Hot August Nights
A Celebration of Classic Cars & Rock ‘n’ Roll
Hot August Nights (HAN) celebrates almost four decades of tradition with musical legends headlining the weeklong automobile nostalgia festival dedicated to classic cars and rock ‘n’ roll. Zero in on shiny chrome, custom paint, white-wall tires, and souped-up engines at several daily show-n-shines held throughout the area. The 2025 event has some notable and exciting changes, with the main venue location returning to the University of Nevada, Reno campus, which is where HAN began in 1986. A “Supercruise” presented by The ROW will see thousands of rides cruise from the university to downtown and back, driving right under the famous Reno Arch.
For generations, Hot August Nights has been a mecca for motorheads who cruise in by the thousands from all over the country for a weeklong celebration of hot rods, vintage vehicles, and all things classic car.
Hot August Nights Reno Activities
Starting Friday, Aug. 1, the kickoff weekend includes show-n-shines at the J Resort, Summit Racing, and in Virginia City. Drag races will also take place at the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks.
Organized night cruises take place in downtown Reno along Virginia Street and in downtown Sparks on Victorian Avenue. Other activities include public poker walks and runs, swap meets, a classic car auction, and show-and-shines all around the region. Hundreds of classic cars and custom builds fill parking lots at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino, Atlantis Casino Resort & Spa, and more all week long. Cruise down and ogle some amazing autos before the awards are presented on Sunday. And be ready to rock with multiple DJs and bands performing throughout HAN.
Reno Car Auction & Big Boy’s Toy Store
At the Reno Convention Center, you have the opportunity to snag the vintage car or hot rod of your dreams. The Hot August Night MAG Auction offers classic cars for sale, including collector Mercedes Benz, Ford Mustangs, Chevrolet Corvettes, Chevrolet Camaros, and more.
In downtown Reno, Big Boy’s Toy Store features hundreds of muscle cars, classic cars, and street rod automobiles. Vendors showcasing the latest in parts, accessories, and technology for your hot rod or collector cars line up with everything from stereo equipment to wheels and engines. If you’re looking for a part or a custom build, you’ll find one at Big Boy’s.
Hot August Nights Entertainment
Hot August Nights is more than just a Reno car show—it’s one of the largest classic car gatherings in the world and certainly one of the most-anticipated events in Nevada. Free concerts take place on outdoor stages located at the University of Nevada, Reno and the Peppermill, as well as at Victorian Square and the Nugget Event Center in Sparks.
Peruse the 10-day schedule of Hot August Nights events and make plans to have a blast in Reno, Sparks, and Virginia City by visiting the official HAN website.
