Thousands of people are expected to gather at Green Lake Park on Saturday, Oct. 4, for Hands Around Green Lake, an event to form a circle around the lake in a demonstration of community and democratic values.
Organizers say this will be an effort to bring the political temperature down, heal divisions, and show that “as Americans, we have more in common with one another than our current political climate suggests.” Participants will begin forming the circle at 2:30 p.m., with a planned 10 minutes of silence at 3 p.m. when the ring is complete. More than 3,000 people will be needed to link hands around the 2.8-mile inner path.
Here’s the schedule for the event:
2:30 p.m. – Participants arrive and fan out around the lake. Entry points include:
- Wading pool
- Community Center/Evans Pool
- Southeast side at N. 65th St.
- Boathouse/Aqua Theatre
- Aurora crosswalk (southwest side)
- Seattle Public Theater (formerly the Bathhouse)
Volunteers in orange vests will provide directions.
3:00 p.m. – Participants hold hands around the 2.8-mile inner path and observe 10 minutes of silence (stand on the outside edge of the path, without blocking it).
3:10 p.m. – Silence breaks with music and dancing. Attendees are encouraged to meet others, discuss actions to strengthen community, and share the experience on social media.
4:00 p.m. – Event ends. Volunteers begin cleanup.
“We wanted to hold this event so people could express what they are for, not what they are against,” said spokeswoman Sara Baldwin, a member of Green Lake Rising. “We believe in democracy, the rule of law, our constitution and a community that welcomes immigrants.”
The event is being organized by two pro-democracy neighborhood groups that formed in 2025: Green Lake Rising and Phinneywood Rising, with support from Communities Rising. Organizers said they wanted to create an event “that would be comfortable for families of all ages, especially those with young children, who may be reluctant to join big crowds and take part in mass protest movements.”
“This has been a tough year for our country and our community,” Baldwin said. “We want to give Seattle an opportunity to stand strong, link arms, and to show up for one another in a warm, welcoming spirit.”
The event has received a special free speech permit from the City of Seattle and the Seattle Parks Department. Organizers emphasized their commitment to “the value and principles of non-violence.”
Attendees are asked to arrive by 2:30 p.m. through one of at least six entry points around the lake. After the 10-minute silence, there will be music and dancing.
Photo: Google Maps