from our last few months of resistance actions.
WHEN: Friday, May 30 from 5 - 7 PM
WHERE: TX Capitol Rotunda (inside the main building not the rotundas on E2)
BRING: 3 friends & your creative protest signs (No sticks longer than 12 inches are allowed by Capitol DPS)
KEEP IN MIND: To attend you will be passing through Capitol Security checkpoint metal detectors. Eating in the rotunda is OKAY! Soliciting or taking donations on TX Capitol grounds is not allowed by DPS. No sticks longer than 12 inches are allowed by Capitol DPS.
TRANSPORTATION & PARKING: CAPMETRO bus lines 1, 10, 103, 20, and 3 drop off near the Capitol, plan your trip. Please park at the Capitol Visitors Parking Garage (free for the first 2 hours), or park on the street in the neighborhoods west of the TX Capitol using the Park ATX app with discount codes: FREE15ATX1, FREE15ATX2
Media disclaimer: There will be media and photos/videos of this event taken and shared on the internet, feel free to wear a mask for wellness or privacy reasons, and feel free to take your own photos and videos! Tag us: @handsoffcentraltx #handsofftx #handsoffcentraltx #txcapitolsitin
Languages Disclaimer: ASL will not be guaranteed at this event. Language interpretation for languages other than English will not be guaranteed at this event.
Nonviolent Protest Disclaimer: Nobody from our organization will be provocative and we are not planning civil disobedience. We are utilizing our First Amendment right to protest and our right to lobby our representative government. We do everything in our power to protect the civil rights and physical safety of everyone at our events. We have yet to have any significant incidents of safety issues at any of our events.
By attending our events, you are implicitly agreeing that while you attend our event, you will respect the laws and constitution of the United States and State of Texas and not create or contribute to a safety issue or lawlessness for our attendees and neighbors. We protect our community and defend democracy - we do not put people at risk or threaten violence.



"No Kings in Texas" Capitol Read-In
Our #HandsOffTX Capitol Sit-In has been going strong since MAYDAY May 1, 2025!
Join us Friday, May 23 for the launch of our Anti-Fascist Bookclub! Sit-In Hero Corban will lead our Capitol Rotunda Read-In of On-Tyranny.
We will have 2 hours to read together + a sign-up form if you want to join our new anti-fascist book club Read For Democracy!
This is a nonviolent reading solidarity action. To support our cause please bring a copy of On Tyranny (or we can provide you a digital copy!)
Purchase a copy ahead of time from Thriftbooks or Bookshop.org. Purchase a copy in-store in Austin at Recycled Reads, Half Price Books, Book People, Bookwoman, Monkeywrench Books, Balcones Books (pro tip: call ahead for availability)
WHEN: Friday, May 23 from 5 - 7 PM (join us anytime from 7 - 7 on Friday but the big crowd will be 5 - 7)
WHERE: TX Capitol Rotunda (inside the main building not the rotundas on E2)
BRING: 3 friends & your reading glasses! (Pillows or a small folded blanket for sitting comfortably are welcome. Signs are encouraged, sticks longer than 12 inches are not allowed by Capitol DPS)
KEEP IN MIND: To attend you will be passing through Capitol Security checkpoint metal detectors. Eating in the rotunda is OKAY! Soliciting or taking donations on TX Capitol grounds is not allowed by DPS.
TRANSPORTATION & PARKING: CAPMETRO bus lines 1, 10, 103, 20, and 3 drop off near the Capitol, plan your trip. Please park at the Capitol Visitors Parking Garage (free for the first 2 hours), or park on the street in the neighborhoods west of the TX Capitol using the Park ATX app with discount codes: FREE15ATX1, FREE15ATX2
Media disclaimer: There will be media and photos/videos of this event taken and shared on the internet, feel free to wear a mask for wellness or privacy reasons, and feel free to take your own photos and videos! Tag us: @handsoffcentraltx #handsofftx #handsoffcentraltx #txcapitolsitin #readfordemocracy
Languages Disclaimer: ASL will not be guaranteed at this event (we are working on fixing this). Language interpretation for languages other than English will not be guaranteed at this event.
Nonviolent Protest Disclaimer: Nobody from our organization will be provocative and we are not planning civil disobedience. We are utilizing our First Amendment right to protest and our right to lobby our representative government. We do everything in our power to protect the civil rights and physical safety of everyone at our events. We have yet to have any significant incidents of safety issues at any of our events.
By attending our events, you are implicitly agreeing that while you attend our event, you will respect the laws and constitution of the United States and State of Texas and not create or contribute to a safety issue or lawlessness for our attendees and neighbors. We protect our community and defend democracy - we do not put people at risk or threaten violence.

Civics 101
Come through for a CIVICS 101 crash course!
Join us Monday May 19 for a crash course in democracy!
How government works and how to use your power to self-govern!
What is the constitution and what rights does it guarantee?
How to defend your civil rights and liberties by spending 5 minutes a day self-governing!
WHEN: Monday, May 19 from 6:30 - 7:30 PM
WHERE: Uprising ATX, 8601 South 1st Street
BRING: Your family and allll your friends!
Learn how to participate in the end of the TX LEGE season - and how to help with your 5 minutes a day! There will be a question & answer session after the 40 minute presentation.
This event is produced in partnership with South Travis Solidarity.


NO KINGS Silent Sit-In
Join Hands Off Central TX on Friday May 9 from 5 - 7 PM for a silent sit-in at the TX Capitol Rotunda protesting the TX GOP capitulation to trump.
Show up for this nonviolent solidarity action! Let’s bring out a big crowd and show our disgust for our TX GOP elected officials (AKA our employees!) trying to hand Texas over to a wanna-be-King.
Hands Off Texas Sit-In
Our #HandsOffTX Capitol Sit-In has been going strong since MAYDAY May 1, 2025!
Join us every day in May for a sit-in (especially every Friday!) for a nonviolent protest of the Trump regime and TX GOP capitulation…
Vouchers, 10 commandments, mass shootings in our schools. How many times has the TX GOP violated our constitution & spent public tax funds on the dangerous & un-American MAGA agenda this TX Legislative session?
SUPPORT: Stop by any day in May (or every day!) to chat with Corban and a wide coalition of Texans who are standing up (or sitting down) to protect democracy. Join us for a good conversation, bring Corban a book and/or spend some time reading with him, join him for lunch & bring him snacks and drinks! (Watermelon is his favorite sweet treat.)
Get daily updates on the #handsofftx sit-in on our Instagram & Tiktok channels.
Support the sit-in food-fund for Texans doing their civic duty!