Every summer, communities across the country come together for one special evening dedicated to strengthening neighborhoods, building relationships, and celebrating the partnerships that help keep our communities safe. On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, York and Adams County residents will once again have the opportunity to participate in National Night Out, with family-friendly celebrations taking place throughout the region.
What Is National Night Out?
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign held on the first Tuesday of August. Organized by the National Association of Town Watch, the event was established in 1984 as a way to encourage neighbors to get to know one another while fostering positive relationships between residents and local law enforcement.
What began as a simple initiative encouraging residents to turn on their porch lights and spend the evening outside has grown into a nationwide celebration involving millions of people across all 50 states, U.S. territories, and military installations around the world.
Today, National Night Out features community festivals, cookouts, concerts, games, demonstrations, and educational activities designed to:
- Strengthen neighborhood connections.
- Promote crime prevention and public safety awareness.
- Build trust between residents and first responders.
- Highlight local organizations and community resources.
- Encourage community pride and volunteerism.
The result is an evening that reminds us that safe, vibrant communities are built through strong relationships and active involvement.
National Night Out Events in York & Adams County
East Berlin Area Community Center
5:30–7:30 PM
Families are invited to enjoy an evening of fun activities while meeting local organizations serving the East Berlin community. School supplies will be distributed to help children prepare for the upcoming school year, and food trucks will be available throughout the evening.
Genesis Church
6:00 PM
1405 Seven Valleys Road, York
Genesis Church hosts one of the area's largest National Night Out celebrations, featuring an evening filled with food, entertainment, and activities for all ages.
Highlights include:
- Cookout favorites from the Genesis Grill
- Food trucks including Sweet P's Treats, M&M's Makin' the Bacon, Lettusknow, Mac Stack, Shalom Coffee, and Trailer Trash Nachos
- Dunk tank
- Petting zoo
- Inflatable obstacle course
- Mini golf
- Games and prizes
- Live music by Jake Mach, CPMA's 2025 & 2026 Best Male Country Artist
- Fire trucks, helmet giveaways, local police officers, and community organizations
Northern York County Regional Police Department
5:30–8:00 PM
Union Fire & Hose Company
Residents are invited to enjoy a community cookout and concert while spending time with local officers, firefighters, and neighbors. Additional event details are expected to be announced.
Southern Regional Police Department
5:00–7:00 PM
Marge Goodfellow Park, New Freedom
Celebrate National Night Out with Southern Regional Police while enjoying family-friendly activities and opportunities to connect with the officers serving southern York County.
Springettsbury Township Police Department
5:00 PM
1501 Mt. Zion Road, York
Join the Springettsbury Township Police Department near the tennis courts for an evening of free family fun, community engagement, and activities for all ages.
Union Lutheran Church
6:00 PM
York
One of the community's largest celebrations returns with food, entertainment, games, children's activities, community resources, and fun for the entire family.
West Manchester Township
5:00–8:00 PM
Sunset Lane Park
2458 Sunset Lane, York
West Manchester Township's annual celebration includes free food, children's activities, and opportunities to meet local police officers and first responders in a relaxed, family-friendly environment.
Winterstown United Methodist Church
5:00–8:00 PM
Felton
Everyone is welcome for an evening featuring free food, live music, family activities, and fellowship. This popular annual event brings together residents from across southern York County for an evening of community fun.
York City – Community Progress Council
5:00–7:00 PM
East College Avenue (between South Queen and South Pine Streets)
Families can enjoy community vendors, giveaways, children's activities, and opportunities to connect with organizations dedicated to serving York City residents.
York County Regional Police Department
5:00–8:00 PM
Dallastown Community Park
50 S. School Place, Dallastown
Orendorf Elementary School
101 S. Hartman Street, Manchester
The York County Regional Police Department will host simultaneous National Night Out celebrations at both locations, featuring activities for families, emergency vehicles, opportunities to meet officers, and information about public safety programs.
National Night Out is much more than an evening of entertainment. It is an opportunity to meet the people who protect and serve our communities, discover valuable local resources, reconnect with neighbors, and celebrate the partnerships that make York and Adams County such wonderful places to live.
Whether you attend your neighborhood event or explore a celebration in a nearby community, National Night Out is a chance to enjoy a summer evening while supporting the spirit of community that continues to make our region stronger.
Know of another National Night Out event taking place in York or Adams County? Let us know, by emailing sarahfrane@macaronikid.com and we'll be happy to add it to our community calendar.
