Hot Summer Nights - Lake of the Ozarks, MO

08/21/2026

The Historic Bagnell Dam Strip will be buzzing Wednesday, August 26, for the Shootout on the Strip Street Party from 5–11 PM.

Whether you’ve been coming to the Shootout for decades or this is your first one, there’s nothing quite like seeing these incredible boats, racers and fans take over our little corner of the Lake.

🚨🔥 SHOOTOUT WEEK 2026 IS HERE! 🔥🚨

The Lake of the Ozarks is about to be ROCKIN’! 🏁💨 And there’s no better place to kick off the excitement than the **Historic Bagnell Dam Strip**!

📅 **Wednesday, August 26 | 5–11 PM**
🏁 **Shootout on the Strip Street Party**

Come see some of the most incredible high-performance powerboats in the world up close and personal! Meet racers and race teams, check out the jaw-dropping boats, explore vendor displays, grab some great food, enjoy live entertainment, and soak up the electric atmosphere that only Shootout Week can deliver! 🔥🚤

Bring the family. Grab your friends. Walk the Strip. Take plenty of pictures. And get ready for TWO DAYS of high-speed racing on the Grand Glaize Arm! 🏆💥

The Street Party is **FREE to the public** and is the perfect way to experience the excitement before the boats hit the race course!

**Shootout Week is a Lake of the Ozarks tradition—and this year is going to be BIG!** 🌊🏁



https://www.lakeoftheozarksshootout.com/lotoshootoutevents

08/14/2026

As we prepare for this evening's Hot Summer Nights event, we're passing along a friendly reminder that the City of Lake Ozark passed a new teen curfew ordinance for the Historic Bagnell Dam Strip this week. Learn more about it at the link below.

LAKE OZARK, Mo. — Teens will soon have a curfew on the Bagnell Dam Strip after city leaders unanimously approved an ordinance aimed at addressing late-night issues involving unaccompanied minors.

08/12/2026

We are pleased to announce that The City of Lake Ozark has issued a proclamation: This Friday, August 14th, will be Bob Schwartz Day! -- Please join us at the Hot Summer Nights event from 5:00 to 9:30pm to celebrate and honor Bob's legacy to our Lake of the Ozarks community.

07/31/2026

It is with great sadness that we, the team behind Hot Summer Nights, announce the passing of our friend and colleague, Bob Schwartz. Bob was instrumental in the founding, marketing and organizing of the Hot Summer Nights events; And up until earlier this week, he was the voice behind this very page.

Please take a moment to read Bob’s obituary written below, share stories and memories of Bob in the comments, and join us in his memory at the next Hot Summer Nights event on August 14th.
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Robert “Bob” Louis Schwartz, 83, of Osage Beach, MO passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at his home..
Robert was born on August 4, 1942 in Chicago, IL the son of Skymour and Sallie (Snyder) Schwartz who preceded him in death. He was united in marriage on November 14, 1998 in Las Vegas, NV to Rebecca Sue (Meeks) Schwartz who preceded him in death in 2009.
Bob was a proud American, businessman, and lifelong sports enthusiast whose greatest joy came from connecting with people. Born and raised in Benton, IL, he developed a strong work ethic at an early age while helping in his father's men's clothing store. The family business laid the foundation for a career built on hard work, integrity, and genuine relationships.
After graduating from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Bob proudly served in the United States Navy, an experience that remained one of his greatest sources of pride throughout his life. His military service shaped the values of dedication, discipline, and patriotism that guided him in everything he did.
Following his time in the Navy, Bob entered the men's apparel industry as a traveling salesman, selling men's suits and clothing to retail stores throughout the region. His friendly personality, honesty, and ability to build lasting relationships made him well respected by customers and colleagues alike.
Later, Bob moved to the Lake of the Ozarks, where he founded and operated Bob's Marketing. Among his many accomplishments, he was instrumental in creating Hot Summer Nights, a beloved event that brought together classic car enthusiasts and visitors from near and far, becoming a cherished tradition in the Lake area. In 2007, he was named business person of the year by the Lake of the Ozarks Regional Economic Development Council and in 2022, he was given the Partner in Tourism Award for his efforts in promoting tourism by Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitors Bureau. Furthermore, he served on the Board of Directors for the Bagnell Dam Strip Association for several years.
Even after retirement, Bob wasn't ready to slow down. He spent several days each week working at Leatherman on the Strip at Bagnell Dam, where he became known not only for his knowledge and helpfulness but also for his love of conversation. He genuinely enjoyed visiting with people, making friends wherever he went and leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Bob was also an avid collector of sports memorabilia, with a special passion for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Springfield Cardinals. Over the years, he built an impressive collection of sports paraphernalia and treasured the stories behind each piece. His love of baseball reflected his lifelong appreciation for the game, its history, and the memories it created with family and friends.
Bob will be remembered for his unwavering patriotism, entrepreneurial spirit, warm smile, and gift for making people feel welcome. Whether talking baseball, sharing stories from his travels, or greeting visitors at the Lake, he lived a life centered on service, friendship, and community. His legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the memories he created with those fortunate enough to know him.
Survivors include: two step-children, Ron Imler and Sheryl Imler; three step-grandchldren; four step-great grandchildren and a host of friends.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Home, 514 Hwy 42, Osage Beach, MO. Full military honors will follow at 6:00 pm at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hedges-Scott-Millard Funeral Homes, 902 E North St, Eldon, MO 65026 (573) 392-3351.

