National Night Out returns to Morris County on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, and towns from Boonton to Lake Hopatcong are throwing open their parks and downtowns for a free evening with the neighbors who keep them safe. The annual event pairs families with local police officers, firefighters, and EMS crews for a few hours of food, music, and games, and most Morris County celebrations run from the early evening into the night.
Here is where to celebrate across the county, along with the details each host department has shared so far.
What is National Night Out?
National Night Out is a nationwide community-building campaign held every year on the first Tuesday in August. The idea is simple: get residents out of the house and face to face with their first responders in a relaxed, welcoming setting. In practice that means bounce houses and dunk tanks, squad cars and fire trucks to climb on, free hot dogs, live music, and a chance to shake hands with the people behind the badge. Every event below is free and open to the public.
Boonton, Boonton Township, and Mountain Lakes: Tri-Town National Night Out
Three departments come together for one of the county’s biggest celebrations. The Town of Boonton, Boonton Township, and Mountain Lakes Police Departments host their annual Tri-Town National Night Out from 5 to 8 p.m. at the RVA fields on Powerville Road in Boonton Township. Expect first responder vehicles, demonstrations, food, and family activities spread across the fields.
Morris Plains
Morris Plains holds its National Night Out at Community Park, 51 Jim Fear Drive, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. The Morris Plains Police Department and Downtown Morris Plains bring together live music, food vendors, games, and local first responders for one of the borough’s most popular summer nights out.
Jefferson Township
Up in the lakes region, the Jefferson Township Police Department hosts its celebration from 6 to 9 p.m. at police headquarters, 1033 Weldon Road in Lake Hopatcong. It is a family-friendly evening built around meeting the officers who patrol the township and getting a close look at the equipment they use.
Denville
Denville brings the party downtown. The township celebration sets up in the center of town along Broadway, where families can stroll, meet first responders, and enjoy the evening. The Morris County Sheriff’s Office Hope One team also stops by; details are posted on the county event page.
More towns taking part
Morris Township and Morristown share a celebration at Ginty Field, 20 Dwyer Lane, from 4 to 8 p.m., and Butler marks a milestone with its 40th National Night Out at the Butler Police Department on High Street. Dozens of other departments across the county take part every year, so if your town is not listed here, check your local police department’s page for the time and location. Wherever you land, it is a free, easy way to spend a summer evening with the people who look out for your block.
Looking for more ways to fill the calendar? Browse our roundup of free things to do in Morris County this summer and our guide to every free summer concert series in Morris County.
