Join The Longest Table This Sunday: Six Cities, One Mission to Connect Neighbors

This Sunday, October 5th, something special is happening across America. From San Francisco to New York City, six communities will gather around long tables in public spaces to share food, stories, and connection. These aren't just meals—they're part of a growing movement to combat loneliness and turn strangers into neighbors.

The Longest Table Goes Nationwide

Following our September announcement of the Nextdoor Foundation's partnership with The Longest Table, we're thrilled to see this initiative come to life with six simultaneous community potlucks this weekend. These events are part of 50 potlucks happening throughout 2025 as The Longest Table expands its reach across the country.

What started with a simple post on Nextdoor in 2022 by Maryam Banikarim has become a nationwide movement addressing one of our most pressing challenges: the loneliness epidemic. The concept is beautifully simple—neighbors gathering at a long table to share a meal and conversation—but the impact continues to be profound.

Where to Find a Table Near You

All events are free and open to the public. Bring a dish to share if you can, but it's not required. Here's where you can join:

• San Francisco, CA: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM PT at Civic Center, 335 McAllister Street
• Fort Bragg, CA: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM PT at North Franklin Street
• Pacific Palisades, CA: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM PT at Pampas Ricas Boulevard
• Chicago, IL: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM CT at West Chestnut between Noble & Elizabeth
• Winston-Salem, NC: 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM ET at First Baptist Church, 501 West 5th Street
• Chelsea, NYC: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET at West 21st Street between 9th & 10th Avenues

Why This Matters

In our digital age, face-to-face connection has never been more important. The data from previous Longest Table events tells a compelling story:

• 90% of participants feel more positive about their neighborhood
• 87% connect with new people at the event
• 82% feel inspired to get involved locally
• 79% feel less lonely after attending

These numbers represent real people finding belonging and building the kinds of connections that make communities thrive.

The Nextdoor Foundation's Commitment

While Nextdoor provides the platform where neighbors connect online, the Nextdoor Foundation—a separate 501(c)(3) organization backed by various funders including Nextdoor's co-founders—supports initiatives like The Longest Table that bring neighbors together in person. Through the Foundation's largest single grant to date, this partnership helps expand community potlucks to neighborhoods across the country and around the world.

"The Longest Table continues to do extraordinary work in bringing neighbors face-to-face to build stronger local communities," said Kelsey Grady, President of the Nextdoor Foundation. "These events represent our shared commitment to fostering strong connections that make neighborhoods more resilient and thrive."

Join the Movement

Can't make it to one of Sunday's events? You can still be part of this movement. Community leaders and neighbors interested in hosting their own Longest Table potluck can visit longesttablecommunity.org to learn more and get started.

Because when we gather around a table to share food and stories, we remember what we share rather than what divides us. We turn strangers into neighbors, and neighbors into friends.

See you at the table.