Berkeley Brings The Community Together For 'National Night Out' Block Party

BERKELEY, CA — A get-together for a good cause is happening in Berkeley, and all are invited, announced the City of Berkeley Thursday.

The City’s co-hosting a “Stop the Violence National Night Out Block Party” with its Recreation Division’s Teen Program and the McGee Avenue Baptist Church. It’s scheduled for Tuesday, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The block party is being held in connection with “National Night Out,” an annual nationwide event on the first Tuesday in August that raises awareness about police programs in communities and “promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie,” as described on the National Night Out website.

"[It] enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community, " it also reads. "Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances."

Berkeley’s “Night Out” block party will feature a variety of offerings, such as live performances, including spoken word poetry, singing, dancing and drumming; food and non-alcoholic beverages; giant inflatable jumpers for youth ages 5 to 14; a shaded area for seniors with nearby, easy access to the performances and food; and carnival games like ring toss, milk bottle knockdown and a Ferris wheel-themed toss, according to City officials.

Various local organizations will also have a presence at community booths, including the Berkeley Police Department, Heart 2 Heart, Healthy Black Families, Tobacco Prevention, Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and the Berkeley Rent Board, City officials shared.

The event will take place on McGee Avenue, located between Oregon and Stuart Streets.

For transportation information and further event details, go here.