National Night Out returns on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, the nationwide community-building campaign that brings neighbors, police officers, and firefighters together for an evening of connection instead of just crime prevention paperwork. First launched in 1984, the tradition now draws millions of participants across thousands of communities every year — and Monterey and Santa Cruz counties always show up in a big way. Expect free food, live music, K-9 demos, fire trucks kids can climb aboard, and plenty of chances to meet the officers and firefighters who serve your neighborhood. Here’s what’s confirmed so far for August 4, 2026.
Confirmed 2026 Events
Capitola
Time: 5:00–7:00 PM Location: Esplanade Park, Capitola Village
Explore emergency vehicles up close. Meet the people who serve our community. Food provided by a local business and the Capitola Police Officers Association. Enjoy a fun night out with the family at the Capitola Beach.
Carmel-by-the-Sea
Time: 3:00-6:00 PM Location: Devendorf Park, Carmel
Meet your officers, get safety information, play games and win prizes.
King City
Time: 4:30–7:30 PM Location: Salinas Valley Fairgrounds, King City
Connect with local law enforcement, meet your first responders, and enjoy a fun evening with the community. It will be an evening packed with fun, food, prizes, and an opportunity to meet the first responders and organizations that serve the community.
Marina
Time: 4:30–7:00 PM Location: Marina Public Safety Building, 208 Palm Avenue, Marina
Free crime prevention event with special performances from DJ Upshaw and Ballet Folklórico Esperanza Del Valle. Plus, dunk tank, contests, raffles and more. Come out and meet your local first responders.
Pacific Grove
Time: 5:00–7:00 PM Location: Caledonia Park, 141 Caledonia Avenue, Pacific Grove
The Pacific Grove Police Department hosts its annual National Night Out event at Caledonia Park. The free community-building event brings residents together with local law enforcement and firefighters.
Salinas
Time: 5:00–7:30 PM Location: Salinas Sports Complex
A free family event with kids’ zone, music and DJ, K9 demos, giveaways, food trucks, and drone demos.
Santa Cruz
Time: 5:00–7:00 PM Location: Santa Cruz Harbor, 135 5th Ave, Santa Cruz
Note the change of venue this year — the event has moved from the Santa Cruz Wharf to the Santa Cruz Harbor. Expect the usual community spirit, fun activities, and treats for the whole family.
Seaside
Time: 4:00–7:00 PM Location: Seaside City Hall, 440 Harcourt Avenue, Seaside
Community resources, activities, family-friendly entertainment, and a Touch-a-Truck display. Explore emergency, construction, utility, and service vehicles up close, meet the people who operate them, and learn how they help serve the community.
Soledad
Time: 5:00–8:00 PM Location: 560 Walker Dr, Soledad
Community resources, activities, family-friendly entertainment. Meet the people who serve the community.
Watsonville
Time: 3:00–7:00 PM Location: Pinto Lake County Park, Watsonville
Family-friendly community event with local Watsonville police officers and firefighters, free food and drinks, face painting and games for kids, live music and entertainment, raffles, prizes, and community resource booths.
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