2 January 2020

Kicking off the New Year in top gear - Summernats starts today

| Jane Speechley
Join the conversation
82
The iconic Summernats City Cruise

The iconic Summernats City Cruise is taking place today. Photo: Peter Norton.

Summernats, Australia’s biggest car festival opens in Canberra today and runs through until Sunday.

The Street Machine Summernats 33 is expected to attract more than 100,000 passionate attendees, as well as 2,000 entrants who have come from all over Australia and all over the world, to share their love for cars.

The Summernats City Cruise

The Summernats City Cruise is on today. Photo: Peter Norton.

The iconic annual celebration of all things on wheels officially kicked off today at 12:00 pm with the City Cruise through the streets of the CBD, a reminder also that there are likely to be road closures around Northbourne Avenue for this short period of time.

Summernats City Cruise

Something for everyone in the Summernats City Cruise. Photo: Peter Norton.

Highlights of the first day at EPIC will include Modified Lawn Mower Racing in the main arena until 5:00 pm, followed by music and entertainment until late.

Lawn Mower Racing

The spectacle of Lawn Mower Racing at Summernats. Photo: Summernats Facebook page.

The Friday night stage line-up includes headline act and much-loved Aussie hip hop trio, Bliss n Eso, while Saturday night will see Aussie rocker Shannon Noll take to the stage after spending the day hosting Summernats’ Fashions in the Field, as well as the Body Art Nationals and the increasingly popular Mullet Competition.

Saturday is likely to be the biggest day as always, and will include activities across the entire venue all day, culminating in the highlight of the SuperCruise around the main arena from 7:30 pm.

Vehicle display

Get up close and personal with some incredible vehicles. Photo: Summernats Facebook page.

After viewing all those extraordinary vehicles, you might wonder what it takes to be the best of the best. To find out, make sure you’re there at 12:30 pm on Sunday for the presentation of the Street Machine Summernats Grand Champion Award.

Rare and unique cars

Rare and unique cars in absolutely mint condition. Photo: Summernats Facebook page.

As always, the quintessential parts of the Summernats programs will be running across the weekend, from the Burnout Championships to Tuff Street and Skid Row; Shannon’s Show ‘n’ Shine to the Meguiar’s judging pavilion; cruising, drifting, and motorkhana, as well as traders and exhibitions.

There’s a kids club running every day as well, with games, activities, awards and even a Junior Dragster Start Up.

Spray painting

Lots to keep the younger members of your family happy and entertained as well. Photo: Summernats Facebook page.

Even if you’re not mad about cars, it’s inspiring to see the work of people who are incredibly passionate about what they do, and to see – literally– some of the best-kept motor vehicles in the country, and in the world.

It’s also great fun to check out elite examples of the cars we’ve known throughout our lives – from Geminis and Datsuns, to Mustangs and Camaros, sports and performance cars, hot rods, utes and trucks, and more.

The Summernats City Cruise

The Summernats City Cruise only happens once a year. Photo: Peter Norton.

You can view the full program online and book your tickets at summernats.com.au.

Summernats City Cruise

Summernats City Cruise. Photo: Peter Norton.

Join the conversation

82
All Comments
  • All Comments
  • Website Comments
LatestOldest
Chris Martin7:19 pm 28 May 20

im wondering if children under 11 years of age are free entry ?????????

Megan van der Velde10:29 pm 03 Jan 20

Anyone who does not live in the Summernats area and experiences the noise and smoke should not be commenting on how fun it is to go ahead with it under these circumstances. We are already choking here – please not the usual rubber burnout smoke on top of it!!!! Surely people an just look at cars and all the other stuff this year and give it a break on the worst day of fires coming. Please ACT government – step up and govern!!

Stop using a national emergency to further your hatred of summernats. It’s disgraceful.

Another good article Jane. Just ignore the silly bleating from some very selfish and over protected residents of the Canberra nanny state. Summernats is welcome entertainment and a break from the bush fires. Thank you and welcome to all participants who came here despite the smoke.

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.