Community News Alexandria Virginia

Alexandria Gears Up for National Night Out 2026

Residents Invited to Celebrate Community, Safety, and Stronger Neighborhood Partnerships

Sheriff Sean Casey will be out and about, just as he was last year. (Photo: Lucelle O’Flaherty)
Sheriff Sean Casey will be out and about, just as he was last year. (Photo: Lucelle O’Flaherty)

Alexandria, VA – National Night Out returns to Alexandria on August 4, bringing neighbors, law enforcement, firefighters, and other public safety agencies together for an evening dedicated to strengthening community relationships and promoting safer neighborhoods.

Held annually on the first Tuesday in August, National Night Out is a nationwide campaign designed to build stronger partnerships between residents and public safety officials while encouraging neighbors to get to know one another. The event serves as a reminder that connected communities are among the safest and most resilient.

Public Safety Agencies Join the Celebration

Throughout the evening, the Alexandria Police Department will visit neighborhood celebrations across the city with members of its K-9 Unit, Motorcycle Unit, Bike Patrol, patrol officers, and Command Staff. Joining them will be representatives from the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office, Alexandria Fire Department, the Department of Emergency and Customer Communications, and other public safety agencies. Many neighborhoods will enjoy demonstrations, safety information, and opportunities to meet the first responders who serve their communities every day.

Building Stronger Neighborhoods Together

Neighborhoods throughout Alexandria are encouraged to host block parties, cookouts, festivals, youth activities, parades, and other community gatherings. These events not only bring residents together but also create opportunities to discuss crime prevention, emergency preparedness, and neighborhood safety in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

National Night Out in Del Ray was held at Pat Miller Square on Mt. Vernon Ave. (Photo Grace Billups Arnold)
National Night Out in Del Ray was held at Pat Miller Square on Mt. Vernon Ave. (Photo Grace Billups Arnold)

National Night Out reinforces the idea that when neighbors know one another and work alongside law enforcement, crime prevention becomes a shared responsibility.

A Nationwide Tradition

National Night Out began in 1984 with approximately 2.5 million participants in 400 communities across 23 states. Since then, the campaign has grown into one of the largest community engagement events in the country.

Today, millions of people participate in more than 18,000 communities across all 50 states, U.S. territories, and military installations worldwide, making National Night Out one of the nation’s most successful crime prevention and community-building initiatives.

Making Alexandria Safer—One Neighborhood at a Time

Whether you’re attending a neighborhood block party, organizing a community gathering, or simply meeting your neighbors for the first time, every National Night Out event helps strengthen relationships that make Alexandria a safer place to live.

For a list of participating neighborhoods, go to:  https://www.alexandriava.gov/NNO

Debby Critchley

Debby Critchley has been an integral part of The Zebra almost from the very beginning by taking on the mantle of Food Editor. She also creates the monthly Events Calendar and regularly contributes to our social media. Born in Chicago, her parents help develop her palate by exposing her to a variety of cuisines from Chinese to Spanish, French, German, and more. Debby earned her B.A. at Case Western Reserve University and her M.S. from University of Nebraska. She moved to the DMV in 1981.

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