MAIN Holidays & Observances National Night Out

Why National Night Out?

The purpose of National Night Out, which is organized in conjunction with various police organizations nationwide, is to inform the public about various police and community programs.

Drug prevention initiatives, organizing a town watch, or even tips on how to burglar proof your home are some of the educational highlights of a typical National Night Out gathering.

Each year, National Night Out traditionally occurs on the first Tuesday in August, which this year falls on August 6, 2024.

All about National Night Out

National Night Out was first established in 1984 by Matt Peskin of the National Association of Town Watch.

The first National Night Outs were fairly simple. In most communities, it amounted largely to "lights on" vigils and some basic information being delivered to the community. The events was quite popular, and attracted more than 2 million participants in both Canada and the United States.

Today, National Night Out draws in over 37 million people from over ten thousand different communities across North America -- from Miami, Florida to Juneau, Alaska -- and the event has changed in other ways, too.

Now, the focus of National Night Out is on bringing neighbors and communities together with festivals, block parties, cookouts, parades, and various other events as ways come together on National Night Out.

To join in the serious fun, call your local police precint or check the web for more information (see below.)

The organization behind National Night Out is, of course, always looking to add new communities to their rosters, and they make it very easy for other communities to join. For example, check out this organizer's National Night Out ideas, with tips and guidelines on how to bring a fun National Night out to your neighborhood.

There's no better way to fight crime than with community spirit -- as a neighborhood comes together as one -- at least for one night!

More about National Night Out around the Web:

National Night Out 2024 - The official site with the latest updates and community happenings around the country, including video presenations, visitor submitted photos, FAQ, related neighborhood safety resources.

National Crime Prevention Council - Traditional partners against crime with the NNO, with helpful information on preventing crime and staying safe at home, school or work, with helpful tips on forming a neighborhood watch in our community.