Nostalgia returns for our 40th event in 2026. Hot August Nights brings with it a full schedule of Show-n-Shines, cruises, the MAG Auctions (Motorsport Auction Group), Big Boys Toy Store, Builders Showdown, drag races, a swap meet and so much more.
Since 1986 thousands of car enthusiasts from near and far have come to the Reno-Tahoe region to participate in one of the largest annual nostalgic classic car events in the world with 6,000 officially registered vehicles 1979 or older.
Hot August Nights, a not-for-profit organization, began as a way to drive tourism to the area during August. Now, it’s considered an iconic special event for attendees and participants to relive and celebrate the classic car culture and community.
REGISTRATION OPENS SEPTEMBER 3 AT 9 AM.
Pricing Tiers for 2026 Reno-Sparks Car Participant Registration:
$155 for the first 2,000 vehicle registrations
$185 for registrations 2,001 – 5,000 or until May 31, 2026
$260 for registrations 5,001 – 6000 or starting June 1, 2026
No checks or cash are accepted. Handling fees apply to ALL transactions.
Goodie bag with T-shirt, hat, metal sign, window sticker for participant only parking access, access credentials, dash plaque and pin
Renew Your 2025 Registered Car Participants #: September 3 to October 15, 2025, at 5:00 PM
NEW Car Participants Registration: Begins October 16 at 9 AM registration opens to the public. All non-renewed registration numbers will be released.
Are you already registered and want to change your number? The following outlines the best process to secure a different registration number.
If you want to change the number on your current registration, we recommend purchasing a new registration and then emailing the office to cancel your original purchase. The following outlines the steps and refund process.
Official kick-off weekend to Hot August Nights starts includes Drag Races at The Nugget, Show-n-Shines at Baldini’s Sports Casino and The J Resort and Virginia City.
Bonanza Casino’s Cruisin’ for the Cure car show benefits the Prostate Cancer Foundation with classic cars, live music, food trucks and more.
The main event with 6,000 officially registered classics taking over the streets of Reno-Sparks for 10-days.
Big Boys Toy Store offers over 55,000 square feet of space filled with more than 300 booths boasting the latest in parts, accessories and technology for your hot rod, street rod and muscle car. PLUS the NEW Builders Showdown offers prize money for Pro and Home Builders.
Women with Wheelz is designed exclusively for women and is limited to the first 100 registrations. Registration is FREE. Must be a 2025 Hot August Nights officially registered participant. Open to vehicles 1979 and older. This is a HAN Event Series qualifying event.
MAG Auctions offers an opportunity to purchase the vehicle of your dreams – old, new and everything in between.
The Swap Meet at The J Resort in Downtown Reno is the place to find classic cars, hard-to-find parts, tools, memorabilia, antiques, collectibles, vintage and nostalgic items and much more by hundreds of vendors.
The Outdoor Car Corral at The J Resort is the only location during Hot August Nights where you can sell your private party car. View collector vehicles at all stages.
The Hot August Nights Foundation, along with automotive industry partners, invite youth (21 & under) to showcase their vehicle expertise in a team competition. Teams will have their automotive projects judged on design, functionality, creativity, originality, and presentation, with vocational scholarships and prizes awarded to winners.
Starts at 10:30 AM with Celebrity Choice Awards
Hot August Nights Grand Finale takes place at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center with awards at 10:30 AM. The program includes Celebrity Choice Awards, Best of Show Awards, Youth Automotive Challenge Scholarship Awards and the crowning of the 2025 HAN Event Series, presented by Champion Chevrolet, category winners and the Grand Champion.
The main event with 5,500 officially registered classics taking over the streets of Reno-Sparks for a week of events.