Neighbor Appreciation Day started in Seattle in 1995 as an opportunity to recognize caring neighbors and help all neighbors to get to know each other. Over the past 31 years, the annual event – now called Neighbor Day – has continued to encourage community connections, with many neighborhoods participating through activities like block parties, award ceremonies, work parties, open houses, and potluck dinners.
The inspiration for the event was a letter written to then-Mayor Norm Rice by Seattle resident Judith Wood in October 1994. In the letter, Wood proposes a new city-wide holiday celebrating “the goodness in those around us.” A copy of the letter is archived within Department of Neighborhood records here at SMA. “It has been my experience that my neighbors have greatly enhanced my quality of life in the city,” the letter reads, “and I believe this must be the case for other Seattle residents as well. I envision this holiday as a time to recognize and acknowledge the special relationship among neighbors, a time to say ‘thank you’ for all that our neighbors have given us, both large and small.”
A few months later, Mayor Rice proclaimed February 11, 1995 as Neighbor Appreciation Day, calling it “a time to reach out to our neighbors – to create new bonds and to express our thanks for our neighbors’ place in our lives.”
The Department of Neighborhoods organized a citywide K-12 art contest, with each piece focused on the theme of recognizing and celebrating caring neighbors. Over the years, winning entries have been honored with award ceremonies and featured on greeting cards printed and distributed by the department. The first winning design in 1995 was created by 17-year old Seattle Middle College student Walter Barbee, featuring the message “Thanks Neighbor.”
SMA’s Neighbor Appreciation Day Records include samples of cards from past years, as well as calendars of events, press releases, and student art and correspondence relating to the art contest.
For many years Neighbor Appreciation Day was celebrated in mid-February, and by 2021 it had been renamed Neighbor Day and moved to the month of May. The 2026 Neighbor Day will take place tomorrow on Saturday, May 2nd! This year is extra special – the Department of Neighborhoods will also be kicking off a yearlong celebration marking their 35th anniversary.
Find more information about the day’s events and how you can participate at the Neighbor Day page!