Annual National Night Out Returns To Evanston Next Month

EVANSTON, IL — Evanston residents to the City's 2026 National Night Out, an annual event the Evanston Police Department said is meant to promote community trust and transparency in local law enforcement.

National Night Out is designed to heighten drug prevention and crime awareness, generate support and participation in local anti-crime efforts, and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. The campaign is held in communities across the country each year and encourages residents to spend time outside with neighbors and local public safety officials.

During National Night Out, residents are asked to turn on their porch lights, lock their doors and spend the evening outside with their neighbors, police officers and firefighters.

While specific information is still to come, guests at last year's event in Evanston enjoyed exciting family-friendly activities, music, and chances to connect with local police, fire and city staff.

National Night Out events in many communities also include block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel and exhibits.

The broader effort is expected to bring together more than 38 million neighbors in 17,000 communities across all 50 states, U.S. territories and military bases. In Illinois, 170 cities and townships are participating in the celebration.