Hot August Nights is back! This event brings hundreds of thousands of people and more than 6,000 jaw-dropping classics and hot rods to Northern Nevada. Celebrate America’s love affair with classic cars and rock n’ roll during this regional extravaganza.
With nine days of show-n-shines, cruises, drag races, auctions, and more, there are plenty of events from which to choose. Here are some not to miss!
Kickoff Rally in Virginia City
- When: Friday, Aug. 2 – Saturday, Aug. 3
- Where: Virginia City
Photo By Marcello Rostagni/Courtesy Hot August Nights
Step back in time and revel in the sights and sounds of yesteryear. The region’s most prominent classic car gathering, Hot August Nights, kicks off in Virginia City. The town comes alive with rumbling engines and nostalgic tunes to kick off the event’s 33rd year. Walk the historic streets to see an array of cars and enjoy free, daily entertainment. As the host venue for the official kickoff, it's sure to be a party with free live music, a poker run, nightly cruises, and a celebrity Show-n-Shine. For more information, go to VisitVirginiaCityNV.com.
Hot August Nights Entertainment
- When: Tuesday, Aug. 6 – Sunday, Aug. 11
- Where: Outdoor Venues Throughout The Reno-Sparks Area
Photo By Marcello Rostagni/Courtesy Hot August Nights
Musical legends headline the weeklong Hot August Nights festival dedicated to classic cars and rock n' roll. Attendees can kickoff their blue suede shoes and enjoy free, live entertainment at many concerts in the area. Each night features a different entertainer at either the Grand Sierra Resort or the Nugget Event Center. All start at 8:15 p.m., unless otherwise noted. For more information, visit hotaugustnights.net/entertainment.
Tuesday, Aug. 6
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- Grand Sierra Resort: Turn The Page – A Tribute To Bob Seger And The Silver Bullet Band
Wednesday, Aug. 7
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- Grand Sierra Resort: Pablo Cruise
- Nugget Event Center: Greg Golden Band
Thursday, Aug. 8
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- Grand Sierra Resort: Little River Band
- Nugget Event Center: Mumbo Gumbo
Friday, Aug. 9
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- Grand Sierra Resort: The Legendary Temptations
- Nugget Event Center: Don Felder Formerly Of The Eagles
Saturday, Aug. 10
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- Grand Sierra Resort: KC And The Sunshine Band
- Nugget Event Center: Chubby Checker
Get Great Seats At The Garage
- When: 4:30 p.m. – Midnight, Tuesday, Aug. 6 – Saturday, Aug. 10
- Where: Grand Sierra Resort
The ultimate Hot August Nights experience is here, and you’re invited. The Garage, sponsored by LMC Truck, gives guests preferred seating during the Hot August Nights entertainment at the Grand Sierra Resort. In this 21 and older area, guests can enjoy complimentary drinks and pub snacks in comfort and style. Day passes range from $50 to $75. Want to enjoy the VIP experience all week long? Purchase an all-week pass for $300. Buy wristbands from 2–8 p.m. daily beginning on Tuesday, Aug. 6, at the entrance of The Garage. Admission is limited to 120 guests per night.
Hot August Nights Drag Races & Burnouts
- When: 6 p.m. – Midnight, Wednesday, Aug. 7 – Saturday, Aug. 10
- Where: West parking lot at the Nugget Casino Resort
Photo By Marcello Rostagni/Courtesy Hot August Nights
Classic competitors race down a 1/16 of a mile track during the Hot August Nights Drag Races & Burnouts presented by AMSOIL. Dragsters will compete side-by-side with full professional equipment in the west parking lot at the Nugget Casino Resort. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. with races beginning at 6 p.m.
This year, all makes and models will be able to race their vehicles from 6–9 p.m. Aug. 7 and 8. Only 40 modern vehicles will be accepted per night to go up against one of the hot rods. Races Aug. 9–10 are open to 1979 and older vehicles only.
There are nightly cash prizes up to $150 for the top three racers in both elapsed time and reaction time and a grand finals top prize of $300. Only registered Hot August Nights participants qualify for nightly prizes. Prizes will be awarded Saturday night.
Shopping For Every Desire
- When: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 7 – Saturday, Aug. 10
- Where: Reno Events Center
Photo By Marcello Rostagni/Courtesy Hot August Nights
Shop for auto parts, accessories and technology or get some retail therapy or at the BIG Boy’s Toy Store and Dazzling Diva at the Reno Events Center.
The Big Boy’s Toy Store is located in downtown Reno in the middle of the daily Show-n-Shine action. It features hundreds of your favorite classic, muscle, and street rod automobiles. Find more than 55,000 square feet and over 320 booths of the latest in parts, accessories, and technology for your hot rod, street rod, and muscle car. Vendors and products include hot rod builders, stereo equipment, tires and wheels, chassis, bodies, engines and engine builders, and more. With free admission, you can talk to the manufacturers' reps in air-conditioned comfort.
Inside the Big Boy’s Toy Store, The Dazzling Diva features multiple booths filled with clothing, accessories, jewelry, cosmetics, household items, specialty items, food samples and, of course, handmade arts and crafts.
Show-N-Shine Competitions
- When: Wednesday, Aug. 7 – Saturday, Aug. 10
- Where: Various locations in Reno and Sparks
Photo By Marcello Rostagni/Courtesy Hot August Nights
Hot August Nights Show-n-Shines are at the heart of the event. Participants visit from all over the world to show off their rides. Reno and Sparks fill up their streets and venue parking lots with vehicles from the past. 1979 and older cars, pickup size trucks, and emergency vehicles of all different makes and models will be shined-up and ready to be adored. For a full list of venues that will have these marvelous pieces of art for you to swoon over, visit hotaugustnights.net/show-n-shine.
Hot August Nights Vintage Trailer Revival
- When: Wednesday, Aug. 7 – Sunday, Aug. 11
- Where: Rancho San Rafael Regional Park
Photo By Marcello Rostagni/Courtesy Hot August Nights
The Hot August Nights Vintage Trailer Revival returns to the park, the trailer park that is! Vintage trailers 1979 and older will be able to dry camp during the weeklong event from Aug. 7–10, 2019. Spectator viewing is free at the park, sponsored by Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine. Open houses take place from 5-8 p.m., Friday, Aug. 9, and from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Aug. 10.
Don’t miss the chance to switch into high gear and experience the world’s largest classic car event, right in Northern Nevada.
