National Night Out is almost here—Tuesday, August 5

Since 1984, Salem has celebrated the partnership between residents and police with the combined effort to make our neighborhoods safe and better places to live. We celebrate that relationship, along with the rest of America, annually on the first Tuesday of August. The event is called National Night Out.

Block parties are unique to each neighborhood. In previous years, Salem neighbors would get together for a party on their block between the hours of 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., and officers stop by for a visit. Some residents have ice cream socials on the front lawn, while other neighborhoods close the street and do a cookout for the entire block with music and games.

Plans for 2025

2025 has been the year of flexibility. Our plans for National Night Out have been no exception. We heard you, Salem. So, by popular demand, we will be visiting a limited number of block parties this year and forgoing our own party here at the police station, as initially planned. Party visits will be on a first-come, first-served basis, as staffing allows. 

While our footprint of visiting parties this year will be smaller, we encourage neighbors to still carry on their tradition of having a party right on their block. Register your block party here.

Neighbors who want to party in the street or at your local city park can complete any street closure or park use permits through the registration page under the section titled Location of the Party. Complete a street closure/park use permit here. Normally a permit fee applies, but for National Night Out, the fee is waived. The deadline for street closure requests is July 25, 2025. If you have questions about the permit, contact the City of Salem Customer Service Center at 503-588-6272.

No permit is needed for a party in your front or back yard, or other private property. If you have questions, please call the Salem Police Community Engagement Section at 503-588-6175.

Neighbors often do a volunteer project in their neighborhood before they have their block party. Examples include painting over graffiti or doing lawn care for an elderly neighbor. No matter what the project, the purpose is to bring everyone together to build a strong, safe neighborhood.