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National Night Out Starts Aug 4: Find Your Local Block Party Now!
National Night Out: Your Neighborhood’s Big Block Party with Police!
What Is National Night Out?
Imagine a giant neighborhood party where everyone is invited—including police officers, firefighters, and paramedics! That’s National Night Out.
- Started in 1984 — it’s been around for over 40 years!
- Happens every year on the first Tuesday in August (but some towns pick cooler days)
- Main goal: Help neighbors and law enforcement become friends and partners
- Bonus goals: Teach safety, prevent crime, and say "no" to drugs
- What it looks like: Block parties, parades, games, food trucks, bounce houses, K9 demos, and more!
Important Point: National Night Out isn’t just a party—it’s a way to build trust and teamwork between the people who protect us and the people they protect.
Mark Your Calendar: Events Near You
Different towns celebrate on different days to catch the best weather. Here’s your complete guide!
August 4 — The Classic Date
Raleigh
21 locations across the city! Events run from 3:00 PM – 8:30 PM.
Three highlighted spots:
- North Hills Commons — 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
- Oakwood Commons Park — 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Renaissance Park — 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Full list: Raleigh’s National Night Out webpage
Porch Light Challenge: Raleigh Police ask everyone to leave porch lights on from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM to show support!
Chapel Hill
- Where: Hargraves Center, 216 N. Roberson St.
- When: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- What: Food, games, and fun!
- Chapel Hill event page
Carrboro
- Where: Carrboro Town Commons, 301 W. Main St.
- When: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Highlights: Dunk tank, safety info booths, community groups, food, games
- Carrboro event page
Johnston County (Smithfield)
- Where: Smithfield Community Park, 600 M. Durwood Stephenson Parkway
- When: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Hosted by: Smithfield Police + Fire + EMS + Community sponsors
- Fun stuff: Bounce houses, K9 demonstrations, food, safety info
- Johnston County event page
August 11 — Rain Date for Hoke County
Hoke County (Raeford)
- Where: East Hoke Middle School, 4702 Fayetteville Rd.
- When: Tuesday, Aug 11 — 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (moved from Aug 4 due to weather)
- Hoke County info
August 16 — Fayetteville’s Super Sunday
Over 20 events across Fayetteville! Here’s the lineup by start time:
4:00 PM Start
| Location | Time | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| St. Luke AME Church, 533 Hillsboro St. | 4–6 PM | Crime prevention, food, games |
| Cross Creek, Millstream Rd. | 4–8 PM | Food, back-to-school drive |
5:00 PM Start
| Location | Time | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Tera Gardens, 233 Law Rd. | 5–7 PM | Bounce house! |
| Whispering Pines, 108 First St. | 5–8 PM | Community gathering |
| Friends of Haymount, 1921 Woodrow St. | 5–7 PM | Games, resources, free food for first responders |
| Oakridge General Lee Park, 1320 General Lee Ave. | 5:30–7:30 PM | Food trucks, vendors, school supply drive |
6:00 PM Start
| Location | Time | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Broadwell-Seabook, 1530 Slater Ave. | 6–8 PM | Mission BBQ, local resource officers |
| Fairfield Farms, 507 W. Summerchase Dr. | 6–8 PM | Music, food, local resources |
| The Crossings at Morganton Condos, Waterdown Dr. Pool Gazebo | 6–8 PM | Food, raffle, goody bags |
| Aaran Lake, 5572 Shenandoah Dr. | 6–8 PM | Food, games, resources |
| Farfield, 7717 Dundenon Dr. | 6–8 PM | Food, games, resources |
Special: "Light Up the Night"
- Where: Briarwood and Clairway neighborhoods
- When: At dusk
- What: Turn on your lights and join neighbors outside!
September 12 — Warren County
Warren County "Night to Unite"
- Where: Warren County Courthouse Square, 109 S. Main St., Warrenton
- When: Saturday, Sept 12 — 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Hosted by: Sheriff’s Office + Warrenton Police
- Perks: Hot dogs, drinks, activities, safety vendors
- Facebook event
October 5 — Wake Forest (Cool Weather Choice)
Wake Forest
- Where: Joyner Park Community Center parking lot, 701 Harris Rd.
- When: Monday, Oct 5 — 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
- Why October? "To take advantage of cooler temperatures!"
- Highlights: DJ, games, food, prizes, fire/police/EMS vehicle displays, safety booths
- Wake Forest event page
October 6 — Durham & Edgecombe County
Durham
- Where: DPD Headquarters, 602 E. Main St.
- When: Tuesday, Oct 6 — 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Why October? Cooler weather!
- Meet: First responders, play games, eat food, explore community resources
- National Night Out national site
Edgecombe County (Tarboro)
- Where: Downtown Tarboro Courthouse Square, 311 N. Main St.
- When: Tuesday, Oct 6 — 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Fun: Live DJ, free hot dogs & drinks, games, activities
Quick Checklist: How to Join the Fun
- Pick your event — Find the one closest to you
- Check the time — Don’t be late for the bounce house!
- Bring the family — Kids, grandparents, neighbors—everyone’s welcome
- Turn on your porch light — If you’re in Raleigh (7–10 PM) or just want to show support
- Talk to an officer — Say hi! Ask about their K9 partner or fire truck
- Grab a hot dog — Or try the food trucks in Fayetteville
- Learn one safety tip — Take home something useful
Summary
National Night Out is America’s biggest "neighbors meet protectors" party. Since 1984, it’s brought millions of people together with police, fire, and EMS crews for:
- Stronger community bonds
- Crime & drug prevention awareness
- Free food, games, and fun
- Cool demos (K9 units, fire trucks, dunk tanks!)
- Safety resources you can actually use
Dates vary by town — some stick to the first Tuesday in August, others wait for cooler fall weather. Check the list above, find your spot, and go make a new friend in uniform!
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. Do I have to register or pay to attend?
Nope! All events are free and open to everyone. Just show up!
2. Can I bring my kids?
Absolutely! These are family-friendly events with bounce houses, games, and activities made for children.
3. What if it rains?
Some towns (like Hoke County) have rain dates. Others move indoors or under shelters. Check the event link for updates.
4. I’m shy—do I have to talk to police?
Not at all. You can just enjoy the food and music. But officers love saying hi—so don’t be surprised if they wave first!
5. How can I find events in other towns not listed here?
Visit the national website: natw.org — they have a searchable map for all 50 states!
Final Thought: National Night Out proves that safety is a team sport. When neighbors and officers know each other’s names, everyone wins. See you at the block party!
