08/16/2026
Then & Now: 40 years of Hot August Nights. 🚗🎶
In 1986, 10,000 people gathered at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center for the first Hot August Nights, reliving the music, memories and culture of the ’50s and ’60s.
What began as a night of nostalgia soon grew into a celebration of classic cars, with the first parade bringing thousands to Virginia Street to see the cars that would become such an important part of the tradition.
Forty years later, Hot August Nights has grown across Reno, Sparks and Virginia City, but its heart remains the same: bringing people together through nostalgia, music, cars and memories.
From where it all began to where we are today, 40 years of Hot August Nights has made history.
