The Grand Sierra Resort, which until last year had long been the main host venue for Hot August Nights, announced a new classic car and concert festival, Street Heat, in a press release.
Hot August Nights takes place annually in early August across Reno-Sparks and Virginia City; the 2026 event is slated for July 31 through Aug. 9. The multi-venue event draws hundreds of thousands of fans and features thousands of vintage vehicles (pre-1980s), cruises, show-n-shines, drag races, auctions, free concerts and a swap meet.
The GSR had served as the main Hot August Night venue for years, but last year, the University of Nevada, Reno, served as the main venue, reportedly because of construction on the resort’s arena and expansion project. However, GSR wanted Hot August Nights to return.
In December, according to Christopher Abraham, chief marketing officer at the Grand Sierra Resort, Hot August Nights informed the GSR that the 2026 event would take place in downtown Reno, at the Caesars Entertainment properties—the Eldorado, Silver Legacy and Circus Circus.
“Grand Sierra Resort submitted a significantly enhanced sponsorship proposal to continue our longstanding partnership with Hot August Nights as the headquarters property, continuing a more than 30-year tradition,” Abraham told the RN&R. “Hot August Nights informed us they were choosing downtown as their headquarters. Given that change, the subsequent participation framework discussed was no longer a fit for GSR.”
The change in venue prompted the GSR to create its own classic car and concert festival.
“Since we had so many loyal guests who love coming here and just really enjoy the experience, we decided to put on our own show, because many people are going to be in town, and there’s plenty of business for everybody,” said Abraham. “And the goal really is to try to bring more people to Reno-Tahoe, so we’re participating in that by doing our own show.”
Street Heat will take place at the GSR Aug. 5-8; it will feature a multi-format car show showcasing vintage automobiles from the 1950s through ’80s, free nightly outdoor concerts, a vendor marketplace and food and beverages. Highlights include classic car exhibitions, a cruise-style parade, presentations and GSR’s signature Cherry Show and Shine with $10,000 in prizes.
“Each day will have its own Show and Shine with the top five cars in each category,” said Abraham. “And then leading up to the finale Saturday night, we’ll choose one car for our overall winner. They’ll be recognized as such, and get cash prizes and trophies and things of that nature.”
There is no fee to register cars for Street Heat, and there will be plenty of parking and special hotel rates.
“Street Heat is designed around what our guests have asked for—a classic car experience paired with great entertainment and an easy, all-in-one resort weekend,” Abraham said in the press release.
In response, Hot August Nights executive director Lisa Jansen wrote in a statement to the RN&R: “Downtown Reno has been a core part of the Hot August Nights experience since the beginning, and we’re thrilled to have it as our host venue for our 40th anniversary. From the Reno Arch to the Truckee River backdrop, it creates an unforgettable setting that classic car enthusiasts love. We had hoped Grand Sierra Resort would continue on as a partner, even without serving as the host venue, and they ultimately chose a different path, which we respect.”
Abraham said there were no hard feelings about the change in headquarters and wished Hot August Nights “the best of luck downtown,” citing that the two institutions have a “great relationship.”
Jansen wrote in the statement to the RN&R: “Hot August Nights is designed to lift the entire town. Grand Sierra Resort isn’t a sanctioned Hot August Nights venue, but we’re happy they’re part of the broader experience for guests visiting because of Hot August Nights.”
When asked if Street Heat will become an annual event, Abraham said, “We’re going to build it for years to come.”
For more information on Street Heat, visit streetheatreno.com. To register for or learn more about Hot August Nights, visit hotaugustnights.net.