On Tuesday, Aug. 4, Berkeley hosts National Night Out — dozens of free neighborhood block parties across the city, anchored by a central "Stop the Violence" party on Stuart Street with carnival games, inflatables and food.

Tuesday, Aug. 4 — dozens of Berkeley block parties, citywide — FREE

National Night Out falls on the first Tuesday in August, and in Berkeley that means neighbors close their own streets for a party. According to Berkeleyside, the city has posted a map of the dozens of block parties scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 4 in every corner of the city. The practical move: pull up the map, find the one on or near your block, and walk over.

If your street isn't hosting, there's a big central option. The city and the McGee Avenue Baptist Church are co-hosting a "Stop the Violence" block party open to everyone, with live performances, carnival games, inflatables, food and informational booths. It runs 3–7 p.m. at 1640 Stuart St., and it's free.

Berkeleyside describes National Night Out as a "national community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships." On the ground, the Stuart Street event is built as a family afternoon — carnival games and inflatables make it an easy one to bring kids to.

The insider tip: don't drive around hunting for a specific block party. The smaller neighborhood ones sit in the middle of residential streets with no parking to speak of. Check the city map first, then go on foot or by bike. And note the timing — a 3–7 p.m. window on a Tuesday is early enough to swing by after work rather than a late night out.

If you've only got an hour, aim for 1640 Stuart St. around 4 p.m. The carnival games and food will be running by then, and it's the surest bet that something's actually happening: the neighborhood parties vary a lot in size, from a full street festival to a couple of folding tables and a grill.