RENO, Nev. (Aug. 4, 2026) – Grand Sierra Resort (GSR) is preparing to welcome classic car enthusiasts and music fans for the inaugural Street Heat, a four-day automotive and entertainment festival taking place Wednesday, Aug. 5 through Saturday, Aug. 8.
Scheduled during a week when classic car fans already plan trips to Reno, Street Heat offers an additional on-property option featuring hundreds of classic vehicles, the $10,000 Cherry Show-n-Shine competition, specialty vendors, food and beverage offerings and four nights of free outdoor concerts.
“The response to Street Heat has been tremendous, and the sold-out vehicle registration speaks to the enthusiasm surrounding the event,” said Christopher Abraham, chief marketing officer at GSR. “We set out to create a full day-to-night experience centered on the cars, with live music, food, vendors and the convenience of having it all in one place. We’re excited to welcome guests for the first Street Heat.”
Classic Cars and the $10,000 Cherry Show-n-Shine
Classic vehicles will be displayed throughout the Street Heat event grounds from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day. Vehicle registration has sold out for the inaugural event, with hundreds of cars from 1979 and earlier expected to participate.
At the center of the automotive experience is the $10,000 Cherry Show-n-Shine, a professionally judged competition evaluating participating vehicles based on restoration quality, originality, craftsmanship and overall presentation. Judging will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day, with awards presented at 7:15 p.m. on the outdoor stage.
Daily competition will recognize Chevrolet, Ford, Mopar and truck entries, with top finishers advancing to Saturday’s Best of Show round. The competition offers a total cash purse of $10,000, including a trophy and $5,000 cash prize for the Best of Show winner.
Guests can also check out a one-of-a-kind 1962 Chevrolet Impala custom built by Maharaj Customs, which will be on display inside the resort. More than two-and-a-half years in the making, the build reimagines the classic Impala with modern engineering, precision craftsmanship and contemporary styling while preserving the car's iconic character. Powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.2-liter LS3 engine producing approximately 740 horsepower at the wheels, the custom Impala features a scratch-built chassis, custom air-ride suspension, one-off 22-inch billet wheels, Porsche-inspired LED headlights and a hand-crafted interior finished in Porsche Bordeaux leather with bronze and gold accents.
Four Nights of Free Live Music
Street Heat will feature free outdoor concerts each evening in the Entertainment Zone on the south side of the resort. Legendary classic-rock DJ Max Volume will serve as master of ceremonies.
The entertainment schedule includes:
Wednesday, Aug. 5
Hindsight at 5:30 p.m.
Voyager – A Tribute to the Music of Journey at 8:15 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 6
Arizona Jones at 5:30 p.m.
Mick Adams and the Stones at 8:15 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 7
Ventura Highway at 5:30 p.m.
Blue Öyster Cult at 8:15 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 8
Greg Golden Band at 5:30 p.m.
George Thorogood and The Destroyers at 8:15 p.m.
Entertainment gates open at 5 p.m. each day. General admission is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests may bring low-back folding chairs into the Entertainment Zone when gates open. A limited number of premium reserved seats are also available for purchase.
Food, Vendors and an All-Day Festival Experience
Throughout the event, guests can browse automotive and specialty vendors and enjoy food and beverage offerings across the festival grounds. With classic cars on display throughout the day and live entertainment continuing into the evening, visitors are encouraged to arrive early and explore the full event.
The Street Heat event grounds and Entertainment Zone will be located on the south side of GSR. Special hotel offers are also available for guests planning to make Street Heat part of an overnight resort stay.
Planning Your Visit
Guests should allow extra travel time and expect heavier traffic around GSR throughout the event. Free public parking will be available in designated lots on the east side of the property.
Visitors are encouraged to enter through the east entrance off Greg Street or the south entrance off Mill Street. The north entrance will be closed during Street Heat. Directional signage and event staff will guide guests to available parking and the event grounds. Those attending the evening concerts should arrive early, as parking areas closest to the Entertainment Zone are expected to fill quickly.
Street Heat is produced by Grand Sierra Resort as part of the resort’s long-running tradition of hosting classic car experiences on property. For the complete schedule, event and parking maps, premium seating tickets, hotel offers and additional information, visit StreetHeatReno.com.
