National Night Out
August 5, Tuesday
Idaho, Iowa, Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Wyoming, Washington, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, Hawaii, Delaware, Georgia, West Virginia, Illinois, Indiana, California, Kansas, Kentucky, Colorado, Connecticut, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Michigan, Montana, Maine, Maryland, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Washington, D.C., Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, North Dakota, North Carolina, Tennessee, Florida, South Dakota, South Carolina, Utah
October 7, Tuesday
Texas
When is National Night Out Celebrated?
National Night Out is typically observed on the first Tuesday in August. However, in Texas and some other parts of the southern U.S., it is celebrated on the first Tuesday in October due to the hot summer weather.
History of National Night Out
National Night Out was introduced in 1984 by Matt Peskin of the National Association of Town Watch (NATW). The first event involved 2.5 million neighbors across 400 communities in 23 states. Since then, it has grown significantly, with millions of people participating in thousands of communities across all 50 states, U.S. territories, and military bases worldwide.
Activities and Events
Communities celebrate National Night Out with a variety of events and activities, including:
- Block parties
- Cookouts and barbecues
- Parades and festivals
- Safety demonstrations
- Youth events and games
- Visits from emergency personnel and law enforcement
- Neighborhood walks and flashlight parades
Goals of National Night Out
The main goals of National Night Out are:
- To heighten crime and drug prevention awareness
- To generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs
- To strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships
- To send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back
How to Get Involved
Residents can get involved by organizing or attending local events, volunteering with community organizations, or simply turning on their porch lights and spending time outside with neighbors. Local police departments and community groups often provide resources and support for organizing events.
National Night Out is more than just a fun evening — it’s a powerful way to build trust, strengthen communities, and promote public safety. Whether through a small gathering or a large community event, it brings people together with a shared goal of creating safer neighborhoods.