07/27/2026

Hot Summer Nights "cruise-in" is not till Aug. 14th but hot summer days and nights are upon us as the temperature has hit 100 this past day. We are in a heat wave, but the Historic Bagnell Dam Strip was full of visitors this past weekend. Met visitors from both the East and West coasts on the strip. The traffic was exciting to see for the businesses on the strip. The strip is definitely becoming a "must stop" while you are at the Lake of the Ozarks. If you start at the top of Bagnell Dam Blvd. heading to the strip you will find some of the best dining establishments for breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus great shopping on the Historic Bagnell Dam Strip.

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07/21/2026

We will soon be working on themes for 2027 Hot Summer Nights. This year's overall theme is SUMMER DREAMS. For 2027 it will be 'MAKING MEMORIES' as we head into the nineteenth year of HSN'S. Without our great sponsors there will be no HSN's. Please check out our sponsors at; lakehotsummernights.com/ As you scroll down the page all sponsors for 2026 are listed. Our sponsors enable the Bagnell Dam Strip Association to put on HSN's; the annual spring cleanup on the strip; Halloween on the strip; the annual Christmas Parade; and thanks to our Platinum Sponsor, Mix 92.7 the incredible St. Patrick's Parade in March. BDSA was also able to do the 4th of July tribute to America on Luby's Stage this year. BDSA has been able to fund; lightning on the pedestrian crossings on the strip; four shopping directories on the strip; 14 new trash containers with covers, 10 new planters on the strip which our Platinum Sponsor Doctor's Lawn and Landscape will keep the floral arrangements updated. The city of Lake Ozark has added new mulch to the planter areas. Just arrived for you smokers, 6 new containers to dispose of your smoking materials. The city of Lake Ozark put down a new road surface on Bagnell Dam Blvd last year and our now constructing a new sidewalk from the intersection of 242, the entire length of the Historic Bagnell Dam Strip as we continue to make the Historic Bagnell Dam Strip a "must stop" on your visit to the Lake of the Ozarks. Most of this would not have happened without our great sponsors who have provided must needed funding to complete many of the upgrades on the strip. Please thank our sponsors when you patronize them for their fantastic support. We cannot ignore hoe the city of Lake Ozark has contributed to helping make the Historic Bagnell Dam Strip a great destination for visitors and more.

Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks is the Midwest's premier lake resort destination, with boating, outdoor escapes, shopping and so much more. Plan a visit with us!

07/17/2026

Some people have asked about the 2026 Hot Summer Nights program. Due to a printing error the publication was delayed but should be available around the lake now.

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07/13/2026

Time flies when you are having fun. We finished our third Hot Summer Nights and are getting ready for Aug 14th with the theme: "Exotic Supercars & Hypercars". Sept. will be our "A Salute to Our Heroes", featuring as our Grand Marshal of the Lake of the Ozarks Corvette Club parade, Don Morgan. Don was a member of the Navy Seawolfs in Vietnam. Simply google; "scramble the seawolfs" and you can find the special video of this special Navy aviation unit formed in Vietnam and disbanded in Vietnam and never set foot in the US as an operation unit.

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07/11/2026

Mother Nature gave us a break and we had a nice clear evening for Hot Summer Nights. Thank you to those of you who came out to make the event a success. The storms seem to be rolling in after 11pm but held off for the event. Hope they hold off for our sister community, Osage Beach with their event Sat.

07/07/2026

Here you go; as we give a "shout out" to our neighbor, Osage Beach. Osage Beach "Heart of the Lake Freedom Fest", Sat. July 11 from 3 to 9pm at Osage Beach City Park. They will feature food trucks, vendor booths, bounce houses for the kids, and a D.J with the fireworks at approximately 9pm. Hot Summer Night on Friday and another great event to cap off your weekend Sat.