National Night Out

What is a National Night Out Block Party?

Many National Night Out (NNO) block parties are held at churches and community centers, but the most effective ones take place right on your street or in your backyard. The goal of NNO is to help neighbors get to know each other, encouraging conversations and fostering a sense of community. Apartment communities, subdivisions, condo communities, and civic clubs are all welcome to participate. Most NNO block parties occur between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., but you should adjust the timing to suit your guests. 

Each registered party will be visited by Midland police officers, community leaders, or other emergency personnel. Registering is free, and hosting an NNO party doesn't have to be expensive. Get out, meet your neighbors, and take the first step toward neighborhood crime prevention!

Where Do I start?

Assessing Interest: To gauge interest in your neighborhood, consider going door-to-door, starting a group email, announcing on Nextdoor, or creating a private Facebook page. These methods can help you determine if an NNO celebration is right for your area. 

Planning and Coordination: Once you have interest, recruit neighbors to help plan the block party. Start organizing activities and food a couple of months in advance, or a few weeks if on shorter notice. Determine how people can contribute and what they can bring, and keep everyone in the loop. 

Activities and Entertainment: Plan engaging activities to help neighbors connect, such as live music, sidewalk chalk, face painting, bounce houses, piñatas, relay races, or cook-offs. Alternatively, use the event to discuss neighborhood crime concerns and create a block contact list. Food and 

Refreshments: Food is a key part of any party. Encourage neighbors to bring dishes, drinks, and desserts. You don’t have to provide all the food yourself; simple refreshments like guacamole, potato salad, hot dogs, and watermelon can work well. 

Invitations: Invite guests through door-to-door visits, social media, flyers, or phone calls. Ensure that invitations include all event details and give your neighbors ample notice. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the community spirit!