Hot August Nights 2012 in Reno and Sparks will be August 7 through 12. The South Lake Tahoe Experience preceding the Reno/Sparks event will be from August 3 through 5.
Hot August Nights in Reno 2011 is August 9 through August 14. The 25th anniversary of Reno's biggest event of the year 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.
Hot August Nights 2011 in Reno & Sparks
Hot August Nights includes two venues in 2011. The first stop is South Lake Tahoe from August 6 to 9. The real, original Hot August Nights then takes to the streets of Reno and Sparks from August 9 through 14. Venues at both locations will be hosting cruises, show-n-shines, swap meets, auctions, and numerous other activities. 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. All the casinos, restaurants, and other adult entertainment establishments will be be catering to the crowds. There will be numerous free rock 'n roll concerts, plus lots of other 50s and 60s themed entertainment to keep you rockin' all week long.
The number of registered cars is limited to 5,500, but thousands more come to join the fun. There are minimal cancellations and those are immediately filled from a big waiting list. If you want to bring a registered car to a future Hot August Nights, be prepared for a long 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 Venues in Reno & Sparks
Hot August Nights venues in the area that will be hosting Hot August Nights events and activities include the Atlantis Resort Casino, Bonanza Casino, Circus Circus Hotel & Casino, downtown Reno, 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 Entertainment in Reno & Sparks
Headline entertainment during Hot August Nights in Reno and Sparks will be announced in June, 2011. In the past, Hot August Nights has presented "Oh What A Night" (a tribute to Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons), Papa Doo Run Run, Herman's Hermits, Sonny Turner (former lead singer of The Platters), Gerry & The Pacemakers, Surfin' Safari (a tribute to The Beach Boys), Jay & The Americans, Danny & The Juniors, The Al McKay Allstars (a tribute to Earth Wind, & Fire), and The Buckinghams. Shows will be at various venues so check the Hot August Nights Entertainment Schedule for times and locations. Concerts are free unless otherwise indicated.
Hot August Nights in South Lake Tahoe
The South Lake Tahoe Experience is from August 6 to 9. Lake Tahoe's South Shore will share the Hot August Nights event with free entertainment on outdoor stages, show-n-shines, poker walks, cruises, a sock hop, vendors, and more. The South Lake Tahoe Experience gives attendees and participants a bigger place to play during the event and the extra space allows Hot August Nights organizers to register more cars. See what's going on with the South Lake Tahoe Experience schedule of events.
Be a Hot August Nights Volunteer
Hot August Nights depends on volunteers to keep the event running smoothly. If being in the thick of things during Hot August Nights sounds like fun, learn more about becoming a Hot August Nights volunteer. You will have to donate some time and do some work, but there are numerous benefits for volunteers, along with the satisfaction of helping run Reno's most important and biggest event of the year.
Hot August Nights Foundation
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 in Reno
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 interactive map is also good for showing traffic restrictions during other special events held in downtown Reno. Select the date(s) of interest and the system will generate a map based on street closures related to whatever may be going on.
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 in Long Beach Cancelled
Hot August Nights events in Long Beach, CA, have been cancelled. Such a move, apparently instigated by Executive Director Bruce Walter, isn't likely to ever be tried again - Walter has resigned. Starting in 2012, Reno's signature event will return to its traditional start time of the first Tuesday in August. At a press conference on May 3, 2011, Chris Kilian, president of the Hot August Nights Board of Directors, clarified the issue of the event possibly moving and some other items. Bottom line - Hot August Nights isn't going anywhere and continues to have broad community support. Read more in the text of Kilian's statement.
Source: Hot August Nights, City of Reno.


