For 40 years, Salem's National Night Out has brought the community together

Since 1984, Salem has been celebrating the partnership between residents and the police department and our combined efforts to make neighborhoods safer, better places to live. We celebrate that relationship, along with the rest of America, annually on the first Tuesday of August. The event is called National Night Out.

In 2024, National Night Out is on Tuesday, August 6. In Salem, we celebrate the spirit of police-community partnerships with more than 100 block parties across the city each year between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Block parties are unique to each neighborhood. Some residents have ice cream socials on the front lawn, while other neighborhoods close the street and do a cookout for the whole block with bounce houses and music!

Then, more than a dozen Salem Police teams make the rounds all across town to visit as many block parties as possible between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

How you can participate

Registrations start in May!

Whether your plans include a delicious potluck, a kid’s parade, or games and activities for everyone—registering your block party is essential.

Your registration lets us know where all the celebrations are occurring, but also helps you decide if you want to close your street, hold your event in the neighborhood park, or reserve some barricades.

And just as important, if you want to have a Salem Police National Night Out Team visit your block party, then early registrations are encouraged. Police Team requests fill up fast, so don't wait until the last minute! Click the big blue button at the top of the page to register.

Other things to think about

Have Your Block Party in the Street or in a Park

If you want to party in the street or at your local city park for National Night Out, be sure to select the correct option during the registration process. 

Under the section titled Block Party Information, enter your block party's location, and select the correct option to close the street or reserve a park. Normally a permit fee applies, but for National Night Out the fee is waived. The entire process is easily completed with your Salem Police block party registration.

All street closure and park use requests for National Night Out must be completed by July 26, 2024. If you have questions, contact the City of Salem Customer Service Center directly at 503-588-7272. 

Want to do more for National Night Out? Consider a volunteer project!

Neighbors often do a volunteer project in their neighborhood before they have their block party. Examples include painting over graffiti or doin lawn care for an elderly neighbor. No matter what the project, the purpose is to bring everyone together to build a strong, safe neighborhood.