On Tuesday, Aug. 4, neighborhoods across Minnesota will roll grills into driveways, set up folding tables in cul-de-sacs, and gather for one of the state’s biggest annual community traditions: Night to Unite, Minnesota’s version of National Night Out.
While every block party looks a little different—from potlucks and bounce houses to ice cream socials and water balloon fights—the mission is the same: bringing neighbors together while strengthening relationships with local law enforcement, firefighters, first responders, and community leaders. The annual event is held on the first Tuesday in August and is celebrated in communities throughout the state.
The idea is simple but powerful: neighbors who know one another are more likely to look out for each other, report suspicious activity, and build communities where everyone feels connected. According to organizers, Night to Unite aims to raise crime prevention awareness, strengthen neighborhood spirit, support community policing efforts, and reinforce partnerships between residents and public safety agencies.
Many neighborhoods host block parties, cookouts, games, and family activities, with visits from police officers, firefighters, sheriff’s deputies, elected officials, and emergency personnel. Some celebrations feature local food trucks, live music, or children’s activities, while others keep things simple with lawn chairs and conversation. Either way, organizers say the evening is less about elaborate planning and more about creating meaningful connections that last well beyond a single summer night.
Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office
Night to Unite Around the Metro on Aug. 4
Brooklyn Center
Brooklyn Center celebrates its 41st annual Night to Unite with neighborhood block parties throughout the city. Registered gatherings may receive visits from city officials, law enforcement, fire personnel, and Hennepin County representatives.
Chaska
Chaska neighbors are encouraged to celebrate Night to Unite by gathering outdoors for block parties and neighborhood get-togethers that foster stronger community connections. Members of the Chaska Police and Fire Departments will visit as many registered celebrations as possible, giving residents an opportunity to meet first responders while building safer, more connected neighborhoods.
Cottage Grove
Cottage Grove neighbors are invited to celebrate Night to Unite with block parties, barbecues, games, and community gatherings throughout the city. Police officers, firefighters, McGruff the Crime Dog, Sparky the Fire Dog, city officials, and staff will visit registered events, and residents can also support local families through the annual Fill the Backpack school supply drive and paper products collection benefiting Friends in Need.
Eden Prairie
Residents are encouraged to host neighborhood celebrations featuring games, food, and community-building activities. Representatives from the Eden Prairie Police and Fire Departments and city officials will visit many registered parties, and neighborhoods can also participate in a community food drive benefiting PROP.
Edina
Edina neighborhoods will gather for Night to Unite with block parties and neighborhood celebrations designed to build community and strengthen crime prevention efforts. Residents can request visits from police officers, firefighters, K-9 units, and other first responders as they spend the evening getting to know their neighbors and fostering safer, more connected neighborhoods.
Hennepin County
The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office will visit neighborhood gatherings across the county, encouraging residents to connect with deputies and fellow neighbors during block parties and backyard celebrations focused on building safer communities.
Hopkins
Hopkins will celebrate National Night Out with neighborhood block parties, cookouts, ice cream socials, and games that promote crime prevention and stronger police-community partnerships. Residents without a neighborhood gathering can join the city’s free Kick-Off Celebration at Valley Park beginning at 5 p.m., featuring police, fire, and public works staff, family activities, giveaways, and complimentary food.
Inver Grove Heights
Inver Grove Heights will celebrate Night to Unite with neighborhood gatherings, block parties, and cookouts that bring neighbors together and strengthen community partnerships. Registered events may receive visits from police, fire, parks staff, city leaders, and councilmembers, and residents are encouraged to support local nonprofits through optional food and household item drives benefiting Neighbors, Inc. and 360 Communities.
Mankato
Mankato neighborhoods will celebrate Night to Unite with block parties, cookouts, youth activities, and visits from police officers, firefighters, and city staff. The annual event encourages residents to get to know their neighbors, strengthen community partnerships, and support local crime prevention efforts through an evening of neighborhood connection.
Minneapolis
Minneapolis neighborhoods will celebrate National Night Out with block parties, cookouts, youth activities, and community gatherings across the city. One of the nation’s leading participants in the annual event, Minneapolis encourages residents to connect with neighbors, build relationships with local police officers, and strengthen the community partnerships that help keep neighborhoods safe.
Minnetonka
Neighbors across Minnetonka will gather for Night to Unite, an evening of block parties and neighborhood celebrations designed to strengthen community connections and promote public safety. Sponsored locally by the Minnetonka Police Department and the Minnetonka Crime Prevention Association, the annual event encourages residents to get to know one another while building safer, stronger neighborhoods.
