Community police departments across the country celebrate National Night Out on the first Tuesday in August every year. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, better places to live.

Pacific Park will be lighting the world-famous Pacific Wheel red, white and blue with hearts and American flags to celebrate National Night Out and show our support for the Santa Monica Police Department.

Just a short walk away from the Pier, Santa Monica Police officers and other community leaders will be gathered on the lawn outside Santa Monica City Hall. Food & drink will be offered, as well as activities for kids and families, starting at 5:30 PM. Police horses and K-9 units will be onsite to meet and greet kids and community members. Guest can also check out Santa Monica Police cars and other vehicles.

Local artists including Matt Hanover, Fielden Harper, and Gus Harper will have original art on display as part of the OneHeartSMPD Project. The project provided 3-foot-tall 3D heart sculptures to local artists who were asked to interpret exactly what the hashtag #OneHeart meant to them in relation to the Santa Monica Police Department. Hanover and the Harpers are some of the first artists to complete their pieces.

This is a free community event hosted by the City of Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Police Department. Parking will be validated for guests who park in the Civic Center Parking Structure at 330 Olympic Dr. For more information about the event, visit www.santamonica.gov/National-Night-Out.