Northern Nevada shifts into high gear in preparation for America’s premier classic car event Hot August Nights-the largest classic car and nostalgic festival in the county- descends upon the region with more than 6,000 vintage vehicles this August. The 10-day celebration commences in the historic mining town of Virginia City, Nev. on Friday, Aug. 2 to Saturday, Aug. 3. Then it’s down the mountainside to the Main Event in Reno-Sparks, Nev. starting Monday, Aug. 5 through Sunday, Aug. 11, 2019.
“Hot August Nights has been mesmerizing individuals with the beauty of vintage automobiles and rock ‘n’ roll since 1986,” says Executive Director of Hot August Nights Mike Whan. “With its multiple Show-n-Shines, evening cruises, Drag Races, an Auction, and much more the organization works hard to keep iconic traditions vibrant while still focusing on its even brighter future. We strive to combine tradition with novelty by bring exhilarating events and fresh entertainment to the hundreds of thousands of attendees and car participants that allow for northern Nevada to be lit by headlights for a week.”
Since 1986, Hot August Nights has been “Celebrating America’s love affair with cars and rock n’ roll”. Now considered an iconic special event in the region, the world’s premier classic car event brings in over $81 million in new non-local monies economically impacting the Reno-Tahoe area. The not-for-profit organization brings a new level of excitement to each year’s event for spectators alike.
New this year, Hot August Nights increased the classic car year requirement from 1976 to 1979 and older allowing for more classics to join in on the tradition.
With over 320 events scheduled throughout the event, there truly is something for everyone to enjoy.
The daily Show-n-Shines at 13 different venues all over Reno and Sparks will have you dreaming of your very own hot rod as they compete for more than $108,500 collectively in cash and prizes up for grabs. The largest prize purse in the nation is the Hot August Nights Cup presented by The ROW in downtown Reno will leave attendees speechless by some of the world’s elite restored and modified vehicles that will be competing for top honors. The Best of Show will take home a prize purse worth more than $18,000 in cash and prizes alone. The Show-n-Shine will reside on 4th and Virginia St in downtown Reno and run Wednesday, Aug. 7 through Friday Aug. 9th with the “Reno Five” awards presentation on Saturday, Aug. 10 at 4:30 p.m.
On Wednesday, Aug 7 through Saturday Aug. 10 from 6 p.m. until midnight the ever-popular Drag Races & Burnouts presented by AMSOIL at the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks will continue to thrill the crowds for its eighth consecutive year but with a twist. New this year, on Wednesday, Aug. 7 and Thursday, Aug. 8 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. ONLY, ALL MAKES AND MODELS will be able to race their vehicles down the 1/16 of a mile track and compete against our beloved classics! Only 40 modern vehicle entrants per night will be accepted.
To add to the modern madness, Tomorrow’s Classics Show-n-Shine returns on Saturday, Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. the only Show-n-Shine at Hot August Nights that is open to vehicles 1980 and newer. Located in the Sands Regency parking lot, these sleek designs of the latest makes and models will have your mind wondering as new takes on old from across the parking lot with the newest addition to our Show-n-Shine competitions, the Sands Regency Sierra Nevada European Car Festival showcasing some of the most stunning European vehicles ever made.
Now that we have your attention head over to the Hot August Nights Auction presented by Motorsport Auction Group! The auction will feature a prestigious lineup of classic cars, muscle cars, vintage cars, street rods and memorabilia starting Thursday, Aug. 8 through Saturday, Aug. 10 with doors opening at 9 a.m. at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. The indoor car auction also features a multitude of automotive-related vendors and exhibitors. Make sure to stop by on Saturday, Aug. 10 at 3 p.m. when the Hot August Nights Foundation auctions off their 1971 El Camino! All proceed go directly to the Foundation benefiting children in need or at rick in our local community.
With free nightly concerts throughout the weeklong festival, attendees will be able to groove to the sounds of rock n’ roll with a lineup of local entertainment and musical legends. The Garage sponsored by LMC Truck is a preferred seating experience offering guests 21-years or older to enjoy live entertainment at Grand Sierra Resort and Casino outdoor stage. Attendees will be able to experience the comfort and style of the V.I.P. treatment while singing along to The Legendary Temptations and KC and The Sunshine Band.
The Grand Finale Parade will close the event on Sunday, Aug. 11, with car awards presentation in Downtown Reno on 4th and Virginia St. beginning at 8:30 a.m. followed by the Parade of Champions at 10:00 a.m. led by Grand Marshals, the notable former mayors, Bob Cashell and Geno Martini. Don’t miss out on your last chance to enjoy the sights and sounds as these beauties cruise by or pass along your thanks to the 500 plus dedicated volunteer members and staff of six that work tirelessly year round to put on this amazing show.
For more information and event schedule about America’s premier classic car event, click here.
