In August, the streets of Reno-Sparks light up with the sounds of classics and rays of sunshine glinting off polished chrome. Thousands of spectators descend on the region to catch a glimpse into the past. Spectators come to catch the Show-n-Shines with our 6,000 registered participants taking place at 10 venues and watch the cruises that light up the night. This nostalgic event brings it all.
Planning your visit starts here.
Download the schedule
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TIMES, ENTERTAINMENT & EVENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
NOTE: Official Car Participant Check-in & Registration – J Resort, Cedar Event Space. No registration at the Grand Sierra Resort.
Videography and Photography: Hot August Nights has staff videographers and photographers on-site at all venues and locations from July 31 to August 9, 2026, to record, broadcast and photograph events, participants and attendees, for current and future marketing purposes including social media, website content, collateral and paid advertising. By participating in the event and your presence in the area, you acknowledge that you have been informed that you may be photographed and/or recorded on video as part of the event. For questions email info@hotaugustnights.net.
In August, the streets of Reno-Sparks light up with the sounds of classics and rays of sunlight glinting off polished chrome. Droves of spectators line the sidewalks for a glimpse into the past, a time when a driver’s license and a hot car were all anyone needed or wanted on a Saturday night. Join us for a trip down memory lane or a new adventure. Whichever way you look at it, this nostalgic event has it all.
2025 HOT AUGUST NIGHTS EVENT SCHEDULE IS COMING SOON!
Follow us on social media (@HotAugustNights) or sign up to our eblasts to be the first to know when the schedule is released.
With so much happening, where do you start? Here is an overview of the day each venue opens:
NOTE: Official Car Participant Check-in & Registration – J Resort, Cedar Event Space.
Friday, July 31
Opening Weekend kicks off in Historic Virginia City with the Classic Car Show-n-Shine, cruise, entertainment, merchandise, and Foundation 50/50 raffle. In Reno-Sparks, Biggest Little City Wing Fest opens downtown Reno, while Summit Racing Equipment hosts a Show-n-Shine in Sparks. AMSOIL Drag Races and The Burnout Bar open at the Nugget Casino Resort.
Saturday, Aug. 1
Opening Weekend continues in Virginia City with Show-n-Shines, awards, entertainment, and cruises. Biggest Little City Wing Fest, Drag Races, and The Burnout Bar continue in Reno-Sparks.
Sunday, Aug. 2
Official Car Participant Check-In & Registration opens at the J Resort. The Bonanza Casino Cruisin’ for the Cure Car Show takes place, along with merchandise sales and Foundation fundraising activities.
Monday, Aug. 3
The Peppermill Resort and Atlantis Casino Resort venues officially open. Activities include the Kick-Off Party, Acres of Champions Show-n-Shine, Mill Mile Show-n-Shine and Cruise, Open Cruise, Cruisin’ Craft Fair, entertainment, and specialty vehicle displays.
Tuesday, Aug. 4
Downtown Reno officially opens as the Hot August Nights Host Venue featuring entertainment, Show-n-Shines, vendors, Poker Walk registration, merchandise, and evening concerts. Atlantis and Peppermill activities continue.
Wednesday, Aug. 5
Downtown Sparks officially opens with Victorian Square entertainment and activities. Summit Racing Equipment Downtown Reno Show-n-Shine Competition and the Nugget Ultimate Classic Car Competition begin. Evening cruises, concerts, Drag Races, and The Burnout Bar continue.
Thursday, Aug. 6
The J Resort Swap Meet & Outdoor Car Corral opens. Motorsport Auction Group (MAG Auctions) opens at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. The Elm Estate & River West Resort Show-n-Shine joins the event lineup as well as Poker Run. Controlled cruises in Downtown Reno and Downtown Sparks. Women with Wheelz takes place in Sparks.
Friday, Aug. 7
Additional judged competitions, The Hot August Nights Prom, MAG Auctions, Swap Meet, Downtown Reno, Downtown Sparks, Atlantis, Peppermill, Nugget, and all major venues continue operating.
Saturday, Aug. 8
The Hot August Nights Event Series Finale, Youth Automotive Challenge, Celebrity Choice Show-n-Shines, final competitions, cruises, concerts, Drag Races & Burnouts, and awards presentations take place throughout the day and evening. All major venues remain open.
Sunday, Aug. 9
The 40th Anniversary concludes with the Car Awards Presentation & Parade of Champions beneath the Reno Arch, followed by the Official Hot August Nights Grand Finale Parade through Downtown Reno and Awards Presentation at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.
May 21 – 22, 2027
July 31 – August 9, 2026
July 30 – August 8, 2027
August 9, 2026
August 8, 2027
