Hot August Nights

Hot August Nights is the biggest Reno event of the year. It's 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 in Reno 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.

Hot August Nights History

Hot August Nights was born in 1986 as a concert featuring popular 50s and 60s rocker legends the Righteous Brothers, Jan & Dean, and Wolfman Jack. Classic cars of the era were not the main focus, but organizers took note of the enthusiasm displayed by people lining the car parade route down Virginia Street. Since then, Hot August Nights has filled what's turned out to be a huge demand for reliving the era of fast cars and rock 'n roll. Visit the official website to learn more about the history of Hot August Nights.

Hot August Nights 2009

The 23rd Annual Hot August Nights for 2009 revs up on July 31st and continues through August 9th. Venues in both Reno and Sparks will be hosting cruises, show-n-shines, swap meets, auctions, and numerous other activities designed to keep the crowds engaged. And I do mean crowds; over 800,000 people visit Reno for Hot August Nights.

Classic cars may be the focus of Hot August Nights, but they are only part of what will be going on. You can expect all the casinos, restaurants, and other adult entertainment establishments to be catering to the crowds. There will be numerous rock 'n roll concerts, most of them free, a Sock Hop presented Circus Circus, and a Guinness Book of World Records Hula Hoop Contest at the Atlantis.

The number of registered participants is limited to 5,500, but around 5,000 more cars and their owners come to join the fun. There are minimal cancellations and those are immediately filled from a waiting list of almost 3,000. If you want to bring a registered car to a future Hot August Nights, be prepared for a two to three year wait. This event is so popular even today's gas prices don't keep people away. There are events open to non-registered cars - check the Schedule of Events for details.

Hot August Nights Entertainment

Headline entertainment will include Fantastic Diamond, Abbacadabra, Papa Doo Run Run, Satisfaction, Kraig Parker (Elvis performer), Sonny Turner, The Temptations Review, The Grass Roots, The Village People, and Gary Puckett. Many of the shows are free. Check the Hot August Nights Entertainment Schedule for times and locations.

Hot August Nights Venues

Cabela's is a new venue for 2009 and will host a Grand Show-n-Shine on August 1. Other places venues in the area that will be hosting a variety of Hot August Nights events and activities include the Atlantis Resort Casino, Baldini's Sports Casino, Bonanza Casino, Circus Circus Hotel & Casino, downtown Reno along Virginia Street, Grand Sierra Resort, Peppermill Hotel Casino, Reno Events Center, Reno-Sparks Convention Center, Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center, and Victorian Square in Sparks.

Hot August Nights Foundation

Hot August Nights is not a totally hedonistic festival. The Hot August Nights Foundation is a non-profit organization that exists to "work with community, business and education leaders to impact the lives of in need or at risk children by providing vital resources in an increasingly challenging world for a broadened educational curriculum." Learn more by calling (775) 356-1956 x1.

Hot August Nights Street Closures

Hot August Nights results in numerous street closures during its run, with the majority of them being in downtown Reno. To save yourself some time and hassle, refer to the downtown area road closures and restrictions map before driving to the city center during Hot August Nights. This map is also good for showing traffic restrictions during other special events held in downtown Reno.

Sources: Hot August Nights website.