What’s happening?
Rare Spares & Repco Rockynats 06 is set to take over Rockhampton from 17 to 19 April 2026. The three-day event returns during the Easter school holidays, with tickets still on sale and the full program available.
Organisers say more than 1,700 cars and bikes are already being stickered ahead of the weekend. Across Rockhampton CBD and the Showgrounds, the program includes burnouts, street drags, drifting, a 4×4 show, elite displays, stunt shows and wider car culture events across the city.
Why it matters?
Rockynats has grown into Queensland’s biggest car and bike festival and remains one of Rockhampton’s major drawcards. Last year’s event brought in a record 64,388 patrons, and the festival has already been renewed through to at least 2030.
That gives the event strong standing not only as a motorsport weekend, but as a major part of the city’s annual events calendar.
Local Impact
Rockynats spreads activity across the city, bringing crowds into the CBD, the riverfront and the Showgrounds over three days.
Camping also opens from Tuesday 14 April to Monday 20 April at the Rockhampton Brothers Cricket Club in Victoria Park, giving entrants and spectators a central place to stay close to the action.
By the numbers
- Rockynats 05 drew a record 64,388 patrons in 2025, giving this year’s event a strong base to build from.
- The 2025 festival also recorded 1,800 entrants, while organisers say more than 1,700 cars and bikes are already being processed for this weekend.
- Tent City check-in opens at 10 am on Tuesday, 14 April 2026 and runs until 10 am on Monday, 20 April 2026, covering the full event window around Rockynats 06.
Zoom In
This year’s program mixes motorsport with festival-style entertainment across several precincts.
Burnouts, street drags, drifting and 4×4 action sit alongside live music, fashion shows and food trucks. The event also leans into its Rockhampton setting, with activity framed by the Fitzroy River and the city’s heritage buildings.
Zoom Out
Rockynats now sits well beyond a local car meet. Its record attendance, continued growth and five-year renewal show it has become a major Queensland event during the Easter break, with broad pull for car fans, families and travellers.
What To Look For Next?
As Rockynats 06 gets closer, the focus will move from preparations to the full festival experience across Rockhampton from 17 to 19 April.
With the program now available, tickets on sale, and more tha
n 1,700 cars and bikes already lined up, the weekend is shaping up to bring another big Easter crowd into the city.
Check out some of the cars on the show:
