Rochester Prepares for 2025 National Night Out

The annual event, held on the first Tuesday in August, is part of a nationwide effort to promote safer neighborhoods and closer relationships between residents and local public safety teams. Across Rochester, neighbors will host block parties and community gatherings big and small inviting the Rochester Police Department, Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office, and Rochester Fire Department to join in the festivities.

One of the signature gatherings this year will take place at High Pointe Senior Community Volunteers of America, located at 1800 High Pointe Lane NW. From 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., attendees can enjoy a free community event filled with live music, games, safety demonstrations, food trucks, giveaways, and a silent auction. And while the official programming ends early in the evening, many neighborhood celebrations are expected to carry on well into the night.

Beyond the fun and food, the night has a powerful purpose: to build trust and understanding between neighbors and law enforcement while encouraging community-led safety efforts like Neighborhood Watch. It’s a grassroots movement rooted in the belief that a stronger community is a safer one.

Thinking of joining the movement? Organizers encourage neighborhoods to plan their own gatherings and register their events by Thursday, July 31 at RochOlmstedUnite.com. Registering helps ensure your party gets a special visit from police officers, deputies, and fire crews.

The cost? Absolutely nothing.
The impact? Invaluable.

Whether you’re hosting a potluck on your driveway, organizing a block-wide cookout, or simply showing up to say hello to a neighbor, National Night Out is a chance to connect to wave across the yard, share a meal, and meet the people who help keep Rochester safe.

Because in Rochester, community isn’t just something we talk about. On August 5, we live it.