After the Long Beach debacle, Hot August Nights is now under the leadership of Executive Director Tony Marini. Fortunately, the chances of such shenanigans happening again are just about zip. Hot August Nights isn't going anywhere and continues to have broad community support.
Hot August Nights 2012 in Reno & Sparks
Hot August Nights 2012 in Reno and Sparks is August 7 through August 12. This is a return to the traditional start date of the second Tuesday in August. The 26th 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 includes two venues in 2012. The first stop is the South Lake Tahoe Experience from August 3 to 5. The South Lake Tahoe event is a preliminary to the original Hot August Nights that takes to the streets of Reno and Sparks from August 7 through 12. 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 6,000, 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.
In addition to the main 6,000 registered cars in Reno and Sparks, there are other events for which you can register as a participant, including the South Lake Tahoe event. Go to Hot August Nights Applications to see the list and download those you might need.
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...
- 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
- Victorian Square in Sparks
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 in Reno & Sparks
Headline entertainment during Hot August Nights 2012 in Reno and Sparks some of the most famous acts from the era, including...
- Sonny Turner (formerly of The Platters)
- Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone
- Bill Medley (formerly of The Righteous Brothers)
- Paul Revere & the Raiders
- The Village People
Hot August Nights in South Lake Tahoe
The South Lake Tahoe Experience is from August 3 to 5. 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 x0.
Hot August Nights Street Closures in Reno and Sparks
Hot August Nights results in numerous street closures during its run, with the majority of them being in downtown Reno along Virginia Street. 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.
In Sparks, street closures will be centered on Victorian Square and John Ascuaga's Nugget. These two are right next to each other, so it's possible to get around the area without too much hassle.
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.
Source: Hot August Nights, City of Reno.
