Canberra's legendary and high-octane Summernats festival is shifting into a new global gear, with plans confirmed to launch an event across the Tasman Sea in New Zealand. This international expansion follows the recent creation of Summernats USA, marking a new chapter for the iconic Australian automotive gathering.
From EPIC to Waikato: A Trans-Tasman Replication
The roaring festival, which first ignited engines at Canberra's Exhibition Park (EPIC) 39 years ago, will stage its inaugural New Zealand event in February 2027. The chosen venue is the Mystery Creek Events Centre in Waikato on New Zealand's North Island.
Co-owner Andy Lopez announced the move, highlighting the strong Kiwi connection already embedded in 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 said. The Waikato site was selected for its similarities to EPIC, featuring indoor pavilions and vast outdoor spaces suitable for the festival's famous burnouts and large crowds.
A Strategic Global Drive for the 'Nats Brand
The New Zealand plan accelerates an ambitious international strategy under the festival's current owners, the Out There Group. This follows the launch of Summernats USA, which is scheduled for March at two venues in Florida. Promotional material promises the American version will feature classic Summernats staples: a massive cruise route, Skid Row, show car competitions, and the ever-popular burnout demonstrations.
Under the stewardship of Lopez and his business partners, the Canberra event has grown significantly, now attracting up to 130,000 visitors over its four-day run. Lopez paid tribute to the festival's late founder, Chic Henry, who started Summernats in 1987. "It's just fantastic for this event that the late great Chic Henry created... to see it grow and become so popular and an icon of Australia and the US," he stated.
Evolving from Macho Past to Mainstream Success
The global growth coincides with a deliberate evolution of the festival's culture. In its early decades, Summernats was notorious for rowdy behaviour, sexist conduct, and street disturbances in Canberra. The current ownership has actively worked to clean up its act, recognising that a purely macho, boorish image was not sustainable for serious commercial expansion.
Lopez, described as a shrewd businessman, emphasised planning and community relations. "We thank the government. I'm going to thank the ACT police, Access Canberra Roads, emergency services, fire, all of that support that is given to this event," he said during the 2026 launch. He argued that government support stems not just from economic benefit but because the festival now showcases Canberra in a positive, vibrant light.
With its roots firmly in the Australian capital and its sights set on international horizons, Summernats is proving that a festival built on petrol-head passion can successfully export its unique, high-energy flavour to the world.
