Recap of Summernats 36: Canberra’s Premier Car Festival
Canberra, 7 January 2026 – Summernats 36, held from 4 to 7 January 2024 at Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC), showcased Australia’s biggest celebration of horsepower, drawing car enthusiasts from across the country for a weekend of automotive mayhem, burnouts, and live entertainment.
Event Highlights
The festival kicked off with the iconic city cruise on Thursday, followed by a series of competitions including the Burnout Championship Finals on Sunday. Musical highlights included concerts on Friday and Saturday nights, featuring artists such as Daryl Braithwaite, Hot Dub Time Machine, and The Screaming Jets. Due to health issues, Jimmy Barnes was replaced by Grinspoon as the headline act. Additional attractions encompassed the Braddon Fringe Festival, FMX High Air Show with X-Games star Corey Creed, Methanol Madness, and the Hot Wheels Kids Zone for younger visitors.
Weather conditions were favourable, with showers on Thursday and dry days thereafter, with temperatures in the mid-20s Celsius. The event attracted sold-out crowds, featuring competitive driving events, exhibitions, and trade shows.
Key Facts / Stats
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 to 7 January 2024 |
| Location | Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) |
| Key Events | City Cruise, Burnout Championships, Concerts, FMX Show, Methanol Madness |
| Attendance | Sold-out crowds |
| Weather | Showers on Thursday, dry and mid-20s Celsius thereafter |
| Transport Impact | Road closures in Braddon; bus route 18 diverted from 4 to 7 January 2024 |
Transport and Access
Attendees could access the event via regular Transport Canberra bus services with standard fares. Due to the Braddon Fringe Festival, Lonsdale Street and sections of Mort Street and Elouera Street were closed from 3:00 pm to 12:00 am on 4, 5, and 6 January 2024. Bus route 18 was diverted from the first service on 4 January to the last on 7 January, with temporary stops installed at the end of Hoskins Street before Sandford Street.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Summernats?
Summernats is Australia’s largest car festival, celebrating street machines, horsepower, and automotive culture, held annually in Canberra.
When was Summernats 36 held?
Summernats 36 took place from 4 to 7 January 2024.
What were the main attractions?
Key attractions included the city cruise, burnout competitions, live concerts, FMX stunts, and family-friendly zones like the Hot Wheels Kids Zone.
Were there any notable winners or champions?
Previous Grand Champions included vehicles like Mark ‘Happy’ Williams’ HQ One Tonner (2017) and Joe Lore’s XY (2010). For 2024 specifics, the Burnout Championship featured intense competition, with highlights from events like the Last Chance Wildcard Shootout.