Hot August Nights 2026: 40th Anniversary,
July 31 – August 9 in Reno
The world's largest nostalgic car event returns to Reno-Sparks for its 40th anniversary. 6,000 classic cars (1979 & older), free nightly concerts, drag races, and show-n-shines across 10+ venues. Many events are free to attend. Vehicle registration is $155-$260.
When
Jul 31 – Aug 9
10 days · 2026
Free Concerts
Tower of Power · LOVERBOY
Lee Rocker · Greg Golden
Parking
Use shuttles
Trailers @ N Edison
Hotels
Silver Legacy · GSR
Atlantis · Peppermill
Quick Facts
Dates
July 31 - Aug 9
10 days
Cars
6,000+
1979 & older
Venues
10+
Reno, Sparks, Virginia City
Price
Many Free
Registration $155-$260
Hot August Nights 2026 Dates
- Virginia City Kickoff: July 31 – August 1
- Main Event (Reno-Sparks): August 2 – 9
- Drag Races & Burnouts: August 6 – 8 (Thu–Sat)
- Grand Finale Parade: August 9
Hot August Nights Tickets & Pricing
- General Admission: FREE (show-n-shines, concerts, cruises)
- Vehicle Registration: $155 – $260 (caps at 6,000 cars)
- Drag Race Spectator: Tickets at the gate
- Auctions: Admission at Convention Center
Most events are free. You do not need to register a car to attend.
Schedule Highlights
Virginia City Kickoff
Jul 31 - Aug 1400 classic cars cruise C Street. Show-n-shines, poker walk, live music, drag races, and celebrity awards. Free admission.
Reno-Sparks Main Event
Aug 2-9Daily show-n-shines across 10+ venues. Cars, concerts, auctions, and nightly street cruises through downtown.
Atlantis Show-n-Shine
Aug 5-9South Reno's premier display at Atlantis Casino Resort Spa.
Women with Wheelz
Aug 6New for 2026 — exclusive showcase for women 19+ with classic cars 1979 and older. Free for registered HAN participants. First 100 only.
Drag Races & Burnouts
Aug 6-8Thursday-Saturday at Nugget Casino west lot in Sparks. 1/16-mile track, gates 5:30 PM, racing at 6 PM.
Free Concerts
NightlyUniversity of Nevada outdoor stage, Peppermill, Grand Sierra Resort. Acts include Tower of Power, LOVERBOY, Lee Rocker, Greg Golden Band.
Auctions & Marketplace
Aug 2-9Motorsport Auction Group at Reno-Sparks Convention Center. Plus swap meet, Big Boy's Toy Store, and outdoor car corral at J Resort.
Grand Finale
Aug 9Parade from University of Nevada to Convention Center. Awards ceremony at 10:30 AM. The ultimate send-off.
Women with Wheelz — Thu Aug 6
Brand-new HAN Event Series qualifying showcase, designed exclusively for women with classic cars (1979 and older, ages 19+). Free for registered 2026 HAN participants — space is capped at the first 100 women, so this is going to fill fast. Whether your ride is a pristine showpiece, a family heirloom, or your favorite weekend cruiser, this is the new dedicated venue for the women who keep automotive history rolling.
Venues
Downtown Reno (Main)
HQSilver Legacy, Eldorado, Circus Circus — Caesars Resorts are 2026 headquarters
University of Nevada
Music1664 N Virginia St — Main entertainment stage, free nightly concerts
Grand Sierra Resort
Shows2500 E 2nd St — Show-n-shines, concerts, outdoor events
Atlantis Casino Resort
Shows3800 S Virginia St — Show-n-shine Aug 5-9
Peppermill Resort
Shows2707 S Virginia St — Show-n-shine and concerts
Victorian Square, Sparks
RacingNugget Casino Resort — Drag races, Ultimate Classic Car Competition
Reno-Sparks Convention Center
AuctionAuctions, Grand Finale, swap meet
Virginia City
Kickoff30 min from Reno — Kickoff weekend Jul 31 - Aug 1
Where to Eat
Skip the casino buffet. Here's where locals actually go.
