As the last month of summer begins, it’s time to step outside your air-conditioned oasis and take some time to appreciate your neighborhood.  Or as this practice is referred to around the country, National Night Out, the one evening a year in which law enforce

ment, citizens, business owners and local officials come together to heighten crime awareness and build community morale.  But more than that, NNO is a time when neighbors can come together and celebrate while enjoying free giveaways from local businesses.  Crime prevention and free snacks?  It’s a win-win situation!  Check out some of the best neighborhood activities scheduled for this evening after the jump.

The evening kicks off at 5 pm at THEARC on Mississippi Ave. SE, with live performances by Tabi Bonney and Tanya Blount, along with the DC Youth Poetry Slammers and African Heritage Dancers and Drummers.  After that, each Police Service Area will sponsor their own activities, from meet-and-greets with police officers to cook outs and ice cream socials around the city.  Highlights include a MPD/community member basketball tournament at Mary’s Center on Ontario Rd. NW and the Fort Davis Recreation Center, and car and bike registration in the 5700 block of Connecticut Ave. NW.

The best NNO venue is probably Dupont Circle, where, from 6-8 pm, the MPD Horse Mount Unit will join officers and residents for a cookout catered by Circa, with free hot dogs, hamburgers, and sodas for all.  Mayor Adrian Fenty and Police Chief Cathy Lanier might even stop by for the festivities.  For the full list of National Night Out events in DC, check the MPD website here.

Image courtesy of Flickr user DC9T, Creative Commons Attribution License.