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National Night Out

Join your community and join forces with National Night Out - meet your neighbors, enjoy activities, and have a fun night out!
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Country
United States
Introduction

Gather your family and friends and get ready to celebrate National Night Out on the first Tuesday in August! This day has been celebrated for over 35 years, with a mission to strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. It's a great way to connect with neighbors and create a sense of safety and security in your local community. There are many fun activities you can do during the night, from lighting candles in your front yard to hosting barbecues or block parties. So go ahead and join the festivities this year – it's sure to be an unforgettable experience!

History of National Night Out

National Night Out Dates

National Night Out Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1984</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inception of National Night Out</div><div class='timeline-text'>Matt Peskin of the National Association of Town Watch introduces National Night Out to promote community involvement in crime prevention.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1987</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Adopts First Tuesday in August</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Night Out solidifies the tradition of being observed on the first Tuesday in August each year.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Expansion</div><div class='timeline-text'>All 50 United States participate in National Night Out, signifying national acceptance and recognition of the event.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2002</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>International Inclusion</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Night Out expands beyond the United States, reaching military bases overseas, Canada and Puerto Rico.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2013</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Reflective Trailer Debut</div><div class='timeline-text'>The National Association of Town Watch releases a reflective trailer visiting four cities to celebrate the event's 30th anniversary.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Pandemic Adaptation</div><div class='timeline-text'>Communities find innovative ways to celebrate National Night Out amid COVID-19 restrictions, through virtual meetups and socially distanced activities.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate National Night Out

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a block party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize your neighbors to host a block party. Have everyone bring a dish or snack to share and some lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. Invite the local police and fire departments to join in the celebration.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a community picnic</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Host a community picnic on National Night Out. Invite everyone to bring their own food and drinks and gather together in the park to enjoy each other's company.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Hold a candlelight vigil</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a candlelight vigil in honor of National Night Out. Have participants carry candles and march together in solidarity, while chanting slogans that promote peace and safety in the community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Put on a concert</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Hold a free concert featuring local bands and solo artists. Ask local businesses to sponsor the event or donate items for prizes for a raffle.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a movie night</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Set up an outdoor movie night in your neighborhood park. Ask everyone to bring their own chairs, blankets, snacks, and drinks and have an enjoyable evening watching movies under the stars.</p></div></div>

Why We Love National Night Out

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It Promotes Neighborhood Camaraderie</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Night Out is a great way to get to know your neighbors and create a sense of community in your neighborhood. By participating, you can share stories, invite others over for cookouts or games, and enjoy time spent together outside.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It Supports Local Law Enforcement</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>In addition to bringing people together, National Night Out helps to raise awareness about crime prevention. Participating communities are encouraged to take part in activities that promote safety and security, such as neighborhood watches and block parties.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's Fun For Everyone</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>At its heart, National Night Out is all about having fun and celebrating the joy of living in a safe neighborhood. There's no limit to what kind of activities you can have - from family picnics in the park to barbecues with friends - so don't be shy and come out to join the fun!</p></div></div>

5 Intriguing Facts about National Night Out

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>National Night Out is Official in many States</h3><p class='facts-content'>Several states, towns, and cities officially acknowledge National Night Out, some even going further to proclaim the day as a state-wide holiday.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>National Night Out has Continental Reach</h3><p class='facts-content'>What started as a United States initiative grew to encompass all of North America, extending to Canadian communities and military bases abroad.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Iconic Porch Lights</h3><p class='facts-content'>The event's symbol is the porch light, which citizens are encouraged to leave on during the event to demonstrate their participation and support.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Thousands of Communities Participate</h3><p class='facts-content'>National Night Out has an impressive reach, with an estimated 38 million people participating from over 16,000 communities across the U.S.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>National Night Out Helps in Crime Reduction</h3><p class='facts-content'>Beyond fostering community spirit, National Night Out has practical outcomes in reducing crime. Statistics indicate lowered robbery and crime rates in neighborhoods that actively participate in the event.</p></div></div>

National Night Out FAQs

When is National Night Out?

National Night Out Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Aug 1

Tuesday

2024

Aug 6

Tuesday

2025

Aug 5

Tuesday

2026

Aug 4

Tuesday

2027

Aug 3

Tuesday

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