A fan favorite gone for many years makes a repeat appearance for the Hot August Nights 25th Anniversary. The Official Hot August Nights Classic Car Drag Racing event will take place from August 10th through August 13th in the west parking lot of John Ascuaga’s Nugget.

The smell of burning rubber and gasoline paired with classic eye candy and high adrenaline creates a habitual dynamic draw to the Hot August Nights Drag Races. Ten years ago, 2001 marked the last year the Drags were conducted at the Reno-Stead Airport. The popular event had to be cancelled indefinitely, until now.

Full Throttle Performance and John Ascuaga’s Nugget decided to bring back a beloved element of Hot August Nights to contribute to a successful 25th year celebration.

The drag race event consists of approximately an eighth of a mile track and will take place in the west parking lot of John Ascuaga’s Nugget from 12pm to 10pm August 10-13. Hot August Nights volunteers and car participants will gain free entry into the event. The gate fee for the general public is $10 daily. To enter your car in a race, vehicles must be 1972 or older, with an American or European make. The cost to race is $25 per vehicle, per day for registered car participants and $45 per vehicle, per day for non-registered car participants. Tires must be D.O.T. approved (no slicks), no nitro/nitrous and no racing fuels allowed. Daily prize for the fastest overall time will be awarded.

Check out our photos from last year on Flickr and Facebook.

More information can be found at http://www.hotaugustnights.net.

The only thing Superheroes, Super-zeros and Villains can agree on: a giant pub crawl. On July 16, identities will be masked, evil will pause and good times will prevail.

We know you have to get to making your unarguably awesome costumes, so we’ll keep the details short:

$2 and $3 drink specials

17 participating bars

Cash and other prizes! (How often are you paid to drink with your friends?)

Cost: $5 gets you a cup and a map

Upgraded VIP Cup: Only $40 buys you admission and one $5 drink at each of the 17 stops. FYI: that’s $85 worth of booze!

Be Safe, don’t drive. The Silver Legacy Resort Casino has discounted hotel rooms exclusively for Crawlers. Enter code SUPER11.

Start time: 8pm

End time: You make the call. You’re in Reno.

Start Location: Biggest Little City Club at 188 California Avenue

The Superhero Crawl’s mission is to save the World, one drink at a time. So, just in case you needed one more reason to party, a portion of the proceeds is donated to support the Washoe County School District.

Check out the costumes from last year and let your imagination decide your pseudo-character for the night.

We know good music and Harrah’s Reno is bringing it to you, free. We’re not talking about the stuff that’s tweaked on computers to the point where anything can sound good. We’re talking about bold music, live music, rock and roll that takes real musical talent and powerful vocal chords to rock a stage.

Centered on Bill Harrah’s Centennial Birthday Celebration, Harrah’s Reno is offering a special summer concert series with performances every Saturday night. With a lineup of talented bands, go-go dancers and raffle prizes, Saturday nights at Harrah’s Plaza will heat up fast.

A list of highlighted performers, to name a few:

July 16 – XFEST 2011 featuring ROY ROGERS AND THE DELTA RHYTHM KINGS, 4-11p, $10*
Four bands take the stage for this alternative rock weekend.

*All other shows are FREE.

July 23 – THE JACKS, 9p-11p
AC/DC music at its best from this rockin’ tribute.

July 30 – HOT FOR TEACHER, 9p-11p
A salute to the music of Van Halen will keep the plaza rockin’ all night.

August 13 – 60s SUMMER OF LOVE, 9p-11p
Enjoy the best music from the decade of love.

August 20 – MOTOWN SOUL FEATURING NATHAN OWENS, 9p-11p
Incredible R&B and Motown performances from this experienced big band.

August 27 – WEIRD SCIENCE, 9p-11p
Always popular, this band performs the best in 80s danceable classic tunes.

September 3 & 4 – BIG CITY REVUE, 9p-11p
This massive band takes the stage two nights over the holiday weekend. Not to be missed, this band will have the joint jumping with party songs from the 70s, 80s and 90s.

September 10 – DEPARTMENT OF ROCK, 9p-11p
Myriad rock and roll tribute bands mixed into one spectacular performance. You’ll hear the most popular classic rock tunes from 80s and 90s on this not to be missed special night.

September 17 – POP VINYL, 9p-11p
The L.A. dance band performs party favorites from the 80s and 90s.

September 22 – BUDDY EMMER BAND, 12p-3p
Special shows to celebrate Street Vibrations.

September 22 & 23 – UNAUTHORIZED ROLLING STONES
A rock and roll salute to the stones. Classic.

September 23 & 24 – CREAM OF CLAPTON
Hear a rock and blues tribute to Eric Clapton in this special daytime show.

September 24 – BUDDY EMMER BAND, 12p-3p
Special shows to celebrate Street Vibrations.

September 24 – SYYNNYN LYNNYRD, 9p-11p
The perfect finale, this tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd will blow your hair back.

For a complete list of FREE Plaza Concerts at Harrah’s Reno click here.

This year Reno Tahoe USA is hosting some of the top Independence Day events and pyrotechnic displays in the nation. It’s a tough call deciding which of these parties to crash but we’ve tried to make it easy for you to see what each event has to offer.

LAKE TAHOE

July 1-4, the fifth annual Red, White and Tahoe Blue celebration in Incline Village offers the perfect getaway for families. They’ve got a patriotic chalk drawing contest, beer tastings, firecracker trail trek, and even a doggie dress up contest for your pup. Needless to say, if you’re looking for a jam-packed weekend with the fam, look no further – after you finish reading this post, of course.

We can’t forget about the 70 feet of snowfall last winter quite yet. Both Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley USA are reopening for the weekend offering discounted tickets and wrapping up the season with huge 4th of July parties. Squaw will also host the famed 21st annual Lake Cushing Crossing on July 3. No one does pond-skimming quite like Squaw Valley. Perhaps it is because men and women in Reno Tahoe are a little more daring, a little more agile and a little better on sticks. Or maybe, it’s because the Cushing Crossing is held on a real pond, rather than a tarp-lined ditch or kiddie pool. We don’t really need a reason; we do it the way we want.

Other local Lake Tahoe events include Tahoe City celebrating 65 years of fireworks at Commons Beach, July 4, and Kings Beach hosting their annual firework display and deck party at the North Tahoe Event Center on July 3.

SPARKS

Experience the biggest 4th of July party in the region, Star Spangled Sparks, at the Sparks Marina. Join thousands to celebrate our freedom at this FREE all day event. Rise bright and early for free hot air balloon rides at 6am and a three dollar all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast. The excitement continues during the day with a fun-run around the Sparks Marina, bounce houses and a ride area for the kids. Later that evening, witness a military flyover moments before the longest and most spectacular pyrotechnic display in the region, you won’t want to miss this 11th annual celebration.

VIRGINIA CITY

Virginia City made the list for the “Top 10 Fourth of July Fireworks 2011.” For us this comes as no surprise as every year thousands journey to the famous, historical city. The event begins with a parade downtown around noon and ends with the Comstock Cowboys performing at dusk along with an extensive fireworks show. The last time Virginia City had this many explosives was back when the city was first discovered as a gold mining jackpot.

PYRAMID LAKE

Do you want to be the party planner? The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe welcomes all those who want to throw their own 4th of July party. Summer season fireworks are now on sale for use on the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation in designated areas. Create your own fireworks show over North America’s most beautiful desert lake!

Why is this ultimate American pride event famously known as “The Wildest Richest Rodeo in the West?” We will break it down for you.

Wild.

“There ain’t a bull that can’t be rode and ain’t a rider that can’t be throwed.” Toss aside your city-slicker suit, put on your boots and cowboy up. From the rock ’em toss ’em chaos in the arena to the hoedown at the Jack Daniel’s tent, you’ll need to tighten your spurs to survive this event.

Rich.

Bulls in the chute, cowgirls in miniskirts and beer in hand, does more need to be said? I guess we can mention the contestants are competing for over $500,000 in prize money. This year’s Rodeo will definitely be rich with cash and culture.

Rodeo.

Here, you either “do it right or get off the horse,” literally. Willingly riding a bucking bull or bronco is not easy and those eight seconds could be the longest of your life. Luckily, fans get to soak up the summer evening and relax instead of being tossed around. The only thing we need to worry about is kicking a cow patty after a hot day.

West.

There’s a reason the famous phrase is the “Wild Wild West.” Out West we do things bigger, better and a little different. The Reno Rodeo never disappoints. It’s truly the best in the West.

We will see you there for a bucking good time! For more information visit www.renorodeo.com.

