Hot August Nights Tickets

Hot August Nights is more than a car show—it's a landmark celebration of American automotive culture, founded in 1986 to boost tourism in the Reno–Sparks area. What started as a festival to showcase thousands of classic cars has grown into a large nonprofit celebration with a foundation that supports youth and scholarships. Each year, thousands of registered vehicles (roughly 5,500–6,000) fill the region with shows, drag racing, auctions, swap meets, and free live entertainment. As you plan your visit, we’ve got you covered with reliable ticket access for all main events and venues across Reno and Sparks.

In 2025, the main Hot August Nights event is hosted by the University of Nevada, Reno, from August 1–10, with a kickoff weekend July 31–Aug 1 and activities spread across multiple venues including Bonanza/Show-n-Shine sites. Highlights include a Pre-Kickoff Car Show, Builders Showdown, MAG Auctions, and the Grand Finale Parade. The 40th anniversary in 2026 will expand across ten venues with Caesars Entertainment Reno resorts as the central hosting backbone, featuring acts and performances that celebrate decades of car culture and music alike. Stay connected with official social channels for lineup updates and registrations as they unfold.