Staff report
National Night Out brings neighbors, police officers, first responders, local businesses, and community organizations together for an evening focused on building relationships and strengthening neighborhoods.
National Night Out was founded in August 1984. The inaugural event involved 2.5 million neighbors across 400 communities in 23 states. Now, millions of neighbors across thousands of communities participate in NNO. There are events in all 50 states, U.S. Territories, and military bases worldwide.
Kentucky has 15 registered National Night Out communities.
Here’s a listing of local celebrations (check with your municipality for more information):
COVINGTON
Join the Covington Police Department for an evening of fun, food, and community celebrating National Night Out 2026 on Tuesday 5-8 p.m. at Holmes High School, 2500 Madison Ave.
FREE backpack giveaway while supplies last — 100 backpacks filled with school supplies to help local students start the school year off right. Sponsors EMJ Metals donated 50 backpacks and Covington Police Specialists Knott and Rose personally purchased the other 50.
Harley Dogs us providing FREE hot dogs and Leap’n Lizards provided inflatables for the bounce houses. Arts Tool Rental provided generators and Friends of Peaselburg Neighbor Association provided other gifts.
There will be something for everyone, including SWAT Vehicles, Police motorcycles, Police Cruisers & Specialty Vehicles, Fire and EMS Vehicles, Touch-a-Truck, a military Helicopter Display (pending availability), face painting, KONA Ice, food vendors, and games and activities galore.
Bring the whole family, invite friends, and help make this year’s National Night Out the biggest one yet.
INDEPENDENCE
National Night Out, an annual community-building campaign that promotes positive partnerships between law enforcement and the communities they serve, will be held Tuesday, 6-10 p.m. at Memorial Park in Independence.
Hosted by the City of Independence in partnership with the Independence Police Department, the free event offers activities for all ages.
From 6-8 p.m., families can enjoy:
• Free games
• Touch-a-truck experiences
• Balloon artists
• Meet-and-greet opportunities with local police officers and first responders
• Activities, giveaways and information from local businesses and community organizations
From 1-10 p.m. entertainment will include What About Jane at the Donna Yeager Amphitheater, food vendors, and Barleycorn’s Brewhouse and its new beer van.
FLORENCE
It will be an evening of community engagement and fun at National Night Out on Tuesday, from 5-7 p.m. at the Florence Government Center, 8100 Ewing Boulevard in Florence.
The free, family friendly event celebrates the partnerships between local government, first responders, and the community while promoting neighborhood safety, engagement, and civic pride.
The City of Florence brings together city departments, elected officials, community organizations, and local vendors to showcase the services, programs, and projects that help make Florence a great place to live, work, and play.
Guests will enjoy a complimentary grill-out style dinner, opportunities to meet representatives from the Florence Police Department, Fire/EMS, Public Services, Administration, and members of the Florence City Council. Attendees can also explore Police and Fire/EMS equipment, visit community information booths, and learn more about current and upcoming city initiatives.
A special highlight of this year’s event will be the Liberty Tree Dedication, commemorating America’s 250th Birthday. The Liberty Tree will serve as a lasting symbol of freedom, unity, and patriotism as the City of Florence joins communities across the nation in celebrating the United States Semiquincentennial.
The City of Florence extends a sincere thank you to M&P Logistics for sponsoring Filmore’s Ice Cream, providing attendees with a sweet treat to enjoy during the evening’s festivities.
National Night Out is offered at no cost to the community and provides an opportunity for neighbors to connect, build relationships, and strengthen the sense of community that makes Florence unique.
NEWPORT
Newport Police will gather the community at Festival Park on the River, 200 Riverboat Row, from 6-8 p.m. for musix by “Bad Boy Troy” and Zack Newman’s Ramp Up Stunt show in addition to free food and games and family-friendly giveaways and prizes.
