National Night Out Events Planned Across City Neighborhoods

National Night Out Events Planned Across City Neighborhoods

Published on July 29, 2026

Residents can join National Night Out celebrations hosted by 13 neighborhood associations and 15 neighborhood watch groups throughout Sioux Falls on Tuesday, Aug. 4. Events begin as early as 4 p.m., bringing residents together with police officers, firefighters and city leaders. The annual event builds community connections and promotes neighborhood engagement.

The Sioux Falls Police Department has participated in National Night Out for more than 20 years, using the event as an opportunity for officers to interact with residents in a relaxed setting outside emergency situations.

"National Night Out gives us the chance to meet residents, hear their concerns and build relationships that strengthen trust throughout our community," said Kyle Johnson, an officer with the Sioux Falls Police Department. "When we have conversations with our neighbors and understand the issues they care about, we can work together to help make Sioux Falls a safer place to live."

Sioux Falls Fire Rescue will also participate in neighborhood events throughout the evening, providing residents with opportunities to meet firefighters and learn about fire safety and emergency preparedness.

"National Night Out is one of our favorite opportunities each year to connect with residents," said Luke Smidt, fire division chief with Sioux Falls Fire Rescue. "Our crews enjoy answering questions, sharing safety information and meeting neighbors outside of emergency situations."

The participating neighborhood associations, including Hunter's Grove, which formed its association in January, are:

• All Saints
• Cathedral
• Downtown
• Kingswood
• McKennan Park
• Oakview
• Pettigrew Heights
• Southern Hills
• Terrace Park
• Tuthill Park
• Whittier
• University Heights

The participating neighborhood watch group events are located at:

• 1117 W. 11th St.
• 1100 block of S. 2nd Ave.
• 8000 block of S. Meredith Ave.
• 1700 block of S. Spring Ave.
• 6400 block of W. 55th St.
• 300 block of N. Marquette Ave.
• 1700 block of S. Cliff Ave.
• 27th Street between Phillips Ave. and Main Street
• 700 block of S. Churchill Ave.
• 800 block of S. Day Ave.
• 1600 block of S. Cleveland Ave.
• 2000 block of S. Elmwood Ave.
• 1600 block of S. Van Eps Ave.
• 1600 block of S. Melanie Lane
• 4200 block of S. Bond Ave.

Activities at each location vary and may include food and ice cream trucks, face painting, bubble machines, local musicians and other performers, a bookmobile, the Magic Art Bus, lawn games, book and garden swaps and more.

"National Night Out has grown from a police initiative into a citywide tradition, and it is exciting to see more neighborhoods participate each year," said Diane deKoeyer, neighborhood and preservation planner for the city. "Neighborhood associations play an important role in bringing residents together, and the city is proud to support the work they do to make our neighborhoods welcoming and connected places to live."

The city supports neighborhood associations throughout the year by providing resources that encourage resident involvement and help strengthen community connections. Through the Neighborhood Grant Program, eligible neighborhood associations can receive up to $500 to help offset costs associated with National Night Out events and other non-capital projects that benefit their neighborhoods.

Grant funding can also support projects such as neighborhood cleanups, community gardens, boulevard tree plantings, neighborhood signage and startup costs for new neighborhood associations. The program is designed to provide neighborhoods with resources that help residents create stronger, more connected communities.

Residents interested in learning more about neighborhood associations or starting one can visit siouxfalls.gov/neighborhoods.

• Media Release