National Night Out In Fairfax County: Find Your Local Event

Community members around Fairfax County will gather for block parties for the 35th annual National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 7.

More than 219 block parties across the county are planned in support of National Night Out. Sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), National Night Out is part of a nationwide effort to prevent crime and drugs in local communities. The event generates support and participation in local anti-crime programs, boosts neighborhood price and partnerships with law enforcement and sends a message to criminals that neighborhoods are fighting back.

National Night Out has been held each year since 1984 and began as neighbors simply turning on their porch lights and sitting in front of their homes, but has grown to involve local police departments who focus on general anti-crime efforts like drug prevention and a neighborhood watch.

Here's what to expect in Fairfax County:

What is National Night Out?

• Annual neighborhood-based crime and drug prevention event
• Opportunity to show neighborhood spirit and strengthen partnerships with local police
• Demonstrates neighborhood commitment to fight crime
• Observed in thousands of communities in all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world

What happens that night?

• Between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. neighbors, friends and families lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside together.
• Special events, anticrime rallies, activities for children.
• Police officers visit with as many neighborhood gatherings as possible.

How can I get involved?

• Find a local event using this interactive map.
• Offer to help support your neighborhood block party, cookout or other planned event
• Volunteer to organize an event or gathering if none is planned in your neighborhood
• Print and fill out a registration form for your community event. Click here.

Additional reporting by Patch editor Dan Taylor

Image via Fairfax County Police