Hot August Nights 2017 is the 31st anniversary of the Reno area's biggest event of the year, which will run from Tuesday, August 8 through Sunday, August 13. What began as a local party at the Reno Sparks Convention Center in 1986 now draws over 800,000 people during its run.
Hot August Nights is a celebration of everything to do with classic cars, vintage rock 'n roll, and the American era of the 50s and 60s when cruising, sock hops, and high school proms were all the rage. Hot August Nights is a party that takes over the town during its run. Classic cars fill the streets, rock 'n roll fills the air, and entertainment galore makes Hot August Nights the premier fun festival in Reno and Sparks.

During an evening night on August 1, 1986, the Reno-Sparks Convention Center was bursting at the seams with hundreds of revelers who were partying, cheering and pushing to be let in to a first-time event of a magnitude yet to be realized. Inside, 10,000 spectators were massed together in anticipation of seeing and hearing a live event of the Righteous Brothers, Wolfman Jack, and Jan & Dean! 

It was that night when nostalgia was unleashed among an audience who excitedly relived their childhood years of the 50's and 60's- a time of innocence, prosperity, cars and the birth of Rock and Roll. The weather was HOT, the month of AUGUST was right - HOT AUGUST NIGHTS was born!


The aim of Hot August Nights was to fill a void in tourism in Reno during the month of August and to raise money for local charities. The first concert was held in the Convention Center parking lot where most hadn't danced to "that" music, to a live band, under the stars, since high school. The memories flooded back and so did the desire for more! 


The first year of Hot August Nights was more of a nostalgia event than a car event. But it was the car parade that was the highlight of the Event for the participants and the crowds who thronged Virginia Street. The car owners were thrilled to show off their cars. They'd never had so many people "oohing and aahing" over their "works of art". It was a proud moment for classic car owners.


The Biggest Little City shifts into high gear for Hot August Nights, the largest classic car and nostalgic event in the country! Thousands of visitors come to pay tribute to the exquisitely powerful automobiles and electrifying music of the 50's, 60's and early 70's.  The world's premier classic car event, Hot August Nights showcases more than 6,000 vehicles from this golden era of design with events all over Reno and Sparks.  Restored hot rods and sexy muscle cars give enthusiasts a first-hand experience of popular decades gone by. 


The event is a must-attend for car and music enthusiasts! From show-n-shines to nightly cruises, from drag races and burnouts to AutoCross, a swap meet and the new Auto Drifting motorsport event. The Hot August Nights Auction presented by Motorsport Auction Group promises to excite bidders with gorgeous classic vehicles.

Join the party and be a part of this internationally-renowned event.

Contact Info: Hot August Nights
Phone: 775-356-1956
Kelly Richmond 
775-219-6413