Hot summer weekends are finally here and you can jump into the summer season by enjoying Tahoe’s “coolest” attraction. Lake Tahoe is renowned for its cobalt blue waters, providing a clear view of depths up to 75 feet. And hey, what better way to explore its depths than to skim its surface via paddle? Here’s something unexpected: Lake Tahoe is the largest stand up flat-water paddleboard venue in the country!

“Stand up paddle boarding is one of the most scenic and green ways to take in Lake Tahoe,” said Ernie Brassard, president of the 2011 Quiksilver Ta-Hoe Nalu Stand-Up Paddle Classic, August 13-14 in Kings Beach. “You get a completely different perspective of the lake and the surrounding mountains from the water than you do from the trail.”

The sport continues to skyrocket in popularity, as evidenced by a recent increase in Tahoe rental shops and outfitters, as well as festivals taking center stage during the summer and fall months.

A popular event you won’t want to miss is the Jam from the Dam, July 9, which has participants racing six miles from Commons Beach in Tahoe City to the Waterman’s Landing – a new restaurant and stand up paddleboard shop. Like the Ta-Hoe Nalu, it’s a great opportunity for spectators to demo equipment in a fun and festive environment.

Need equipment? Tahoe Paddle & Oar caters to the canoe and kayak audience with rentals available, including wetsuits and life vests, along with on-water lessons. If it’s a lazy Sunday and you want your paddleboards and beaches all in one place, rentals are available at one of Tahoe’s most well-known beaches, Sand Harbor State Park, located outside of Incline Village. Kayaks and paddleboards are a must to explore San Harbor’s hidden coves, cathedral of massive white boulders and lively beach activities. The infamous white sand is also a great picnic spot!

Click here to watch a video!

John Ascuaga’s Nugget is gearing up for a three-day country music festival! Country Cossroads features performances by LeAnn Rimes, Ricky Skaggs and Neal McCoy, along with country karaoke contests, songwriting seminars and free live entertainment! This Memorial Day weekend will be a celebration of one of the nation’s greatest contributions: Country Music!

LeAnn Rimes performs in the Rose Ballroom at 9:00pm on Sunday, May 29^th; tickets from $65.

Neal McCoy performs in the Celebrity Showroom at 9:00pm on Saturday, May 28^th; tickets are $35.

Ricky Skaggs performs in the Celebrity Showroom at 9:00pm on Friday, May 27^th; tickets are $45.

The Nugget is offering room, dinner and show packages, as well as a great deal on tickets for all three of the festival’s headlining concerts. Get more information at www.janugget.com or call (800) 356-3300. It’s gonna be a hoot!

Event organizers of The Great Reno Balloon Race, scheduled for Sept. 10 – 12at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park, have put together some helpful tips to ensure that all spectators have a wonderful weekend at the Balloon Race. Tips include important information on transportation to the event, where to park, what to wear and other dos and don’ts:

• Admission is free, but make sure to bring money for tethered rides, souvenirs or food and drink from a variety of vendors, including a VIP breakfast catered by High Pointe Catering.
• Dress in layers; September in northern Nevada tends to bring chilly mornings.
• Weather information is available at www.kkoh.com or News Talk 780.
• Arrive early on Saturday and Sunday, in time to watch the Glow Show at 5 a.m., to get VIP seating for a $5 donation, or prime blanket area for free.
• Please leave your pets at home. The abundance of people along with strange noises and surroundings can make animals anxious and confused.
• Smoking is always prohibited on the launch field.
• Don’t forget your camera so you can catch every moment of this spectacular event.
• Please remember to recycle while at the event, you’ll not only be keeping our community clean, but you’ll be helping out the NorthStar District Boy Scouts Troup #168, who will use the recycling as a fundraiser. The more you recycle the more money they’ll raise.
• Visit the kids play area on Balloon Boulevard, the vendor area, after Mass Ascension.
• Stay in your pajamas on Saturday, Sept. 11 for The World’s Largest Pajama Party. Come in your best (or worst) bed-head to enter in the Bed-Head Competition. Judging starts at 8 a.m. at the Pajama Party tent.

 Transportation/Parking Tips:

• There is a limited amount of parking at the event so be sure to arrive early. There is free parking available at the University’s north lots, but all cars must be removed by 10 a.m. Parking is also available at N. Sierra St. and McCarran Blvd. or the Coleman St. parking lot for a $5 donation to the Reno South Rotary Club children’s charities. Parking is prohibited along McCarran Blvd and violators will be towed.

