When Hot Summer Nights premiered as Hot August Nights in downtown Danville 11 years ago, the event was not without its problems. The town of Danville is to be commended for facing those troubles head-on and finding a solution so the popular shows have continued, to the delight of classic car enthusiasts, families and local young people who enjoy getting out on our beautiful summer evenings.
One word sums up the show’s problems in the beginning: drinking. At the time, Danville had no law prohibiting alcoholic beverages from being consumed out in the open, and as the temperatures rose, so did the number of the inebriated. After the show people lingered downtown, as they will, and what followed were the inevitable problems of public drunkenness and fighting. Also at first the four car shows, sponsored by the now defunct Danville Downtown Merchants Association, were held on consecutive Thursdays, taxing the volunteer squad as well as the Police Department.
Some folks thought the events should be cancelled. Instead the town tried holding the car shows every other week, to give police and volunteers time to regroup. This helped but the problem remained of people walking around with drinks and becoming intoxicated. Council members realized something had to be done, so they passed an open container ordinance that prohibits people from drinking on the streets. This cleaned up the problem enough to allow the event to continue. It also helped crowd control for other public events, although none tops the car show for its potential drinkers or temperatures to send alcohol consumption into the danger zone.
Many jurisdictions would have banned such future events. And some folks here wanted to cancel the shows, saying they brought a “different element” to town. We applaud the town for analyzing the problem, finding a solution, and continuing to welcome people to Danville for a fun evening of cars and camaraderie on hot summer nights. Because of this leadership, we have the event to enjoy today.
Appeal over redevelopment project at old Chevron HQ coming to San Ramon councilApril 6, 2026 10:32 pm
