It started with a parking lot, a hospital, and three neighbors who believed Suffolk deserved better. Thirteen years later, it's one of the largest National Night Out events in Hampton Roads — and it still feels like your block party.
In 2013, three neighborhood communities — Applewood, Burnett's Mill, and Hillpoint Farms — had each held their own National Night Out events. Life was getting busier, resources were stretched, and the coordinators realized something: if they pooled their efforts, they could achieve far more together than any one neighborhood could alone.
They joined forces with Sentara Obici Hospital, which was looking for a direct way to give back to the community it had served for decades. Sentara opened its parking lot and asked for only one thing: to offer educational materials and free health screenings for the community. Together, they welcomed Suffolk's families for the very first time.
The event outgrew that parking lot after three years. Then it outgrew King's Fork Middle School. Now at King's Fork High School, NNO Suffolk Obici has never stopped growing — because Suffolk has never stopped showing up.
HOW IT STARTED
8,500
NEIGHBORS ATTENDED IN 2025
$76K+
COMMUNITY VALUE GENERATED
100+
VENDORS & NONPROFITS
BY THE NUMBERS
WAVY-10 News was on site for most of the evening in 2025, filming throughout the night. And for the second year in a row, we ran out of free food in the first two hours — because that many families came. That is the kind of event NNO Suffolk Obici has become.
"Even as the crowds have grown, we have tried to keep its neighborhood feel. We still offer a free meal. Vendors still bring samples and giveaways. Neighbors stop and talk. It feels like the block party Suffolk deserves — just a very, very big one."
— Cusi Hamlin, NNO Suffolk Obici Coordinator
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2026
SENTARA HEALTH FAIR
Free health screenings and community health resources from Sentara Obici Hospital.
MAIN STAGE ENTERTAINMENT
Live performances and entertainment for the whole family throughout the evening.
FIRST RESPONDERS
Meet and connect with Suffolk Police, Fire, and community safety partners.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL RESOURCES
Suffolk Public Schools brings resources for all families — all schools welcome.
FREE FOOD & TREATS
A free meal for every family, plus samples and giveaways from our amazing vendors.
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
Discover local nonprofits, businesses, and resources serving Western Tidewater.
YOUR LOGO IN LEGO CHALLENGE
Every vendor, sponsor, and supporter is invited to build and display a LEGO logo, design, or Safety/First Responders-themed creation at their booth. Prizes awarded for the best builds — size is entirely up to you!
WANT TO BE PART OF IT?
Whether you're a business, nonprofit, food vendor, or community organization, there is a place for you at NNO Suffolk Obici. Sponsorships start at $250 and include booth space, stage recognition, digital program listing, and social media exposure to thousands of Suffolk residents. All money goes towards the event. Vendor booths are $100. Non-profits are free, with approval.
Please note: NNO Suffolk Obici is a family event for the entire community. No on-site sales transactions and no political campaigning are permitted. All vendors and organizations must be appropriate for all ages. Rain or shine.
KEY DEADLINES
June 12 Gold & Platinum sponsor commitment + PNG logo due for video features
July 3 All sponsor payment + PNG logo due to appear in digital program & printed materials
July 15 Vendor & nonprofit registration deadline (or until filled — spaces go fast!)
Aug 3 Final setup info email sent to all confirmed participants
REGISTER TODAY
Booth spaces filled up before the deadline last year. Don't wait - secure your spot and be part of Suffolk's biggest night out.
Questions? Email nno@kalamoo.org or call 757-615-9950
KEY CONTACTS
General, Entertainment & Multimedia: Cusi Hamlin — 757.615.9950 | nno@kalamoo.org
Main Stage: Dr. Joleen Neighbours — joleenneighbours@spsk12.net
Sentara Obici Health Fair: Trisha Christoffer — tdchris1@sentara.com | Ursala Bowe — uxbowe@sentara.com
Suffolk Public Schools: Anthonette Dickens — anthonettedickens@spsk12.net | Melvin Bradshaw — melvinbradshaw@spsk12.net
City of Suffolk NNO Chairman: Jennifer Moore — 757.514.4104 | jmoore@suffolkva.us | Brandon Gonzalez — 757.514.4108 | bgonzalez@suffolkva.us