The iconic Summernats car festival, a staple event in Canberra for nearly four decades, is set to make its international debut across the Tasman Sea. In February 2027, the festival will host its first event in New Zealand, marking a significant expansion for the beloved automotive celebration.
Andy Lopez, co-owner of the festival, confirmed the news, stating, “In February 2027, we’ll be staging our first Summernats in New Zealand, which is really good.” The decision to expand was influenced by the strong presence of New Zealand attendees at the Canberra event. “We have such a huge Kiwi contingent that come out here for Summernats, and we work really closely with a couple of promoters over there,” Lopez added.
New Zealand Venue and Event Plans
The New Zealand edition of Summernats will be held at the Mystery Creek Events Centre in Waikato on the North Island. This venue is akin to Canberra’s Exhibition Park (EPIC), offering indoor pavilions and ample space for the festival’s signature burnouts and large crowds. Located just two hours south of Auckland, it remains accessible for international visitors, including Australians.
This expansion follows the creation of Summernats USA, which will take place in March at two locations in Florida. According to promotional materials, “Summernats USA will feature all the ‘Nats staples we know and love, including a massive cruise route, Skid Row, show cars, a Grand Champion competition, camping, a live concert, and of course, burnouts.”
Historical Roots and Evolution
Summernats was founded in 1987 by car enthusiast Chic Henry, who chose Canberra as the venue after discovering Exhibition Park. Henry, who passed away in 2022, initially directed the Australian Street Machine Nationals and sought a more suitable location for the event, which had previously been held in Shepparton, Victoria, and Narrandera, NSW. “I saw Natex as a place where we could stage every part of our event program plus camp onsite, and [it] had buildings where we could have trade exhibits. Fantastic!” Henry recalled in his autobiography.
Since its inception, Summernats has grown significantly. The festival, now managed by the Out There Group, attracts up to 130,000 attendees over its four-day run. The new ownership has been instrumental in expanding the festival’s reach, both domestically and internationally.
Transforming the Festival’s Image
Over the years, Summernats has worked to clean up its image. Initially notorious for rowdy behavior, including sexist chants and public disturbances, the festival has since shifted towards a more family-friendly atmosphere. Andy Lopez, a savvy businessman, recognized the need to broaden the festival’s appeal beyond its traditional audience. “Every event, whether it’s one like us or any other mass gathering, you’re always going to get a small percentage, a very small percentage, of people who can’t follow the rules,” Lopez noted at the start of the 2026 festival.
The festival’s positive impact on Canberra is undeniable, with local government support highlighting its role in showcasing the city and attracting visitors. “And not just because of the money that it brings to town, the government supports it because it shows Canberra in a different light, and it brings people to enjoy this region, and learn about Canberra and the greater ACT,” Lopez explained.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Summernats
The expansion into New Zealand and the United States signifies a new era for Summernats, as it continues to evolve and capture the imagination of car enthusiasts worldwide. “It’s just fantastic for this event that the late great Chic Henry created, and gave us the stewardship of, to see it grow and become so popular and an icon of Australia and the US,” Lopez stated. “And now it’s stretched to New Zealand to take our special flavor, and bring that to those street machine communities in the US and New Zealand.”
As Summernats prepares for its international debut, the festival’s future looks promising, with potential for further global expansion and continued growth in its home country. The journey from a local Canberra event to an international sensation is a testament to the enduring appeal of car culture and the community it fosters.