Northfield
Northfield neighbors are encouraged to celebrate Night to Unite with block parties and neighborhood gatherings that promote community safety and connection. Registered parties receive a free activity kit for kids from the Northfield Police Department and the Northfield Alliance for Substance Abuse Prevention, and may also receive visits from local police, fire, or ambulance personnel.
Oakdale
Oakdale residents are invited to celebrate Night to Unite with neighborhood block parties and community gatherings that promote safety, crime prevention, and stronger neighborhood connections. Registered events may receive visits from police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, McGruff the Crime Dog, elected officials, and other community partners throughout the evening.
Olmsted County/Rochester
Neighborhoods throughout Olmsted County and Rochester will celebrate Night to Unite with block parties, cookouts, and community gatherings that promote safer neighborhoods and stronger public safety partnerships. Registered events may receive visits from the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office or Rochester Police Department as residents come together to build community and support local crime prevention efforts.
Prior Lake
Residents are invited to celebrate Night to Unite with neighborhood block parties, cookouts, and community gatherings throughout the city. Registered parties can expect visits from city staff between 5:30 and 8:30 p.m., with appearances by police officers, firefighters (where available), and other city vehicles to help foster neighborhood connections and promote community safety.
Ramsey County
The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office will join neighborhood celebrations across Arden Hills, Little Canada, North Oaks, Shoreview, Vadnais Heights, and White Bear Township for Night to Unite. Residents are encouraged to host block parties, cookouts, and neighborhood gatherings that promote crime prevention, strengthen police-community partnerships, and build safer, more connected communities.
Red Wing
Neighborhoods across Red Wing will celebrate Night to Unite with cookouts, potlucks, parades, and community gatherings that encourage neighbors to connect with one another and local public safety officials. The annual event promotes stronger neighborhood relationships and police-community partnerships while helping build safer, more connected communities.
Richfield
Nearly 200 neighborhood parties are expected across Richfield as residents gather for Night to Unite, an annual tradition that strengthens neighborhood connections and police-community partnerships. Registered block parties may receive visits from Richfield police and fire personnel, who stop by throughout the evening to connect with residents and support local crime prevention efforts.
Rosemount
Rosemount residents are encouraged to spend the evening outdoors with neighbors during Night to Unite, with block parties, cookouts, and family-friendly activities taking place throughout the city. Members of the Rosemount Police and Fire Departments, along with local officials, will visit neighborhood gatherings to promote crime prevention, strengthen community connections, and celebrate safer neighborhoods.
Scott County Townships and Credit River
Residents in Scott County’s townships and the city of Credit River can participate in Night to Unite with neighborhood gatherings visited by Sheriff Luke Hennen, deputies, K-9 Olin, dispatchers, correctional officers, and Mounted Posse Reserve Deputies.
Sherburne County
The Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents throughout the county to celebrate Night to Unite with neighborhood block parties, cookouts, and community gatherings that strengthen neighborhood connections and support crime prevention. Registered events may receive visits from sheriff’s deputies and other emergency personnel as neighbors come together to build safer, stronger communities.
St. Paul
St. Paul’s 42nd annual National Night Out brings neighborhoods together for block parties, potlucks, ice cream socials, and community celebrations across the city. Residents can register events to receive visits from police and fire personnel, and this year’s festivities also feature family-friendly contests, including chalk art, coloring, and a community food drive benefiting Keystone Community Services.
City of St. Paul
Victoria
Victoria neighbors are invited to celebrate Night to Unite with block parties throughout the city, bringing residents together to build stronger neighborhood connections and support community safety. Registered gatherings may receive visits from city officials, the Victoria Fire Department, and the Carver County Sheriff’s Office, and this year’s celebration encourages participants to collect nonperishable food donations for Bountiful Basket Food Shelf.
West St. Paul
West St. Paul neighbors are invited to celebrate Night to Unite with block parties, backyard barbecues, games, and community gatherings that strengthen neighborhood connections and support local crime prevention efforts. Police officers will visit celebrations throughout the evening, encouraging residents to get to know one another while building safer, stronger neighborhoods.
White Bear Lake
White Bear Lake’s Night to Unite brings neighbors together for an evening of block parties and community-building activities focused on strengthening neighborhood spirit and public safety partnerships. Police officers and city officials will visit registered gatherings throughout the evening, and this year’s celebration also includes a Night to Unite Coloring Contest for children ages 3-12.
Woodbury
Woodbury neighbors are invited to celebrate Night to Unite with block parties and neighborhood gatherings throughout the city. Public Safety personnel will visit registered events during the evening, and this year’s celebration includes a community gift card drive benefiting South Washington County Schools, Open Cupboard, and local families in need.
