Silver Dollar Car Classic this weekend in Carson City, Hot August Nights in Virginia City

Classic car enthusiasts from Carson City to Virginia City will rev up their engines this weekend for two annual events: The Silver Dollar Car Classic and the Virginia City kickoff to Hot August Nights.

Festivities in Carson City begin Friday at Max Casino, formerly Carson Station, with a street dance, show and shine beginning at 6 p.m. The car show then moves to Mills Park for the weekend. Events feature a Kiwanis pancake breakfast Saturday at 8 a.m. followed by a Show 'n Shine, music, vendors and judging. Sunday's festivities feature a pancake breakfast, Poker Run, a Great Fixins' BBQ and an awards ceremony. Go here for more information.

Northern Nevada shifts into high gear as the 29th annual Hot August Nights rolls into the region Friday and Saturday in Virginia City. The event features nightly cruises, a celebrity Show-n-Shine, poker walk and free live entertainment will take over the city’s streets. The event then moves to Reno and runs through Aug. 9

This year, more than 6,000 classic vehicles are expected to motor through the streets and take part in events such as controlled cruises, Show-n-Shines, Drag Races and Burnouts, a Swap Meet, fireworks and AutoCross — where car owners can test their own vehicle’s abilities while navigating through an obstacle course and more. Thousands of classic car buffs and nostalgia enthusiasts will dance each night away to free live entertainment bringing back bygone eras at outdoor venues at the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino, Victorian Square in Sparks and Virginia City.

Motorheads gear up for the Big Boy’s Toy Store, where Summit Racing Equipment will have the latest parts, accessories and technology for their street rods, hot rods and muscle cars, while ladies and retail aficionados can peruse the new Dazzling Diva boutique at the Reno Ballroom.

Garnering global attention are the Hot August Nights Auction Presented by Barrett-Jackson, running Aug. 6 through Aug. 8 at the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority, and the Barrett-Jackson Cup, running Aug. 5 through Aug. 7 with judging taking place in downtown Reno.

Offering the largest prize purse in the world, the Barrett-Jackson Cup will have renowned judges, including Bobby Alloway, Pete Chapouris and Bob Millard choosing a total of 25 cars over the course of the three days. All 25 cars will be taken to the Hot August Nights Auction site, where five finalists, known as the “Reno Five,” will be announced from the auction block on Saturday, Aug. 8. The Best of Show winner will then be awarded the Barrett-Jackson Cup during the auction.

“Nothing makes me prouder than seeing northern Nevada’s streets filled with classic cars and lined with smiling faces during the event and knowing that our volunteers, sponsors and staff helped bring everyone in the car-loving community together,” said Executive Director of Hot August Nights Tony Marini.

In Reno, attendees can partake in nightly controlled cruises, nightly Show-n-Shines, free live entertainment, AutoCross, Swap Meet and Cool Car Corral, celebrations and much more. Participating venues include: Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, Baldini’s Sports Casino, Bonanza Casino, Club Cal Neva, Circus Circus Reno, Eldorado Resort Casino, Grand Sierra Resort and Casino, Harrah’s Reno Hotel and Casino, Peppermill Resort Spa Casino, Reno-Sparks Livestock Event Center, Reno-Sparks Convention Center, Siri’s Casino and the Silver Legacy Resort Casino. Sparks offers attendees nightly controlled cruises, free live entertainment and Drag Races and Burnouts at the Nugget Casino Resort, plus Show-n-Shines at Summit Racing Equipment and along Victorian Square.

Featured musicians paying homage to the 50s, 60s and early 70s include Papa Doo Run Run; Lil’ Elmo and the Cosmos; Blood, Sweat & Tears; Hotel California "A Salute to the Eagles;" Paperback Writer “The Beatles Experience;” Sonny Turner’s Platters; and Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone.