Hot August Nights 2009

During Hot August Nights July 30- Aug 8, 2010, cars are "cherry" and cruisin' is "too cool." According the Hot August Nights organization, more than 800,000 people flock to the events where cars are the stars and rock 'n roll rules through dozens of concerts, controlled cruises, show-n-shines, a sock hop and much more! Plenty of shopping can be found at the Silver Car Auction, Big Boy Toy Store, Hot August Nights Swap Meet.

HISTORY OF THE EVENT

About 7:30 on the evening of Saturday, August 1, 1986, the Reno-Sparks Convention Center was bursting at the seams. Hundreds of revelers were still outside, partying, cheering and pushing to be let in to a first-time event of a magnitude yet to be realized. Inside, ten thousand applauding teen- agers of the 50's & 60's" were massed together in anticipation of seeing and hearing the Righteous Brothers, Wolfman Jack, and Jan & Dean...live!

It was an event whose time had come. The pent-up demand was there, waiting for someone with foresight and vision to unleash the nostalgia of the 50's & 60's... a time of innocence, prosperity, cars and the birth of Rock and Roll. We "Baby Boomers" were ready to return to the good times, the "happy days," our youth. The weather was right - HOT; the place was right - RENO; the time was right - AUGUST -- HOT AUGUST NIGHTS was born!

The aim was to fill a void in tourism in Reno during the month of August and to raise money for local charities. The exact sequence of events and how the name, "Hot August Nights", was conceived depends on with whom you speak. Some say it was a great reason for a party and some felt it could be a dynamic event, drawing people throughout the Western states.

The founders came up with the idea of a concert and related events celebrating the origins of Rock n' Roll. Next, the Event needed volunteers to help out. Sponsors were also necessary. That first year there were only thirty volunteers, plus the Board of Directors. The total budget was $65,000. Assembling entertainment was a challenge. Bill Medley (Righteous Brothers) had just undergone throat surgery, but reluctantly agreed to perform, as well as Bobby Hatfield. Wolfman Jack came along with Jan & Dean. The first concert was held Friday night in the Convention Center parking lot. The beer flowed, the atmosphere was charged - and middle-aged hearts were 16 again! Most hadn't danced to "that" music, to a live band, under the stars, since high school. The memories flooded back and so did the desire for more!

That first year of Hot August Nights was more of a nostalgia event than a car event. But, did the organizers learn! The car parade on Friday night was the highlight of the Event for the participants and the crowds who thronged Virginia Street. No one remembers exactly how many cars were in that first parade, you "registered" on the spot, and they were lined up six abreast on North Virginia Street across from Lawlor Events Center. The car owners were thrilled to show off their cars. They'd never had so many people "oohing and aahing" over their "works of art". It was a proud moment for nostalgia car buffs, they were beaming... and they wanted more! And here we are to today!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How can I enter my car in the show?

To participate with your car at Hot August Nights, you must be one of our 6,000 registered car participants. Our car participant registration is full for the 2010 Event. To get on the waiting list, please fill out a waiting list application. There is no fee to be on the waiting list. While the majority of activities are open only to registered Hot August Nights participants, we do have pre-kick off activities (July 30 – August 2) that are open to non-registered participants.

How does the Hot August Nights Waiting List work?

Your submitted waiting list application, will be assigned a number based on the date your application was received. Current Hot August Nights car participants have the first right of refusal to renew their space each April for the following year's Event. When car participants cancel or do not renew their registration to the Event, we will offer the space in numerical order to those on the waiting list. We will contact waiting list applicants by mail or phone when space becomes available. Applicants will be notified four times a year as to their position on the waiting list.

Is the Event held in one location?

Hot August Nights held at seven different venues during the week: downtown Reno, downtown Sparks, the Atlantis Casino Resort, Grand Sierra Resort, Peppermill Resort Spa Casino Reno, the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center (Hot August Nights Swap Meet) and the Reno-Sparks Convention Center (Silver Auction). Additional pre-event or single day venues include the Bonanza Casino, Cabela’s and Summit Racing.

Are tickets needed for the Event? If so, how much are they and where can they be purchased?

Tickets for the Silver Auction ($12) and Hot August Nights Swap Meet ($6) can be purchased at the gate daily. Hot August Nights headline concerts located at the outdoor stages at the Grand Sierra Resort and in downtown Sparks are free. Reno & Sparks casinos will have ticketed concerts with sales available through their websites and ticket outlets prior to the Event. For a list of free and ticketed concerts, check out our entertainment lineup (available on our website June 9).

What type of seating is available at the outdoor concerts at the Grand Sierra Resort and downtown Sparks?

The Grand Sierra Resort, has no outdoor bleachers or permanent seating for concerts. We suggest you bring your own low back folding chair from which to enjoy the concert. Unattended chairs that blow down or create an unsafe environment will be removed. Do not remove the chairs from the food court as they are there for those who are dining. At the downtown Sparks stage area there will be bleachers from which to view the concert.

Where can I purchase official Hot August Nights merchandise?

Prior to Hot August Nights, merchandise is available on our shopping cart. During the Event there will be merchandise tents located at the Atlantis Casino Resort, Peppermill Resort Spa Casino Reno, downtown Reno and downtown Sparks venues, Car Participant Check-In at the Grand Sierra Resort and our “official merchandise store” located at the outside venue at the Grand Sierra Resort.

Where can I sell or buy a car during Hot August Nights?

Cars can be sold or purchased at either the Silver Auctions located at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center from August 5 – 8 or the Hot August Nights Cool Car Showroom located at the Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center during the Swap Meet from August 5 – 7. For information on selling or buying a car at the Silver Auction, call (800) 255-4485; for the Cool Car Showroom call (530) 307-9999.

For additional information during the Event, please visit our Information Booths (look for the red Hot August Nights tent) in downtown Reno, downtown Sparks and at the Grand Sierra Resort.