A week of classic cars and vintage rock has been underway.
Today, as it celebrates its homecoming, Hot August Nights goes "back to cool" with a kickoff party, with a bit of the old and new at its new central venue on the University of Nevada campus.
Thousands of cars from 1979 or earlier are expected to take part in the 39th year of the event, which features live concerts, nightly cruises, contests, and vendor showcases across Reno and Sparks.
This year, the University of Nevada, Reno, is serving as the main venue for the first time.
The university’s north parking lot, located at North McCarran Boulevard and North Virginia Street, is the hub for daily programming, including car shows, VIP areas, and performances on an outdoor stage.
“We sold out at 6,000 cars,” said Executive Director Deny Dotson. “We increased it last year from 5,500 to 6,000. This year we're running just a little bit short. I think we might make it, but we might be just a couple hundred short, but there's been a lot of change in our venue this year, and I think there's a little uncertainty. But it's the same party, classic cars, and rock and roll, and that's what people are coming to see, and we'll be ready.”
Opening day at the university featured a kickoff event, which began Monday at 3 p.m.
Amenities at the new location include both covered and uncovered Insiders Club parking, 24-hour security with nightly lockdowns, and access to reserved seating areas such as The Garage and the Headlight Lounge.
Attendees can access the University of Nevada venue map for parking, entrance, and stage details.
Nightly concerts begin Tuesday with a headliner performance by The Spazmatics at 8:15 p.m. The National Anthem precedes the show at 7:45 p.m.
On Tuesday, the main venue remains active from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. with car displays, live music, and the return of the Grand Sierra Resort’s $10,000 Classic Cherry Show-n-Shine, which originally began at the university.
Peppermill Resort Spa Casino will host the Mill Mile Show-n-Shine from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., with awards at 9 p.m. and live music from Breakfast Klub from 7:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Atlantis Casino Resort will feature the Cruise of Champions and Locals Night from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., including judging, a $15,000 prize pool, and performances by MVP Dance Studio.
Daily cruises from the university campus through downtown Reno and back continue through the week. Cars will travel beneath the Reno arch in a nightly procession of vintage chrome and custom restorations.
“That's what's so cool about Hot August Nights, is that it's a culture, and people from all over the country and different walks of life bring all kinds of cars, 1979 or older,” said Dotson. “It doesn't matter what they are, so they can be that million-dollar car, they can be that project car they just got, and they're looking to make it into something special, so we welcome everybody.”
Free public concerts are scheduled throughout the week at both the university and the Peppermill. A full, searchable event schedule is available online, along with options to download a PDF.
To assist with transportation, the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County is providing free rides through August 10. Routes include the RAPID Virginia Line, RAPID Lincoln Line, Route 1, Route 11, and Route 7. RTC ACCESS is also offering free transportation to major venues including Atlantis Casino, Grand Sierra Resort and Casino, Nugget Casino Resort, Peppermill, Fourth Street Station, and the university.
“Hot August Nights is a staple of our community,” said RTC Director of Public Transportation and Operations Jim Gee. “Using public transportation helps attendees avoid traffic and parking issues and focus on enjoying the event with their friends and family.”
Public parking for the university venue is available at the West Stadium Parking Garage, located north of Lawlor Events Center. Event signage on campus directs attendees to available lots. Several hotel partners are also offering shuttle service to and from the venue.
Tips for attendees include bringing cleaning supplies, signage for cars, folding chairs, and umbrellas or tents for shade. While many performances are free, some reserved seating requires early arrival or advance purchase.
The event continues through Saturday, with VIP experience options including The Garage with unlimited beverages and snacks for guests 21 and older, the Headlight Lounge with reserved table seating near the entertainment stage, and reserved Insiders Club parking. A Spotify playlist featuring this year’s entertainment and music from the era is also available for download.