• Transportation to and from the event is provided by RTC RIDE, which offers direct, nonstop service to the entrance of the park on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 11 and 12, from 4 to 10 a.m. Each of the three stops in downtown Reno, Reed High School in Sparks and the Reno Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority Convention Center on south Virginia, are serviced every 30 minutes. Round trip fares are $5 for adults and $2.50 for youth (ages 6 to 18) and seniors/disabled. For more information call (775) 348-RIDE.

• Handicap parking is available at the Washington St. entrance to the park for those with a handicapped placard or license plate.

• If you’d rather ride your bike to the event, you can leave it with the bike valet at the Washington St. entrance for a donation to the Reno Bike Project.

 For a full schedule of events and more information about this year’s event, please visit www.renoballoon.comor call the Great Reno Balloon Race hotline at (775) 826-1181.

 Thanks to the continued support of generous sponsors, The Great Reno Balloon Race continues as a free event for its 29th year. This year’s major sponsors include: Wells Fargo Bank, Wilbur D. May Foundation, Silver Legacy Resort Casino,  Peppermill Hotel Casino, Harrah’s Reno, City of Reno, Jack in the Box, Great Basin Internet Services, News Talk 780 KOH, Bonanza Casino, Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority. With a special thanks to our Founding Sponsors: Circus Circus, IGT, Sands Regency Casino Hotel, Muckel Anderson CPAs and the University of Nevada, Reno.

-Written by Rebecca Wikler, special to VisitRenoTahoe

The nation’s largest free showing of the 1975 cult film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” returns to Reno for the 11th year! Starting in 1998 as a small gathering of “Rockyphiles” in downtown Reno’s Wingfield Park, this event outgrew the venue, moving to the Reno Hilton Amphitheater. The Reno Hilton played host through 2006. By then, this free event had gained notoriety as being the largest free showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show in the nation with an estimated 2006 attendance of 4,000.

In 2007, the Reno News & Review and Lawlor Events Center produced the event, moving it from July to late August in an effort to provide students with a fun, free activity during their first week on campus. Attendance grew that year by about 1,000 people, to over 5,000. For 2008, Lawlor Events Center and the RN&R established a new record with attendance topping 6,500. The 2009 Rocky Horror Reno event was canceled in 2009 due to lack of sponsor support.

With the help of Lawlor Events Center and participating sponsors, the Reno News & Review presents the 11th free showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. The event happens Saturday, August 21, 2010at Reno’s Lawlor Events Center. Doors open at 7pm, event begins at 8pm. San Francisco’s “Bawdy Caste” will be on hand to give the audience the full Rocky Horror Experience, with a costume contest, prizes and a “Time Warp” dance lesson.

General admission tickets are free for the asking at Keva Juice locations throughout Reno and Carson City. A limited number of floor tickets are available at Reno and Carson City Keva Juice locations, free with the purchase of a smoothie. Official “Rocky Horror” after-parties are scheduled at Red’s Little Waldorf and the 5-Star Saloon in Reno. 

For more information, please call John Murphy, 775-324-4440, ext. 3515.

-John Murphy, special to the Reno Tahoe blog

The Great Reno Balloon Race, thanks to the generosity of the National Championship Air Races, is auctioning off six exclusive airplane ride packages on eBay. The winning bidders will get to ride in T-6 airplanes during the “Missing Man” formation while the National Anthem is sung. The package will also include an official Balloon Race poster and pins.

The package is valued at more than $800 and bidding will start on eBay at $300. The “Buy it Now” bid will also be available for $1,000. Three packages will be auctioned off between Monday, Aug. 23 and Sunday, Aug. 29. Three more packages will also be available for bid starting Monday, Aug. 30 and ending Sunday, Sept. 5. Bidding will close promptly at 3 p.m. on Sunday each week. The last day to bid will be Sunday, Sept. 5. Visit the Reno Balloon Race website to be directed to the eBay auction page.

The Great Reno Balloon Race is the largest free hot-air balloon festival in the nation, and the proceeds from this auction will go directly toward the event’s operating expenses. Those who are unable to bid, but would still like to support the Balloon Race may also make donations at the event’s Web site.

-Rebecca Wikler, special to the Reno Tahoe Blog