A free National Night Out event with games and food will take place 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6 at MacDorsa Park near Scotts Valley City Hall. (Kara Meyberg Guzman — Santa Cruz Local file)

SANTA CRUZ >> National Night Out brings together families, friends, first responders, local governments and others for a night of fun and community building. 

The annual event takes place across the U.S. in every state and territory. In California, 365 cities are expected to participate this year.

Boulder Creek

Where and when: An event at the Boulder Creek Fire Department will take place 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6.

What: The event will bring together residents and representatives of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, State Parks, Boulder Creek Fire, California Fish and Wildlife, California Highway Patrol and 911 dispatchers. Drawings, demonstrations and games are planned. 

The gathering “promotes partnerships between the community and local first responders, as well as neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live,” according to a statement from the Boulder Creek Business Association. More info. 

Capitola 

Where and when: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6  at Jade Street Park, 4400 Jade St., Capitola.

What: An event will include law enforcement and emergency vehicles on display, a free barbeque, games and a meet and greet with Capitola Police Chief Andy Dally who is set to retire later this year. The Capitola Police Department is hosting the event and will be joined by representatives of Central Fire District and American Medical Response. More info. 

Scotts Valley

Where and when: 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6  at MacDorsa Park, 77 Civic Center Drive, Scotts Valley. 

What: An event will include hot dogs prepared and popcorn prepared by first responders, food, face painting, a petting zoo and a demonstration by Scotts Valley Fire. Residents can tour the Scotts Valley Fire Department and the Scotts Valley Police Department. More info. 

Santa Cruz

Where and when: 5-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6 at Kaiser Permanente Arena, 140 Front St., Santa Cruz.

What: A large, free event is expected to have a DJ, a dunk tank, games, crafts, interactive demonstrations and free popcorn and cotton candy. Police and fire vehicles can be viewed up close. Street parking is available, and participants also can park at Depot Park or parking garages downtown. A free shuttle will pick up participants at Depot Park, at the Locust Street garage and near the Del Mar Theatre. More info. 

Watsonville

Where and when: Events will take place across 12 neighborhoods in the city 4-9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6. Locations include Marinovich Park at 120 Second St., Watsonville First United Methodist Church at 229 Stanford St. and Las Brisas Park at 1028 Nueva Vista Ave. 

What: Activities, food and music are anticipated. Watsonville police officers, firefighters and city leaders are expected to visit and talk with residents at each location throughout the evening.  More info.

National Night Out events will take place in 12 locations across Watsonville on Tuesday, Aug. 6. (Watsonville Police Department)

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