Somerville Invites Families To National Night Out At Dilboy Stadium

Young attendees can score a gift that will help them be prepared for the upcoming school year.

By Benjamin Pierce, Patch Staff

Jul 28, 2026 2:14 PM EDT

National Night Out is a nationwide campaign that promotes partnerships between police departments and the communities they serve. (Jenna Fisher/Patch)

SOMERVILLE, MA — The police department and Somerville Recreation are inviting residents to the city's annual National Night Out celebration next month, with family activities, entertainment and opportunities to meet local officers and community organizations.

The free event is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Dilboy Stadium on110 Alewife Brook Parkway. A rain date has been set for Wednesday, Aug. 5.

This year's event will feature bounce houses, character meet-and-greets, a dunk tank, touch-a-truck displays, lawn games, raffles, local vendors, community resources, and free pizza. The first 300 children and teenagers to arrive will also receive a free backpack stocked with school supplies to help prepare for the upcoming school year.

National Night Out is a nationwide campaign that promotes partnerships between police departments and the communities they serve while encouraging neighborhood involvement and crime prevention. Communities across the country hold the event on the first Tuesday in August, allowing residents to interact with officers outside of emergencies and learn more about local organizations and public safety resources.

Last year's celebration included many of the same attractions, while this year's event adds character meet-and-greets to the lineup.

"As someone who loves both free pizza and community building, National Night Out is one of my favorite summer events," Wilson said. "It's a great way for families to meet the officers who serve our communities. The more we get to know one another and look out for each other, the stronger our community becomes."

Ward 1 Councilor Matthew McLaughlin also encouraged residents to attend, saying strong community policing begins with strong relationships.