Hot August Nights 2024

This year's Hot August Nights main event at Grand Sierra Resort will move to the University of Nevada, Reno.

That's one of many new things announced during a press conference on Monday.

The main event venue location will move from the Grand Sierra Resort while the property undergoes a billion-dollar transformation to the University of Nevada campus starting Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, and continuing through Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025. 

With the addition of the University of Nevada, a new supercruise is mapped out for participants to cruise from the University, through downtown Reno under the arch and back through the venue. The venue opens Monday, Aug. 4, 2025.

Starting, Friday, Aug. 1, the new opening kickoff weekend includes events such as Show-n-Shines at The J Resort, Baldini’s Sports Casino and Virginia City, which is open to all Reno-Sparks registered participants, a cruise, concerts, Drag Racing presented by Amsoil at the Nugget and the Bonanza Casino returns with its signature Cruisin’ for a Cure event.

Celebrating its 39th year in 2025, the influx into the local economy is estimated at over $100 million and is the region’s largest special event marking 10 days at 12 venues.

During the week, a Builders Showdown takes place at Big Boys Toy Store offering cash prizes and bragging rights to the top professional and home builders.

Other events planned include the MAG Auctions at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center, the Swap Meet at The J Resort, daily Show-n-Shines with prize money and awards totaling more than $80,000, Drag Races, free nightly entertainment at the University of Nevada venue and the Nugget Events Center, along with the events at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa and the Peppermill Reno Resort. 

The Hot August Nights Foundation is again teaming up with several automotive industry partners for the Youth Automotive Challenge. The event is open to youth (21 years or younger) for an opportunity to win vocational scholarships and prizes totaling $15,000 with a grand prize of a $5,000 scholarship going to the winning team. The deadline for teams to register is July 1, 2025. 

ENTERTAINMENT

Hot August Nights offers free nightly concerts featuring top-name entertainment at two venues starting at 8:15 p.m. nightly. 

University of Nevada

  • Tuesday, Aug. 5 – Spazmatics
  • Wednesday, Aug. 6 – The Legends of Classic Rock
  • Thursday, Aug. 7 – To be announced
  • Friday, Aug. 8 – Grand Funk Railroad
  • Saturday, Aug. 9 – To be announced

Nugget Events Center

  • Wednesday, Aug. 6 – New Wave Crave
  • Thursday, Aug. 7 – Boogie Knights
  • Friday, Aug. 8 – To be announced
  • Saturday, Aug. 9 – Commodores

Entertainment also takes place at Atlantis Casino Resort Spa and the Peppermill Reno Resort.

To support the 10-day event, car participant registration opens Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. Complimentary shuttles will offer transportation from multiple venues.

For information about the annual event, visit HotAugustNights.net. Keep up to date with the latest by following on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.