Off-Track Entertainment

Good times for the whole family over the rare spares rockynats weekend

The Rare Spares Rockynats 05 family entertainment program will be filled with events, competitions, hands-on activities and entertainment spread across all three main Rockynats precincts.

All off-track entertainment is included in the ticket price - there’s no more to pay. Check out the full program from Rare Spares Rockynats 04 here.(PDF, 2MB)

Both the young and the young at heart love the Rockynats buzz - what’s not to love about exploring everything on offer in Rockhampton’s iconic CBD and around the Showgrounds? Then there’s the drive to the high-octane Buddy’s Fire Burnout precinct, or a unique Rockynats Water Taxi ride back to the CBD.

Concerned about accessibility? We’ve got you sorted. There’s accessible parking at all precincts, plus free bus transport every 15 minutes. If you don’t want to park, just pick up a scooter for the short hop between precincts. And when you need a rest, there’s no shortage of great cafes, outdoor areas and restaurants to refuel you and the family.

Live music

There’s nothing like live music to bring a festive atmosphere. Stay tuned throughout the year for announcements about our 2025 music line-up. There’ll be tunes to suit all ages.  

At Rockynats 04 we rocked out at the Showgrounds Precinct on Good Friday with the supergroup The Filthy Animals who brought all legends and all classic rock! The Choirboys turned Saturday night into a night not to be missed, while the Full Throttle Awards and dance party on Sunday giving entrants and spectators an opportunity to celebrate the weekend. There’s always a bar, plenty of food choices and seating undercover at the Showgrounds.

Support artists in 2024 were Tennessee Lights, Jason Rigby Band, Larren Bean, Chris Bax Band, Average Like Barry, Kenny and the Nitro Rockers, Raining Roses, Louise James FX, Racheal Dee and MATH performing throughout the 3 day event.

In 2023 legendary rockers Dragon, celebrating 50 years as a band, brought the nostalgia and latest hits. Judging by the mosh pit that quickly formed with an enthusiastic crowd that kept yelling for more, Dragon hit just the right note. 

Family events

Rockynats is proud to go the extra mile to cater for all ages and preferences, bringing in arena entertainment with a regular program running the whole long weekend.

Hot Wheels Stunt Team

In 2023 and 2024 we saw the Hot Wheels Stunt Team led by Stuntman Matt Mingay, who’s been in the professional sports action athlete game for 25 years. Their crazy program had the crowds cheering in the grandstands several times a day. The Hot Wheels Team always deliver a great family program. Check out their massive semi as part of their display, plus Hot Wheels tables and tracks for the kids to play for free.

Outdoor Classic Cinema

Outside the arena, be sure to catch the Friday and Saturday night classic outdoor cinema experience at the Showgrounds Precinct. Entrants can watch from the comfort of their car or as a spectator bring along your camp chair or picnic rug - and don’t forget the popcorn and burgers from our food zone. 

Professional Wrestling

Wrestling Allegiance Rockhampton, along with a stellar lineup of invited wrestlers, holds on adrenaline-pumping pro wrestling displays throughout Rockynats. Hosted inside a pavilion at the Autobarn Showgrounds, the crowd gets involved cheering on the underdog and booing the villains. It’s all in the name of fun and theatrical talent - but with huge and awe-inspiring athletic ability and serious muscle.

The Wrestling Allegiance of Rockhampton puts on a good show. With 20 talented wrestlers featuring in over 40 matches across the 2024 long weekend, this off-track element brings excitement for fans old and new.

In the style of 60s, 70s and 80s pro wrestling phenomenon, the Rockhampton club has big plans for more thrilling action and will be sure to bring back the ‘King of Rockynats’ prize - and many more.

Family-friendly competitions

Yes, there’s room for you if you’re keen to join in one of our classic competitions at Rockynats - Mulletfest, the RockabillyNats pageant or the Tattoo competition.

RockabillyNats

The hugely popular RockabillyNats competition is all about fun, individuality and creative flair. Sit back and enjoy the fun of a pageant as the entrants show off their style, and cheer them on for ‘having a go’.

What’s it all about? Competition host Cherry Bombshell says that the RockabillyNats Pinup Competition is an opportunity for participants to meet like-minded individuals and make life-long friendships.

Our finalists showed off their talent at the Showground Precinct on Friday with loads of support for our RockabillyNats. Not ready to compete professionally but would love to hop on stage? Join CQ Pinups on stage Sunday as part of their Beginners Fashion Parade. 

Follow the CQ Pinups Facebook page for more information.

Mulletfest

Although Rockynats is held on the banks of the mighty Fitzroy River, there’s no fish in sight - it’s all about the hair. If you’re wanting to step up and shake your mullet locks all for a good cause, start growing it now for 2025.

The mighty Mulletfest explained

Mulletfest celebrates the hairstyle that’s business at the front, party at the back. Mulletfest is open to entrants young and old, and fundraises for a great cause. The atmosphere is great and entrants of all ages enjoy massive crowd encouragement - some players even dress in theme.

This iconic event raises money and awareness for the Mark Hughes Foundation, providing research and care for those who have been diagnosed with brain cancer. Mulletfest organiser Laura Johnson runs similar events right around the country.

Tattoo Competition

The tattoo competition needs no explanation if you’ve got awesome ink. Just show up and show off to the judges and spectators - that’s all there is too it. Proudly presented by the awesome team at Mulletfest. 

Stay tuned for updates on our off-track program!