2027
Enthusiast Fringe Festival
Summernats 39
Braddon, Canberra Australia

Gallery

See the videos & photos from January 2026 and January 2025

Where?

Braddon CBD
Lonsdale St, Braddon, Canberra

When?

2027
7th, 8th & 9th January

Time?

5pm to 11pm
each evening

Home » Community » Events » Enthusiast Fringe Festival at Braddon

What is the Enthusiast Fringe Festival?

Kicking off in Braddon back in 2022, the Fringe Festival brought a fresh vibe to the Summernats weekend, turning the suburb into a proper nighttime hangout for car lovers. Now under the Enthusiast Fringe Festival banner, it continues to light up Braddon once the sun drops — V8s rumbling, lights glowing, and Lonsdale St packed with more Street Machines than you can poke a stick at.

It’s a cruisy, family-friendly spot to check out Summernats cars up close, whether you’re there with the kids early or hanging around later to grab a beer and talk cars. With pubs, cafes and restaurants all staying open, it’s the perfect place to park up, wander the streets and soak it all in.

The Enthusiast Fringe Festival has become a must-do part of the Summernats weekend — relaxed, welcoming, and all about enjoying great cars, good company and a cold one or tasty meal while you’re at it.

Spectators Guide to Enthusiast Fringe Festival

Access: Only pre-approved Summernats car entrants can drive and park on Lonsdale Street for this event. Spectators, can park in nearby car parks or side streets.

Spectator Guide – What to See & Do:

  • Cruise to Lonsdale St in Braddon: Catch the cars arriving from 4:30 pm.
  • Enthusiast Tent: All the cool kids hang out here 😉
  • Waves Car Wash: Check out some wildcard cars on display.
  • DJ’s: Head to the roundabout for music and atmosphere.
  • Servos at each end of Lonsdale Street: If you’re lucky, you’ll catch some JDM cars here.
  • Bars & Restaurants: Grab a bite or a drink while taking it all in.

How to get to the
Enthusiast Fringe Festival at Braddon

Cars : You must have a pre-approved entry pass for your car. Cars to enter from Elouera St. and parking on Lonsdale St. 

Spectators : We recommend getting the Light Rail. It is only a 15min trip from Summernats. If driving, you will need to park in one of the nearby secure car parks, or on the nearby side streets

See over 50 of the best Street Machines from Summernats each evening

GRAB DINNER AND A DRINK

Braddon and the wider Canberra area are spoilt for choice when it comes to places to eat. Here are some quick links to help you plan your visit:

Summernats 39
2027 tickets on sale

Quick links for all your Summernats information

Videos from the
2026 Enthusiast Fringe Festival

Thursday
night

Friday
Night

Saturday
Night

Photos from the
2025 Fringe Festival