One of Northern Nevada’s classic premier events is coming back for its 32nd year as car aficionados celebrate a throwback to simpler times known as Hot August Nights. Set to kick off in Virginia City on Friday with events continuing in the Reno/Sparks area Aug. 5-12, residents and visitors can enjoy live concerts, car cruises, drag races, and Show N’ Shines to delight and inspire its thousands of guests. Here are some of HAN’s new events, highlights, and Sparks’ favorites:
NEW- An official Hot August Nights Kick-Off Show-n-Shine will be held at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park this Sunday, Aug. 5. Classic vehicles are invited to drive on the grass and showcase their restored and refurbished vehicles—just like that first day when Hot August Nights began on August 1, 1986.
NEW and FAVORITE — Drag Races & Burnouts at the Nugget Casino Resort: Starting on Wednesday, Aug. 8, participants will get their adrenaline pumping by watching drivers race down a 1/16-mile track. The fun continues at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center as AutoCross & Drifting adds another day and longer hours for cars to stir up the dust.
NEW — Grand Sierra Resort’s outdoor entertainment venue deemed The Garage will be offer guests 21 years and older VIP treatment during a series of concerts including Eddie Money, Starship and Kool and the Gang all week long.
FAVORITE — On Wednesday, Aug. 8, check out the Ultimate Classic Car Competition at the Nugget where all classic Chrysler and Mopar vehicles will be judged.
FAVORITE — If you are a Fast and the Furious fan who’s always wanted to go to a drifting event, then now is your chance with the AMSOIL Drifting event to be held at the Reno/Sparks Livestock Events Center on Aug. 9 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is $15 an includes access to the AutoCross and Cool Car Corral.
FAVORITE — After the Drifting event, head over to Downtown Sparks to a controlled cruise to be held from 7-10 p.m.
MUST SEE — If you’d rather dance the night away, check out the Over/Under Lounge at Baldini’s Casino. From 7-11 p.m., Brian Andrews in Concert will be performing classics from Elvis, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash and many more rock-n-roll legends. The best part about it is admission is free.
NEW — That day, Baldini’s is also hosting a Hot August Nights Swap Meet in the South Parking Lot (admission is $10, open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m).
MUST SEE — If you are a HAN participant, then don’t forget to register for the Poker Run at Summit Racing Equipment (960 E. Glendale Avenue) to be held Aug. 9 from 8-11 a.m. Stops include the Atlantis Casino Resort, Jaguar Land Rover Reno, Main Street Minden’s Scenic Minden Park, Historic Virginia City and Champion Chevrolet.
MUST SEE — On Aug. 10 from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. the best restored and original stock cars will be on display in Victorian Square from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
FAVORITE — After checking out the oldies in the Classic Car Competition in Downtown Sparks, go on over to the Twinkie Eating Contest at Atlantis Casino Resort. At 8 p.m., folks 21 and older will be trying to put down as many of the Hostess’ favorites as they can to win special prizes. The event will be followed by the Cruise of Champions Awards (10:15 p.m.) at the Atlantis Cabaret Stage.
More than $150,000 in cash and prizes will be distributed at Hot August Nights events throughout Reno and Sparks at participating venues, ending with the Hot August Nights Cup where attendees can be wowed at 40 of the world’s top restored and modified cars. For more information and a schedule of events, visit hotaugustnights.net.
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