Police broke up a burnout gathering at Braddon; Summernats begins Thursday with car events, music, and fireworks.

Police dispersed a group of Summernats fans who performed burnouts on Lonsdale Street in Braddon on Tuesday night, with about ten vehicles involved before officers arrived. The festival, set to draw 130,000 visitors, officially begins Thursday with a car cruise on Northbourne Avenue. ACT Policing warned of increased enforcement against dangerous driving and a visible presence throughout the event. Heat near 40 degrees is expected, prompting organizers to distribute 50,000 ice blocks. Events include car parades, burnout competitions, and a Saturday night concert with DJ Chunky Dip and Peking Duk, plus fireworks. Summernats has historically contributed $46.6 million to the ACT economy, with over 47,000 interstate and international visitors in 2025.