From its first iteration at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center on August 1, 1986, to this year’s sizzling collection of events across a host of locations, Hot August Nights has convened car enthusiasts of all ages and expertise levels to revel in the best of the automotive world. This year the event will include Show-n-Shines, nightly cruising, free concerts, drag races, burnouts, Motorsport Auction Group (MAG) Auction activity, a Swap Meet, and the Big Boy’s Toy Store (among other highlights).
The main event takes place July 31 and runs through Aug. 9, 2026. The event officially kicks off in Virginia City running from July 31 through August 1.
Hot August Nights began as a music and nostalgia event intended to bring visitors to Reno during August and raise money for local charities. Approximately 10,000 people attended the first event to see the Righteous Brothers, Wolfman Jack and Jan & Dean. Since then, the event has evolved into a not-for-profit organization designed to encourage tourism in the summer with a mission to inspire and strengthen classic car culture and community.
Classic cars were part of the first celebration, but the original event was more focused on music and nostalgia. The car parade became an immediate highlight, with spectators lining Virginia Street to see the vehicles. Its popularity helped automotive culture become a central part of Hot August Nights.
Hot August Nights now includes 10 days of events across 10 regional venues. Registration is limited to 6,000 official participant vehicles from 1979 and earlier. The most recent event estimates cite attendance at more than 500,000 individuals over the stretch of days and varying sites in Reno, Sparks and Virginia City.
Don’t forget the event is a competition, and awards are given to winners in categories including but not limited to Craftsman Grand Champion, Coachbuilt Grand Champion, Classic Stock, Classic Custom, Classic Rod, Classic Truck and Member’s Choice. In fact, more than $70,000 in awards was presented to vehicle participants in 2025.
Of note, drag races are relatively new, added in 2017 and using a 1/16-mile straight track complete with Christmas tree lights, burnouts and driver printouts.
Hot August Nights is designed to evoke nostalgia, and so a cap is evaluated each year in order to preserve that “classic” car culture.
The anniversary will bring the main host venue back to downtown Reno through a partnership with Caesars Entertainment (the Silver Legacy, the Eldorado and Circus Circus Reno). The downtown resorts will serve as event headquarters and host concerts, Show-n-Shines, classic cars, food and beverage experiences and VIP activities. Additional anniversary announcements may also be made as the event approaches. Given the connection to Hot August Nights nostalgia, a return to downtown Reno brings a specific energy back to the event that harkens back to the event’s origins.
The 40th anniversary plans to recognize four decades of vehicles, music and community participation while reflecting on the event’s evolution into one of the region’s most notable special event recognized by classic car enthusiasts around the world.
The announced downtown Reno lineup includes Kraig Parker as Elvis, the Rocket Man Show, Peter Noone’s Herman’s Hermits, Tommy James & the Shondells and Blood, Sweat & Tears. The Victorian Square lineup includes Turn the Page, WAR, Paperback Writer and Miami Sound Revue.
The primary nightly entertainment for downtown Reno and Victorian Square is free. VIP seating options are available for purchase at some performances.
Recent event estimates indicate spectators and registrants alike are coming from 41 states in America, as well as four primary countries outside of the U.S.: Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Norway.
With minimal staff, this not-for-profit event is supported by an elite collection of more than 400 volunteers. These critical event hands assist with myriad operations required to produce so many events and activities across the multiple regional venues.
The event has been sustained by its participants, spectators, volunteers, sponsors, venue partners and the wider Reno/Sparks community. While its programming has expanded, requiring a continually growing level of support and resources, the core experience remains centered on classic vehicles, music, cruising, attracting generations of fans to the region who are looking to make and share memories.
The Hot August Nights Foundation was established in 2007 as the charitable arm of Hot August Nights, working with community and business leaders to support at-risk children. Learn more at www.hotaugustnightsfoundation.org.
For additional information, check out our Visit page with additional details and rules and regulations for the event.
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