Donate

National Night Out

A community-centered outdoor celebration with food, treats, games, and live music—creating visibility for Black-owned businesses while giving back to the neighborhood.

August 4 2026 • 3:00–7:00 PM • 901/903 Payne Ave (outdoor)

Purpose & Vision

National Night Out is an outdoor community event focused on connection, joy, and neighborhood safety—while creating real visibility for Black-owned businesses. Vendors participate by sharing sample-size items and community-friendly offerings that help families learn about their business and stay connected after the event.

NNO Details

  • Date: August 4, 2026

  • Vendor setup: 2:00 PM

  • Event open: 3:00–7:00 PM

  • Location: 901/903 Payne Ave (outdoor)

  • Food and treats

  • Games and activities

  • Live DJ + community building

  • Family-friendly atmosphere

What Vendor Participation Looks Like

Samples + Visibility

Share sample-size items so attendees can discover your business.

Community Giveback

This event centers community access while still supporting business exposure.

Connection Tools

Business cards, flyers, and kid-friendly giveaways are encouraged.

 

Follow-up Value

Visibility often turns into customers and inquiries after the event.

Vendor Setup + Guidelines

Setup Window

  • Vendor setup: 2:00–2:45 PM

  • Event open: 3:00–7:00 PM

Space + Placement

  • Standard vendor space: 10×8 (as applicable)

  • Food trucks: designated truck setup area (notes provided in vendor packet)

Food Vendor Rules

  • Sample-size portions required

  • Cooking is allowed outdoors (as applicable)

  • Follow fire safety guidance and keep clear lanes

  • Warmers/coolers allowed as needed

Sales + Event Flow

  • Samples/giveback-focused event (visibility-first)

  • No selling unless requested by an attendee

  • Designated vendor parking + unloading support

  • BBN volunteers onsite to assist

  • Directional signage provided to support flow

*BBN holds event liability coverage. Vendors are responsible for having the appropriate licenses for their business type and products.

Why This Matters

Community Impact

Payne Avenue on Saint Paul’s East Side is a high-visibility corridor—and a community where many families are managing real economic pressure. In the Payne-Phalen area, about 23% of residents live below the poverty level. National Night Out is designed as a giveback-first event: families receive food, activities, and community connection while Black-owned businesses gain meaningful visibility and relationship-building that often leads to follow-up after the event.
Notable Guests (2025)
Former Mayor Melvin Carter, Senator Foung Hawj, Ramsey County Commissioner Mai Chong Xiong (District 6), and Mayor Kaohly Her.

What Visibility Can Do

"After handing out goody bags for kids and business cards, the next day my phone was off the hook—and we saw a big increase in signups"
United Kidz Transportation
Vernisha- Owner

Community Partners & Donors

(2025)
National Night Out is possible because partners, donors, and volunteers show up for the East Side.
Thank you to every partner, donor, and volunteer who helped create a safe, welcoming event for families.

NNO Highlights

Moments from last year’s National Night Out

Want to Participate This Year?

Vendor sign-up for National Night Out will open in March. Check back for the form and participation details.

Prefer email? Contact Us Subject line: NNO Vendor

Interested in sponsoring an event? Contact Us