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 the police! That’s National Night Out.

It started way back in 1984 and happens every year. The big idea is simple: neighbors and police officers hang out together, eat snacks, play games, and get to know each other. When people know the officers who protect them, everyone feels safer and happier.

Important Point
The Main Goals:

• Build trust between communities and law enforcement
• Teach families how to prevent crime and stay away from drugs
• Celebrate your neighborhood with block parties, parades, and fun events

When Does It Happen?

Traditionally: The first Tuesday in August.

But wait! Many towns in North Carolina (and across the country) have started moving their parties to later in the year—September or even October. Why? Because August in NC can be HOT! Cooler weather = more fun outside.

2026 Event Calendar: Find a Party Near You!

Here’s a list of events happening in the Triangle area and beyond. Pick a date, grab a lawn chair, and go say hi to your local heroes!

Tuesday, August 4

Raleigh

Raleigh is going BIG with 21 different locations! Parties run from 3:00 PM – 8:30 PM.

See all 21 spots: Raleigh’s Official National Night Out Page

Raleigh Police Request:
Turn on your porch light from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM. It’s a simple way to show you care about a safe neighborhood!

Chapel Hill

• Where: Hargraves Center (216 N. Roberson St.)
• When: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• What’s happening: Food, games, and fun!
  Chapel Hill Event Details

Carrboro

• Where: Carrboro Town Commons (301 W. Main St.)
• When: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Cool stuff: Dunk tank! Plus safety info tables and community groups.
  Carrboro Event Details

Johnston County (Smithfield)

• Hosted by: Smithfield Police Dept. + Fire, EMS, Steven Sausage & Lifespring Church
• Where: Smithfield Community Park (600 M. Durwood Stephenson Pkwy)
• When: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Highlights: Bounce houses , K9 police dog demos , food, safety info.

Tuesday, August 11 (Rescheduled from Aug 4 due to weather)

Hoke County (Raeford)

• Where: East Hoke Middle School (4702 Fayetteville Rd.)
• When: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Sunday, August 16

Fayetteville

Over 20 neighborhood parties all in one night! Here’s a sampler:

4:00 PM Start

• St. Luke AME Church (533 Hillsboro St.) – Crime prevention tips, food, games (4–6 PM)
• Cross Creek / Millstream Rd. – Food + Back-to-school supply drive (4–8 PM)

5:00 PM Start

• Tera Gardens (233 Law Rd.) – Bounce house! (5–7 PM)
• Whispering Pines (108 First St.) – Community hangout (5–8 PM)
• Friends of Haymount (1921 Woodrow St.) – Games, resources, free food for first responders (5–7 PM)
• Oakridge / General Lee Park (1320 General Lee Ave.) – Food trucks, vendors, school supply drive (5:30–7:30 PM)

6:00 PM Start

• Broadwell-Seabrook (1530 Slater Ave.) – Mission BBQ + resource officers (6–8 PM)
• Fairfield Farms (507 W. Summerchase Dr.) – Music, food, local resources by the pond (6–8 PM)
• The Crossings at Morganton (Waterdown Dr. Pool Gazebo) – Food, raffle, goody bags (6–8 PM)
• Aaran Lake (5572 Shenandoah Dr.) – Food, games, resources (6–8 PM)
• Farfield (7717 Dundenon Dr.) – Food, games, resources (6–8 PM)

Special Bonus: "Light Up the Night" – Briarwood & Clairway neighbors turn on lights at dusk!

Saturday, September 12

Warren County (Warrenton)

• Event Name: "Warren County Night to Unite"
• Hosts: Sheriff’s Office + Warrenton Police Dept.
• Where: Warren County Courthouse Square (109 S. Main St.)
• When: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Perks: Hot dogs & drinks , activities, safety vendors.
  Facebook Event Page

Monday, October 5

Wake Forest

• Why October? They always pick the first Monday in October for cooler temps. Smart!
• Where: Joyner Park Community Center Parking Lot (701 Harris Rd.)
• When: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
• Fun Stuff: DJ , games, food, prizes, fire/police/EMS vehicle displays , safety booths.
  Wake Forest Event Page

Tuesday, October 6

Durham

• Why October? First Tuesday in October = nice weather.
• Where: Durham Police HQ (602 E. Main St.)
• When: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Meet: First responders, play games, eat, visit community resource tables.

Edgecombe County (Tarboro)

• Where: Downtown Tarboro, Courthouse Square (311 N. Main St.)
• When: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Vibe: Live DJ , free hot dogs & drinks, games, activities.

How to Get Ready for Your Local Event

1. Check the list above for the event closest to you.
2. Click the link for that town to double-check times/locations (sometimes details change!).
3. Put it on your calendar .
4. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for comfy sitting.
5. Go say "Hi!" to an officer, a firefighter, or a neighbor you haven’t met yet.

Summary

• National Night Out = Free community parties to build friendship between neighbors and police.
• Started in 1984, usually first Tuesday in August.
• NC towns often move it to Fall (Sept/Oct) to beat the heat.
• Events near you (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Fayetteville, Wake Forest, and more) have food, games, bounce houses, K9 demos, free school supplies, and safety info.
• Best part? It’s FREE and FUN for the whole family!

Pro Tip
Can’t find your town listed? Search "[Your Town] National Night Out 2026" or visit the national website: natw.org.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

1. Do I have to register or buy tickets?
Nope! Almost all National Night Out events are free and open to everyone. Just show up!

2. What if it rains?
Many towns have rain dates (like Hoke County did) or move indoors. Check the town’s website or Facebook page the morning of the event for updates.

3. Is this just for kids?
Not at all! It’s for everyone—seniors, singles, families, college students. The goal is for the whole community to connect.

4. Can I bring my dog?
Usually yes, on a leash, since most events are in parks. But always check the specific event rules first (especially if there are K9 police dogs working).

5. I’m shy. What do I even say to a police officer?
Easy! Try: "Hi, thanks for coming out tonight." or "What’s the coolest thing on your duty belt?" They are regular people too—and they want to meet you!