HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) – National Night Out (NNO) is an annual event, held in an effort to build safer communities by promoting police-community partnerships.
Millions of neighbors take part in NNO by participating in block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and other community events.
This year’s official NNO is being held on Tuesday, August 1. 159 cities across Virginia are participating.
Between July 25 and July 31, 10 On Your Side will highlight local police departments participating in National Night Out. Look for those reports on WAVY News 10.
Here are what some of our localities have planned:
National Night Out Events in Hampton Roads
Hampton
The Coliseum Central Annual Health & Safety Fair takes place August 1 from 4-7 p.m. at the Hampton Roads Convention Center, located at 1610 Coliseum Drive. This free, family-friendly event is in conjunction with National Night Out to promote safety, wellness, crime prevention, neighborhood unity, and fun!
Police, fire and sheriff’s departments will be on-hand to demonstrate safety vehicles and equipment. Kid-friendly activities include face-painting, balloon animals, games, music, and more!
Neighborhood Night Out is partnering with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive at the convention center from 3-7 p.m. Click here to schedule your donation appointment.
Newport News
Celebrate National Night Out on Tuesday, August 1, 5-7 p.m., at our Pearl Bailey, Main Street, and Grissom Libraries. We will have free food and fun for all ages. The Pearl Bailey Library will have an inspirational dance performance and a guest speaker, the Main Street Library will have a “Main Street’s Got Talent” show 6-7 p.m., and the Grissom Library will have a display of Newport News Police Department vehicles.
Celebrate National Night Out and Back to School with WPNSTA Yorktown MWR Community Recreation on Tuesday, Aug. 1 from 4-6 p.m. at Sports Zone Fitness Center. Stop by and grab some free school supplies while supplies last. Quantities are limited. Sponsored by Operation Homefront.
Norfolk
The City of Norfolk will be hosting National Night Out on Aug. 1, 2023, from 5-8 p.m. This year’s National Night Out will take place at 701 Berkley Ave. Ext. The event will be held rain or shine. Some of the many activities that families can take part in are meeting Police Chief Mark Talbot, learning about city and community resources, and more.
Our reporter Amy Avery spoke with Police Chief Mark Talbot about why he thinks this event is important. Click here to read more.
Portsmouth
The City of Portsmouth will be hosting its National Night Out on Aug. 1, 2023. This year’s event will take place at Festival Park, located next to the Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion, from 3-8 p.m.
To learn more about Portsmouth’s National Night Out, click here.
Our reporter Lauryn Moss spoke to the Portsmouth Police Chief Stephen Jenkins about the upcoming event on what he hopes it will accomplish. Read more here.
Suffolk
Suffolk’s National Night Out will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 1. Suffolk has been ranked in the top 10 for over a decade and has also been first in the nation five times.
This year, the city is celebrating with 25 NNO locations across Suffolk.
The Suffolk National Night Out Committee is hosting a Send-Off Ceremony that will be held on Tuesday, August 1 at 5 p.m. in City Council Chambers, located at 442 W. Washington St.
For more information on Suffolk’s 2023 National Night Out, including the complete list of participating community locations, visit www.suffolknno.com.
If you have information on other NNO events being held in the Hampton Roads region, please email us details at this link.
Virginia Beach
There are more than a dozen NNO events planned in Virginia Beach on August 1. Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate spoke with WAVY about why this annual event is so important.
Click here to see the full list of NNO events in the city.
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA)
The EDVA will participate in National Night Out events. U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber and members of the office plan to attend events in areas across Virginia including Hampton Roads.
“National Night Out is a fantastic and fun opportunity both for citizens and law enforcement to meet, interact and build relationships,” said Aber.
They will also participate in events in Fairfax County, Alexandria City, and the greater Richmond area. Participation throughout communities in Virginia is important to the office.
“EDVA cares deeply about helping to restore trust between communities and law enforcement, including the Department of Justice. These connections are critical for public safety, as well as the rule of law,” said Aber.
