Rockynats secures five-year future and announces 2026 dates
Published on 06 April 2025
After drawing a record-breaking 64,388 patrons through the gates over the weekend, Queensland’s biggest car and bike festival, Rockynats has been officially renewed for a further five years, ensuring the event remains a staple on Australia’s motorsport calendar through to at least 2030.
Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams confirmed the announcement, stating that Rockhampton Regional Council was committed to ensuring the event returns to the streets of Rockhampton for the foreseeable future.
“Rockhampton Regional Council is extremely proud of our partnership with the Summernats team and are committed to ensuring this world-class event remains in our region,” Mayor Williams announced. “The entrants love it, the spectators love it and the community loves it, so locking the event in for a further five years ensures that Rockynats will continue to deliver an action-packed weekend of entertainment well into the future.”
The announcement comes as the 2025 instalment of the event, Rockynats 05, boasted an impressive 12.4% increase in attendance and an event-best 1800 entrants, evidencing the event’s year-on-year growth in popularity among die-hard motorsport enthusiasts and families alike.
Off the back of this overwhelming success, event organisers also announced the dates for Rockynats 06, which will take place on 17-19 April 2026, during the Easter school holidays.
Summernats Director, Andy Lopez, expressed his excitement about the event’s future, highlighting the significance of its unique street format and the partnership between Council, Summernats and the wider community.
“Rockynats has become one of the most significant events in the Aussie automotive scene. It was created specifically for this amazing town, with on-street drag racing, burnouts and drifting by the river, the stunning Show N Shine in historic Quay Street, and Australia’s biggest automotive street parade,” Lopez said.
“When the street machine and bike community come to Rockhampton, we are welcomed with open arms. We’re excited to keep this incredible partnership going with Rockhampton Regional Council and the community of Rockhampton. The next five years are going to be awesome.”
Advance Rockhampton’s Tourism and Events Manager, Zac Garven, said the announcement further solidifies Rockhampton as the events capital of Central Queensland.
“Each year, this event gets bigger and better, attracting thousands of visitors who not only enjoy the spectacle but also inject millions into our local economy,” confirmed Mr Garven. “Hosting an event of this calibre not only puts Rockhampton on the national stage but also provides incredible opportunities for local businesses and motorsport enthusiasts alike.”
“Rockynats is here to stay, and we’re looking forward to an even bigger and better event in 2026.”
To be the first to hear when entries open for Rockynats 06 and tickets go on sale, visit the Rockynats website and follow Rockynats on social media.