Residents Are Invited to Join National Night Out Celebrations Across Des Moines

Des Moines, Iowa - Friday, July 31, 2026 - On Tuesday, August 4th, 2026, residents of Des Moines are invited to join millions of citizens and law enforcement agencies across the nation in supporting a unique crime and drug prevention event called "National Night Out". This is the 37th year that Des Moines has participated in this nationwide event and the 42nd year nationally.

National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for and participation in local anticrime programs; strengthen community spirit and police neighborhood cooperation; and most importantly, to send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are fighting back against crime.

Nationally, the National Association of Town Watch (www.natw.org) sponsors this event. In Des Moines, the Des Moines Police Department as well as the various Neighborhood Associations and local businesses sponsor and support these activities.

Residents are asked to turn on their porch lights, as well as get outside and enjoy their neighborhood. Several activities are planned throughout Des Moines. We will be celebrating the greatest resource of Des Moines - its neighborhoods. We hope you will join us at the neighborhood events.

Many groups in Des Moines are hosting activities for their neighbors and members. A variety of special events including cookouts, games, block parties, and ice cream socials are scheduled.

The Des Moines Police Neighborhood Based Service Delivery Team explains that National Night Out is an extension of our community policing efforts. We encourage interaction and cooperation between citizens, police, fire, neighborhood groups, drug treatment, education, and prevention programs. This collaboration is critical to effectively deal with problems related to drugs, gangs, and other quality of life issues for neighborhoods.