The nation’s largest nostalgic classic car event, Hot August Nights, brings together the classic car community with 6,000 registered participants, attracting an estimated 500,000 plus attendees for the annual 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.
“When we say that Hot August Nights takes over the area, that is not an understatement,” said Deny Dotson, executive director for Hot August Nights. “You’d be hard pressed to not see or hear a classic as sponsor parking areas are filled with 1979 and older vehicles of all shapes, sizes and models. Our goal is to inspire the owners and attendees to embrace our past while strengthening the classic car culture and community. It’s one great celebration and we are dedicated to preserving the tradition of delivering the ultimate car enthusiast experience.”
NEW FOR 2025
One of the biggest changes for 2025 is steeped in the event’s history. 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. Fun fact: that’s where Hot August Nights got its start back in 1986, making it a homecoming for the event. The Grand Sierra Resort remains a key partner and sponsor of the event.
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.
“The University of Nevada is excited to welcome back one of Reno’s most iconic events to our campus,” said University President Brian Sandoval. “Hot August Nights has gone into overdrive in terms of attendance, visibility and recognition over its 39 years. Our community is energized every summer with seas of classic cars, the rocking notes of extraordinary music and wall-to-wall community events that have brought us all together. Hot August Nights has always been about celebrating our past while capturing the energy of the present and the excitement of the future. It is going to be an unforgettable 10 days and we’re thrilled to welcome everyone back to campus! Go Pack!”