Kwok's
The consensus best restaurant in Reno. "Go with a group and let them keep bringing food." Chinese cuisine that locals dream about. Perfect after a day of car shows.
Gold & Silver Inn
Classic DinerRetro diner featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives. Huge portions, classic Americana — fits the Hot August Nights vibe perfectly.
R-Town Pizza
PizzaDetroit-style pizza, also featured on Triple D. Beloved by locals. The owner is a legend.
Sterling Steakhouse
SteakhouseInside Eldorado (downtown HQ). High-end steak dinner after the show-n-shines.
Liberty Food & Wine
UpscaleUpscale American in Midtown. Great for a date night between events.
Pine State Biscuits
BrunchSouthern-style breakfast and brunch. Biscuit sandwiches are legendary. Perfect fuel before the car shows.
Great Full Gardens
CasualCasual lunch, sandwiches, and salads. Good vegetarian options.
See our full Reno Restaurant Guide for 50+ recommendations.
Where to Stay During Hot August Nights
Book early. Hotels fill a year in advance. Every major casino-hotel in Reno-Sparks participates with their own car displays.
Downtown Reno (Walk to Everything)
The Caesars resorts are 2026 HAN headquarters. Walk to the main show-n-shines, street cruises, and nightly entertainment without moving your car.
Grand Sierra Resort (GSR)
East Reno. Hosts its own show-n-shines, outdoor concerts, and events. Free parking. Great if you want a resort feel with car show access.
Atlantis Casino Resort
South Reno. Hosts a dedicated show-n-shine August 5-9. Good restaurants on-site. A bit further from downtown but worth it for the display.
Peppermill Resort
South Virginia St. Show-n-shines plus live concerts on-site. Best pool complex in Reno if you need a break from the cars.
Nugget Casino Resort (Sparks)
Walking distance to the drag races and burnouts at Victorian Square. The best choice if racing is your main draw. Thu-Sat evenings get loud.
See our full Where to Stay in Reno Guide for more hotel recommendations.
Parking & Getting Around
Parking is Limited
The official advice: use ride-shares, taxis, or free shuttles between venues. Do not plan to drive between event locations.
Downtown
Use hotel garages (free for guests at Caesars resorts). Street parking is scarce.
Sparks
Victorian Square Theater Garage holds 700 cars. Arrive early for drag race nights.
Trailers
Most hotels do NOT allow trailers. Use the designated Hot August Nights Trailer Lot at 185 N Edison Way.
Airport
Fly into Reno-Tahoe International (RNO). Most hotels offer airport shuttles.
What Else to Do in Reno
Making a trip of it? Here's what else Reno has to offer in August.
Lake Tahoe
40 minutes away. Crystal-clear water, beaches, paddleboarding. August is peak season.
Virginia City
Historic silver mining town. Combine with the HAN kickoff weekend. Saloons, mine tours, and the V&T Railway.
Truckee River
Float or kayak through downtown Reno. Perfect August activity. Rent tubes at Sierra Adventures.
Midtown Reno
Walkable strip of bars, restaurants, and shops south of downtown. Where locals hang out.
National Auto Museum
200+ cars at the Harrah Collection. Perfect complement to Hot August Nights.
Day Trips
Pyramid Lake (45 min), Boca Reservoir, or Mt. Rose Highway scenic drive.
See our full Day Trips & Adventures Guide for more.
Local Tips from r/Reno
What actual Reno residents say about Hot August Nights.
"Hot August Nights is a blast if you're into classic cars. Even if you're not, the free concerts and street cruises are fun. Just don't try to drive downtown during it."
— r/Reno
"The Virginia City kickoff is underrated. Way less crowded than Reno and the cars cruising up C Street is really cool."
— r/Reno
"Pro tip: the drag races at Nugget are the best part. Get there early, the lot fills up fast."
— r/Reno
"If you need a massage after driving in, try Warrior Wellness in Sparks or Healing One. Both are legit therapeutic massage places."
— r/Reno
"There's nerdy art of HAN in a GTA style — someone local makes prints and stickers of their favorite Reno events. Check the local shops."
— r/Reno
Frequently Asked Questions
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