Hot Summer Nights Returns To The Strip—Here's The Dates For 2026 Season

Hot Summer Nights is back on the Historic Bagnell Dam Strip in 2026, and this year’s theme, “Summer Dreams,” fits the vibe perfectly: classic rides, a family-friendly crowd, and an easygoing Friday night.

If you’ve never been, Hot Summer Nights is a true “cruise in.” There’s no registration process for spectators and no complicated setup for participants — you just show up, find a parking spot, and spend the evening walking the Strip checking out cars, trucks, and more. It’s kid-friendly, free to attend, and runs rain or shine from 5 to 9:30 p.m.

Organizers also like to remind people that if you miss one month, you’ve got four more chances to catch it. The 2026 schedule includes five Fridays on the Strip:

* May 8

* June 5 (it’s the first Friday in June, this year)

* July 10

* August 14

* September 11

Hot Summer Nights is put on by the Bagnell Dam Strip Association, which was formed to promote the Historic Strip and the businesses located there in Lake Ozark. This is the event’s 18th year, and while it’s typically held the second Friday of each month from May through September, the June date moved to June 5 due to unforeseen circumstances. The group said they’re updating print and advertising media to reflect the correct date.

If you’re the type who likes event merch, organizers also shared that Summer USA has the official 2026 Hot Summer Nights tee shirt in stock, and the Leather Man Shop has Bikefest shirts in multiple styles.

Bottom line: pick a Friday, bring the family, and make a night of it on the Strip — and if you can’t make it this week, there’s plenty of summer still ahead.