That’s a wrap! See photos from 2026 Neighbor Day events around the city and learn how you can keep kindness up through the Good Neighbor Awards

In 1994, then Mayor Norm Rice was out on one of his regular neighborhood tours, this time in Phinney Ridge. On that tour, he met a passionate neighbor who handed him a letter. Her name is Judith Wood.

In her letter, she implored the Mayor to create a day to “celebrate the goodness in those around us” and “reach out and strengthen the bonds to each other.” Mayor Rice was so moved by Judith’s words that he drafted a proclamation and made February 11, 1995, the first Neighbor Appreciation Day.

Now 31 years later, the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods (DON) still celebrates this important holiday. Celebrated on May 2, this yearwas extra special because it also marked the 35th anniversary of DON, which was also established by Mayor Rice to help neighbors turn connection into action by supporting community-led projects, building local leadership, and bringing people together across the city.

This year, events hosted at 33 fire stations, multiple P-Patch community gardens, various city parks, and other unique locations across Seattle brought thousands of residents together to share food, clean their neighborhoods, swap clothes, or just simply spend time in community with each other.

The heart of Neighbor Day is truly the quiet, unseen moments –saying hello to a neighbor in the hallway, helping someone cross the street, holding the door − that make Seattle feel welcoming and neighborly.

While all the official Neighbor Day events were heartwarming, it’s the small acts of kindness that aren’t always witnessed that truly strengthen the bonds between neighbors and make the day so special.

We want to keep that neighborliness going by recognizing everyday acts of care, connection, and leadership with our Good Neighbor Awards. Don’t let those good deeds go unnoticed!

Visit www.seattle.gov/neighbor-day to submit a Good Neighbor Award nomination to recognize the people in your life who go above and beyond to lend a helping hand, spread joy, and build community right where you live.

Thank you to the organizers, volunteers, participants, and everyone who made Neighbor Day 2026 such an incredible holiday. We look forward to next year’s celebration.

Visit our Neighbor Day webpage to learn more. It starts with you.