The world's largest nostalgic car event returns to Reno-Sparks for its 40th anniversary. 6,000 classic cars (1979 & older), free nightly concerts, drag races, and show-n-shines across 10+ venues. Many events are free to attend. Vehicle registration is $155-$260.
Dates
July 31 - Aug 9
10 days
Cars
6,000+
1979 & older
Venues
10+
Reno, Sparks, Virginia City
Price
Many Free
Registration $155-$260
Most events are free. You do not need to register a car to attend.
400 classic cars cruise C Street. Show-n-shines, poker walk, live music, drag races, and celebrity awards. Free admission.
Daily show-n-shines across 10+ venues. Cars, concerts, auctions, and nightly street cruises through downtown.
South Reno's premier display at Atlantis Casino Resort Spa.
Thursday-Saturday at Nugget Casino west lot in Sparks. 1/16-mile track, gates 5:30 PM, racing at 6 PM.
University of Nevada outdoor stage, Peppermill, Grand Sierra Resort. Acts include Tower of Power, LOVERBOY, Lee Rocker, Greg Golden Band.
Motorsport Auction Group at Reno-Sparks Convention Center. Plus swap meet, Big Boy's Toy Store, and outdoor car corral at J Resort.
Parade from University of Nevada to Convention Center. Awards ceremony at 10:30 AM. The ultimate send-off.
Silver Legacy, Eldorado, Circus Circus — Caesars Resorts are 2026 headquarters
1664 N Virginia St — Main entertainment stage, free nightly concerts
2500 E 2nd St — Show-n-shines, concerts, outdoor events
3800 S Virginia St — Show-n-shine Aug 5-9
2707 S Virginia St — Show-n-shine and concerts
Nugget Casino Resort — Drag races, Ultimate Classic Car Competition
Auctions, Grand Finale, swap meet
30 min from Reno — Kickoff weekend Jul 31 - Aug 1
Skip the casino buffet. Here's where locals actually go.
The consensus best restaurant in Reno. "Go with a group and let them keep bringing food." Chinese cuisine that locals dream about. Perfect after a day of car shows.
Retro diner featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives. Huge portions, classic Americana — fits the Hot August Nights vibe perfectly.
Detroit-style pizza, also featured on Triple D. Beloved by locals. The owner is a legend.
Inside Eldorado (downtown HQ). High-end steak dinner after the show-n-shines.
Upscale American in Midtown. Great for a date night between events.
Southern-style breakfast and brunch. Biscuit sandwiches are legendary. Perfect fuel before the car shows.
Casual lunch, sandwiches, and salads. Good vegetarian options.
See our full Reno Restaurant Guide for 50+ recommendations.
Book early. Hotels fill a year in advance. Every major casino-hotel in Reno-Sparks participates with their own car displays.
The Caesars resorts are 2026 HAN headquarters. Walk to the main show-n-shines, street cruises, and nightly entertainment without moving your car.
East Reno. Hosts its own show-n-shines, outdoor concerts, and events. Free parking. Great if you want a resort feel with car show access.
South Reno. Hosts a dedicated show-n-shine August 5-9. Good restaurants on-site. A bit further from downtown but worth it for the display.
South Virginia St. Show-n-shines plus live concerts on-site. Best pool complex in Reno if you need a break from the cars.
Walking distance to the drag races and burnouts at Victorian Square. The best choice if racing is your main draw. Thu-Sat evenings get loud.
See our full Where to Stay in Reno Guide for more hotel recommendations.
The official advice: use ride-shares, taxis, or free shuttles between venues. Do not plan to drive between event locations.
Use hotel garages (free for guests at Caesars resorts). Street parking is scarce.
Victorian Square Theater Garage holds 700 cars. Arrive early for drag race nights.
Most hotels do NOT allow trailers. Use the designated Hot August Nights Trailer Lot at 185 N Edison Way.
Fly into Reno-Tahoe International (RNO). Most hotels offer airport shuttles.
Making a trip of it? Here's what else Reno has to offer in August.
40 minutes away. Crystal-clear water, beaches, paddleboarding. August is peak season.
Historic silver mining town. Combine with the HAN kickoff weekend. Saloons, mine tours, and the V&T Railway.
Float or kayak through downtown Reno. Perfect August activity. Rent tubes at Sierra Adventures.
Walkable strip of bars, restaurants, and shops south of downtown. Where locals hang out.
200+ cars at the Harrah Collection. Perfect complement to Hot August Nights.
Pyramid Lake (45 min), Boca Reservoir, or Mt. Rose Highway scenic drive.
See our full Day Trips & Adventures Guide for more.
What actual Reno residents say about Hot August Nights.
"Hot August Nights is a blast if you're into classic cars. Even if you're not, the free concerts and street cruises are fun. Just don't try to drive downtown during it."
— r/Reno
"The Virginia City kickoff is underrated. Way less crowded than Reno and the cars cruising up C Street is really cool."
— r/Reno
"Pro tip: the drag races at Nugget are the best part. Get there early, the lot fills up fast."
— r/Reno
"If you need a massage after driving in, try Warrior Wellness in Sparks or Healing One. Both are legit therapeutic massage places."
— r/Reno
"There's nerdy art of HAN in a GTA style — someone local makes prints and stickers of their favorite Reno events. Check the local shops."
— r/Reno
Keep exploring what Reno has to offer