Rev up your Rockynats weekend!
Rocky's CBD is roaring to life!
Rockynats roars into Rockhampton 17th-19th April, bringing an adrenalin-pumping weekend of burnouts, street drags, drifting, car displays, entertainment and family fun right across our stunning CBD.
Live Rockhampton is here to help you make this most of this thrilling weekend by keeping you in the loop with extended trading hours, CBD businesses ready to welcome you and your visitors, innovative ideas and activities from local traders, and inspiration to keep your entertained throughout the three days.
Did you know that Rockynats contributed $8.1 million to the Rockhampton Region economy in 2025, and drew a record 64,388 people through the gates?
Rockhampton is open for business!
There's more than just classic cars in the CBD
The CBD takes centre stage
Rockynats roars into Rockhampton 17th-19th April, bringing an adrenalin-pumping weekend of burnouts, street drags, drifting, car displays, entertainment and family fun right across our stunning CBD.
The heart of Rockhampton comes to life during Rockynats, with the historic buildings of East and Quay streets lining the route of the Street Parade, Cruise, Street Drags and Show and Shine - but don't let your time in the CBD end there.
Our CBD has an amazing collection of shops with something for everyone, whether it's the latest fashion trends, menswear, brick-a-brac and everything in between. You can even make yourself look a million dollars, with My Place Hair and Beauty offering deals on hair and skin treatments on Friday and Saturday during Rockynats or rest, restore and rebalance at Splendiferous Health which is offering discounts through to Saturday.
From Monday 13th April, timed parking in the CBD will be temporarily relaxed to accommodate the closure of the riverbank carparks. If you're a CBD worker, please consider parking a little further away and enjoying a casual stroll so there are still spaces for customers in key shopping areas wanting to visit their favourite business.
Racing appetite?
There are plenty of pubs, restaurants and cafes to refuel and recharge during the Rockynats weekend. If your hospitality business isn't listed below, and you'd like to be added then please contact us and we'll gladly add you.
CBD Precinct
- Big Rock Brewing is rolling out grandstands so you can watch the street drags, while enjoying a locally made beer and live music
- Captain Nemo's is a Rocky institution, offering freshly made sub sandwiches Monday to Friday
- The Criterion Hotel is serving up pub favourites with fantastic views along the parade route
- Headricks Lane is a short walk from the street drags, with a tantilising menu washed down with a locally brewed beer
- The Heritage Hotel sits right beside the streets drag, and is another fantastic option for a pub feed
- The Pocket Cafe Bar is perfectly positioned between the CBD and Showgrounds precincts and is offering a 10% discount for Rockynats attendees during the event
- Sit back at Riverston Tearooms and enjoy lunch and a coffee, also along the parade route
Showgrounds Precinct
- The Lionleigh Hotel is just across the road from the Rockhampton Showgrounds and is the perfect pitstop for lunch and dinner
- Poppies Cafe is an easy walk from the showgrounds and just across the road from an adventure playground for the kids
Burnouts Precinct
Plan your Rockynats visit - this year and beyond
Looking for other events and activities to fill your weekend? Head over to the Rockhampton Regional Council website for information on other community running alongside Rockynats.
Need to book accommodation for Rockynats 07? Get ahead of the pack and find a place to stay during the 2027 event through Explore Rockhampton.
To accommodate the 64,000 spectators enjoying Rockynats, there are a few road and carpark closures to be aware of in the CBD during the event. Plan ahead to minimise disruption.
Promote your business
Is your business based in Rockhampton's CBD or doing something special for your customers during Rockynats? We want to know about it!
Tell us when you're opening and how you're revving up the weekend for your customers, and we'll spread the word right here on the Live Rockhampton website.
Tell us about your business