On one evening each summer, neighbors across Monmouth County gather to celebrate National Night Out, an annual event focused on building stronger relationships between residents and the people who help keep their communities safe. This year, National Night Out returns on Tuesday, Aug. 4, as communities across Monmouth County join thousands of neighborhoods nationwide in one of the country's largest community-building campaigns.
National Night Out began on Aug. 7, 1984, as a crime prevention campaign organized by the National Association of Town Watch. The inaugural event drew approximately 2.5 million participants from 400 communities in 23 states. Since then, it has grown into an annual tradition involving millions of people in communities across all 50 states, U.S. territories, and military installations. In most of the country, including New Jersey, the event is held on the first Tuesday in August.
While National Night Out has its roots in crime prevention, its mission has evolved over the past four decades. Today, the event is designed to strengthen partnerships between law enforcement and the communities they serve, encourage neighbors to get to know one another, increase awareness of crime prevention programs, and foster relationships that help create safer, stronger communities. Organizers say those connections are most effective when they're built long before they're needed.
Official event announcements from Monmouth County municipalities describe activities such as Touch-a-Truck displays, K-9 demonstrations, live music, games, inflatables, food, giveaways, safety demonstrations, and opportunities to meet police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and other first responders in a relaxed setting. While every community celebrates a little differently, each event shares the same purpose: bringing neighbors together, strengthening community relationships, and building trust between residents and the people who serve them.
Below is a list of some municipalities that have released event times and locations. Check with your local officials if your neighborhood is not listed.
