Hot August Nights, the nation’s largest nostalgic classic car event, started in 1986 at the Â鶹ӳ» campus. In 2025, that legacy will return for a bit of a homecoming when the University becomes the main event venue once again.
From Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, through Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025, the University will host the event while the Grand Sierra Resort undergoes a billion-dollar transformation. The Grand Sierra Resort remains a key partner and sponsor of the event. With the addition of the University as a main venue, 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 University of Â鶹ӳ» 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!"
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, and creating an influx estimated at over $100 million into the local economy.
“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.”
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.
During the week, a new Builders Showdown takes place at Big Boys Toy Store offering cash prizes and bragging rights to the top professional and home builders.
Fans can count on the return of 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 Â鶹ӳ» venue and the Nugget Events Center, along with the events at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa and the Peppermill Reno Resort.
The is again teaming up with several automotive industry partners for the . The event is open to youth (21 years or younger) to show off their vehicle expertise 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.
VIP reserved experiences
Returning for 2025 are reserved experiences providing access to enhanced amenities at the Â鶹ӳ» and Sparks venues. All tickets and table options are available for purchase at .
- presented by D&S Tow is located in prime viewing of the entertainment stage at the University and includes unlimited beverages and pub snacks. Individual tickets and reserved tables for eight are available.
- offers reserved table seating located in the front area of the main entertainment stage at the University and includes dinner and unlimited beverages.
- In Sparks, get up close with the presented by AMSOIL with the presented by Big O Tires with reserved tables and individual ticket options – both options include two (2) beverages and pub snacks.
- presented by Quick Space offers individual tickets that include unlimited beverages and pub snacks. Another option is to purchase tickets to secure a seat for the Sparks nightly entrainment taking place at the .
- The is reserved parking for registered participants and is available at the University with covered and uncovered options and in downtown Sparks.
Entertainment abounds
Hot August Nights offers free nightly concerts featuring at two venues starting at 8:15 p.m.
- 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
- 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.
Car participant registration opens Friday, Aug. 1, 2025.
For information about the annual event, visit. Keep up to date with the latest by following on , , or .
