Hot August Nights
Cars and cool cruisin'
What is Hot August Nights?
Hot August Nights is an annual classic car event held throughout Reno and Sparks, drawing more than 5,000 vehicles from the 1950s through the early 1980s along with the music of those decades. Considered one of the world's premier classic car events, it runs for a full week each August and includes resort competitions, drag races, nightly cruises, and a classic car auction across venues in Reno, Sparks, and Virginia City.
Hot August Nights by the Numbers
- When: first week of August each year
- Where: venues throughout Reno and Sparks, plus a kickoff event in Virginia City
- Vehicles: more than 5,000 classic cars on display
- Kickoff location: Virginia City, about a 30-minute drive from Reno
- Drag races: held in the west parking lot of the Nugget Casino Resort, on a 1/16-mile track
- Big Boy's Toy Store: 320+ vendor booths inside the Reno Events Center
- Booking window: hotel reservations typically go nearly a year in advance
Hot August Nights Schedule
Hot August Nights takes place every year during the first week of August. This is a must-attend event for car and music enthusiasts alike. Thousands flock to the Reno Tahoe area for free live headline entertainment, resort competitions, nightly cruises, drag races, loads of vendors, and the popular Hot August Nights car auction.
It all kicks off on Friday in historic Virginia City with the Official Hot August Nights Kickoff Event. A short (and scenic) 30-minute drive from Reno, the Comstock town comes alive as it hosts several resort properties and a poker walk, while live music rings through the streets throughout the day. Following the event, there are countless opportunities to experience all that Hot August Nights has to offer in Reno and Sparks throughout the rest of the weekend and next week. From drag racing in Victorian Square to Celebrity resort properties in downtown Reno, there is something for everyone in the Hot August Nights schedule.
With everything happening during event week, you may have a lot of questions, especially if you have not been to our area before. You can find Hot August Nights Visitor Information, such as hotel accommodations, weather, and more, but make sure to look early, as reservations are made nearly a year in advance!
Because the event takes place throughout Reno and Sparks and extends to Virginia City, it may be overwhelming to decide which events to attend. The Hot August Nights Map will give you the most up-to-date locations of events and where to take your hot rod for a cruise! Learn more about the official Hot August Nights Venues.
Hot August Nights Events
Do you have a car to show off and want a chance to win some cash and prizes? Be sure to check out the variety of Hot August Nights Resort Property Competitions taking place at many of the venues. Most offer daily cash prizes with overall champions awarded at the end of the week. Maybe you are looking for more of an adrenaline rush? Take your chance at the Drag Races and Burnouts. These two events are fantastic opportunities to test your driving skills, with the courses ranging from novice to expert. You can find more information about the dates, times and requirements to enter at Hot August Nights and individual venue sites.
Live Music
Dance and sing along to your favorite songs at free concerts held all week at a variety of venues around Reno and Sparks.
Several Resort Properties and Cruises
The hardest decision when attending Hot August Nights is deciding how to see as many cars as possible! Hotel properties in Reno and Sparks host daily events, with awards in a variety of categories. Head to Victorian Square in downtown Sparks for the Ultimate Classic Car Competition or cruise over to downtown Reno to check out the Resort Competition. When the sun goes down, you can bet these cars will be cruising in both Reno and Sparks. Victorian Square, downtown Reno and any of the resort casinos are great spots to get a great view of the cars.
MAG Auctions
Motorsport Auction Group is a collector car auction featuring muscle cars, street rods, classic cars and vintage cars. If you’re lucky enough to be in the market for one of these classic automobiles, or just a car enthusiast who truly appreciates the art of these beautiful cars, the MAG Auction is an event you don’t want to miss.
Drag Races and Burnouts
Watch as drivers put some serious pedal to the metal during the Hot August Nights Drag Races & Burnouts, held in the west parking lot of the Nugget Casino Resort. Don't have a vehicle 1979 or older? No problem. All makes and models will now have the opportunity to participate every night of the drag races this year. Drivers will have the chance to show off their car’s horsepower on the 1/16 of a mile track, and it’s your chance to cheer on your favorites!
Big Boy’s Toy Store
This is NOT your average toy store! Get ready to shop more than 320 booths selling the latest parts and accessories for your classic car at the Big Boy’s Toy Store, inside the Reno Events Center in downtown Reno. From hot rod builders to stereos and everything in between, this is a car lover’s dream.
Diners and Drive-ins
All of this action is going to work up an appetite. Take a break from celebrating classic cars and rock ‘n’ roll music while digging in at one of these diners or drive-ins.
Grab a cup of joe and a morning bite at Sparks Coffee Shop. Open for breakfast and lunch, this Sparks go-to spot serves up both breakfast favorites and lunch dishes, so we wouldn’t blame you for visiting more than once! Choose from omelettes, pancakes, salads and burgers to fuel your day. Plus, they have a kids menu for the little car fanatics in your crew.
For breakfast and brunch, pull up a chair at Arnie’s Café. Here you’ll find traditional American breakfast dishes like omelettes, eggs benedict and crepes, or take your tastebuds south of the border and order a carne asada burrito or chilaquiles. Located just minutes from all the Hot August Nights action, Arnie’s is the perfect place to start your day.
Beefy’s is an iconic burger shack serving hamburgers made with beef that comes straight from a local butcher shop! Pair that classic or unique burger with a handcrafted milkshake or one of their 30 beers on tap. This quaint hole-in-the-wall diner is a must while visiting Reno Tahoe. Come at the right time during Hot August Nights and you must just see a few hot rods cruising through Midtown.
Home of the World Famous Giant Hamburger, head into Archies for hearty breakfast dishes like eggs and pancakes to grilled cheese sandwiches and juicy burgers for lunch and dinner, Archie’s has something for everyone.
PJ & Company is an American restaurant that has been serving comfort food that feels like home for over three decades. When you step inside, you'll quickly discover why it's a beloved spot among locals and visitors alike. PJ & Company serves fresh, old-school comfort food with rich gravy and hollandaise, hearty biscuits and burritos, flavorful patty melts and steak sandwiches, and generous portions that leave you full and satisfied.
Serving up mouthwatering hot dogs, burgers, and famous milkshakes that evoke childhood memories, head over to Scoopers for a diverse menu featuring items like the Sgt. Cheddar burger and refreshing gingerbread milkshake. This hole-in-the-wall diner caters to everyone, from kids to burger aficionados. With a commitment to quality and a dash of old-school charm, Scoopers has become a cherished local favorite for generations.
Reno Tahoe’s love of cars isn’t just limited to Hot August Nights. See how you can immerse yourself in the area’s vibrant car culture year-round.
With the full schedule of events taking place in Reno Tahoe, it’s easy to join the party and be a part of this internationally-renowned event.