In exciting news for rev heads across the country, the future of Australia's ultimate festival of wheels is locked in for the next five years. This expansion secures Red CentreNATS (RCN) in Alice Springs through to its 16th year in 2030.
The festival's 2026 dates are also confirmed, with the event expanding to four days of adrenaline-fueled action from Thursday, September 3 to Sunday, September 6, 2026. The program will again feature Australia's largest street parade, showcasing everything from hot rods and motorbikes to elite and vintage rides cruising through the heart of town.
RCN is proudly supported by the Northern Territory Government and is delivered in partnership with the Out There Group, the team behind celebrated motoring events like Summernats and the National Drag Racing Championship. This five-year guarantee is a significant commitment to supporting a major event in Alice Springs, recognising its positive economic and social impact on the community.
Building on the success of 2025, the 2026 festival will again feature popular new program elements, including a reimagined Show 'n' Shine precinct at Lasseters and an extended cruise route. The RCN Fringe Festival will also return in collaboration with the Alice Springs Town Council's iconic night markets.
Red CentreNATS started over a decade ago as a unique automotive festival, celebrating custom car culture and a special permit allowing unregistered vehicles to cruise public roads. The event has since grown into a large-scale gathering for enthusiasts nationwide, featuring burnouts, drag racing, and Show 'n' Shine competitions against the iconic Outback backdrop.
The event's success is well documented. Independent research found that RCN 2024 generated a total expenditure stimulus of $6.79 million for the Northern Territory, with $5.1 million being new money to Alice Springs. The event also contributed 14,284 visitor nights, and an impressive 95.2% of Territory attendees agreed that the festival has a positive impact on the Alice Springs community.
Registrations for entries and tickets for Red CentreNATS 2026 are officially open at: redcentrenats.com.au [http://redcentrenats.com.au/]
Quotes from Northern Territory Major Events Company Executive Director, Aimee Luxton:
"It's exciting to announce that the future of Red CentreNATS is guaranteed for the next five years. This significant commitment ensures we can continue to grow and evolve this ultimate festival, just as we've seen with the expansion of the Fringe Festival, extending the program over four fantastic days."
"Red CentreNATS is a fantastic reminder of how a major event can benefit an entire community. It's not just a boost for tourism and hospitality; it also provides significant support for businesses that service the events industry, the motoring trade, and even those along the iconic routes taken by entrants on their way to Alice Springs."
Quotes from Out There Group Managing Director, Andy Lopez:
"Red CentreNATS brings people and their incredible cars and bikes from all over the country, and the whole town comes alive. With the event now locked in until at least 2030, we've got plenty more years of good times and unforgettable experiences ahead in one of the best places in Australia to party with your mates and your machines."
Quotes from Alice Springs Council CEO, Andrew Wilsmore
"Red CentreNATS has become a much-loved highlight of the Alice Springs events calendar, drawing visitors from near and far and creating unforgettable experiences for our community."
"Council is proud to continue its partnership in supporting such an iconic event that showcases our town. We welcome this ongoing commitment and look forward to helping Red CentreNATS continue to grow and thrive in Alice Springs."
