Bellevue residents can walk side-by-side with the city manager, council members, and department directors starting tomorrow when the city's annual Neighborhood Walks series returns for 2026.

The first of three free evening strolls begins at Cherry Crest Elementary in Bridle Trails. Two more follow in Lake Hills and Downtown through the end of the month. Each walk covers about a mile, runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m., and wraps up with free ice cream.

The city launched the program in 2018 as a way to get top officials out of City Hall and into the neighborhoods they serve. Participants walk in small clusters with leaders, raising whatever is on their mind: a pothole on their block, a park they'd like improved, a development that worries them.

The city described the walks in a July 2 press release as "casual gatherings intended to spark meaningful conversations and help city leaders better understand the daily experiences of the Bellevue community."

Past walks have drawn the city manager, council members, and department directors, and the series has previously visited neighborhoods beyond this year's three, including BelRed.

The Schedule

Bridle Trails — Wednesday, July 8. Meet at Cherry Crest Elementary, 12400 NE 32nd St.

Lake Hills — Wednesday, July 22. Meet at Lake Hills Community Park, 1200 164th Ave SE.

Downtown — Thursday, July 30. Meet at Downtown Park, 10201 NE Fourth St.

All walks run 6–7:30 p.m. and are free.

The July 8 walk starts in one of Bellevue's most internationally diverse neighborhoods. According to a 2017 city neighborhood profile, roughly 61 percent of Bridle Trails residents were born outside the United States. The area is also home to the 482-acre Bridle Trails State Park, with 28 miles of equestrian and pedestrian trails winding through heavy tree cover.

Registration is encouraged but not required. Residents can RSVP by emailing [email protected]. Those who prefer not to walk the full route are welcome to meet at the start and end point to catch city leaders before or after the stroll.

No cost. No sign-up deadline. Just show up, walk, and talk.