Hot August Nights in Reno: Return to the 50s!

Author: Sherril Steele-Carlin

If you love everything about the 1950s, from the fashions to the cars, and have never heard about Hot August Nights, then you're missing what could become your favorite yearly event! Reno, Nevada comes alive each year during the first week in August with music, cars, nostalgia, and food from the 1950s and 1960s. It's the most popular event held in the city each year, and with more people streaming from all over the world, it continues to grow in fame and prestige. This year, estimates say over 800,000 people will attend the event during the week, and they come from 38 states and 2 foreign countries.

Just what is this thing called Hot August Nights? Well, it started almost twenty years ago as a summertime event to bring more people to the city. It's done its job well. It's grown to a nationally-known event that sells out a year in advance. 5,000 registered classic cars converge on the city each year, while three times as many rods and roadsters cruise the streets each day. Hot August nights celebrates cars from the 1900s through the 1960s, and registered cars participate in show 'n shines, nightly cruises, and the finale parade through downtown Reno on the last Sunday of the event. There are over 10,000 other classics cruisin' the streets of Reno during the week, too.

However, Hot August Nights is more than just cars. It also celebrates the music and lifestyle of a simpler time. Throughout the week, famous artists from the 50s and 60s play concerts all through Reno and Sparks. This year's featured entertainers include The Village People, Tower of Power, Bobby Vee & the Vees, Sonny Turner and his tribute to the Platters, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Rare Earth, Herman's Hermits, America, and many, many more legendary performers that help bring back many fond memories. Most of these shows are free, too!

The lifestyle of the 50s is also celebrated with an annual "sock hop" and "prom" held at local casinos. Most all the local casinos participate in the event with concerts, special parking lots set aside for the classic cars, and events like cruises and parties. Everybody gets into the spirit, with many local businesses sponsoring events and urging their staff to dress in 50s costumes throughout the week.

And of course, there's the food. You can nosh on burgers, fries, and shakes at drive-in's like the A&W, Sonic, and Scooper's, or you can sit right down and enjoy 50s fare at Mel's (yes, the same Mel's as the drive-in in "American Graffiti"). Mel's is located inside the Sands Regency in downtown Reno. Many of the casinos also have soda shops set up in their parking lots, with plenty of other vendors, too.

If you'd like to attend Hot August Nights, you need to plan ahead. Rooms sell out a year in advance or more and official car registrations are limited to 5,000 each year, so they usually sell out very early, too. That doesn't mean you can't bring your classic to town and cruise, it just means you can't take part in "official" events. Literally thousands of locals and visitors flood the streets with their beautifully restored cars, which just adds to the fun and excitement.

Even if you don't have a classic car, come anyway! There are tons of other events, like the X-Kart races, the Truckerfest, which celebrates classic 18-wheelers, the Big Boy's Toy Store with something for every car enthusiast around, and even classic car auctions. So, if you don't have a classic, come bid on one, or register to win one of the many classic car giveaways that happen each year.

If you love the 50s and miss those simpler times, head to Reno for Hot August Nights. Odds are, once you attend, you'll be back every year. This celebration of our youth is getting better every year, so don't miss out. Pack your poodle skirt, your bowling shirt, and your best saddle shoes, and go back to the 50s in Reno!

Sherril Steele-Carlin is a freelance writer and researcher in Reno, Nevada. Her work has appeared in numerous national publications including American Profile, Highways, Pool & Spa, and many more.