summernats city cruise 2023

Tue, 14 May 2024

• OurCBR newsletter
• OurCBR in Easy English

Summernats 35 set to shine

The colour of Summernats will travel from EPIC to Braddon for the Summernats Fringe Festival.

03 January 2023

Summernats is back for its 35th instalment with Australia’s best-looking machines hitting the streets of Canberra from 5 to 8 January.

This year is set to be something special with more than 2700 cars entered in this year’s event, and 100,000 revved up fans expected to descend upon Exhibition Park for four days of horsepower, music and competition.

Summernats’ must-see events include:

Fringe Festival Braddon:

The streets of Braddon will be filled with the colour and cars of Summernats as the second Fringe Festival takes place from 6pm-11:00pm on Friday and Saturday night. Entrants can cruise closed streets as admirers take their place on the sidewalk or within the bars and restaurants. Fringe Festival is free for spectators.

Meguiar’s Great Uncover:

On Thursday night at EPIC there will be an unveiling of mega proportions with a line-up of never-seen-before machines on display for the first time.

Aussie rock on the main stage:

The main stage is bringing the heat this year with Aussie rock icons Jon Stevens, Diesel, Darryl Braithwaite and Shannon Noll set to put on a show for motoring fans on Friday night.

Hip-hop legends Bliss n Eso will combine with the Stafford Brothers and Brooke Evers to back up the entertainment on Saturday night.

Rubber will be burned on Skid Row. Kicking off from 1pm on the first day of Summernats 35, all 2700+ entrants can let their tyres smoke.

Drift Cadet:

Fancy a ride in a Drift Car? Jump in the passenger seat for a ride or leave it to the pros as you watch a drifting demo.

Grab your ticket to Summernats and witness all the action.

Please be aware there will be several street closures and traffic impacts for the festival.

Road Closures and traffic impacts

City Cruise: Thursday 5 January 2023, 12pm-1pm.

• Sections of the Federal Highway and Northbourne Avenue will be subject to rolling closures from Flemington Road to the intersection of London Circuit and Northbourne Avenue.

Summernats Fringe Festival: Friday 6 and Saturday 7 January 2023, 4pm-11:00pm daily.

• Lonsdale Street, Braddon will be closed between Cooyong Street and Girrahween Street.
• Mort Street, Braddon will be closed between Cooyong Street and Girrahween Street.
• Elouera Street, Braddon will be closed between Northbourne Avenue and Torrens Street.

Other road closures: Flemington Road will be closed between the Federal Highway and Randwick Road at the following times:

• 7 am to midnight on Thursday 5 January 2023
• 7 am Friday 6 January to 1 am Saturday 7 January 2023
• 7 am Saturday 7 January to 1 am Sunday 8 January 2023
• 7 am to 7 pm Sunday 8 January 2023.

Stirling Avenue will be closed between Knox Street and the Federal Highway from 10 am Thursday 5 January to 7 pm Sunday 8 January 2023.

Public Transport

All information relating to travelling to EPIC and planning your trip to Summernats can be found on the Transport ACT website.

Visitors should note that the EPIC Park & Ride will be closed during Summernats, from Thursday 5 January until 7pm Sunday 8 January 2022.

To assist with travel to the event, there will be increased frequency to light rail services during the peak event hours on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 January 2023. For patrons who do not have a MyWay card, tickets for bus and light rail travel can be purchased from ticket vending machines at all light rail stops, major bus interchanges and the Canberra Airport.

Share this article:

Subscribe to the OUR CBR newsletter

Get the latest stories in your inbox

Connect on social media

Related stories

Popular tags

More from our cbr.

Significant upcoming work on Sulwood Drive and Athllon Drive is set to benefit drivers, walkers and cyclists.

The Development Application has been submitted for planned upgrades to the heritage complex.

The ACT’s new public transport ticketing system is expected to launch in November.

The international comedy series filmed in the ACT will air on ABC in June.

More than just a web version.

Download PDF versions of Our CBR.

Subscribe to the Our CBR email newsletter

Our CBR is the ACT Government’s key channel to connect with Canberrans and keep you up-to-date with what’s happening in the city. Our CBR includes a monthly print edition, email newsletter and website.

You can easily opt in or out of the newsletter subscription at any time.

HerCanberra

Everything you need to know about canberra. one destination., everything you need to know about road closures for summernats 2023.

Posted on 3 January, 2023

The act government has released the dates, times and locations of the summernats city cruise and fringe festival 2023, so here’s what you need to know..

The Summernats 35 car festival will be held from Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 January 2023 at Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) and there will be a number of road closures and changed traffic arrangements put into place for the event, including across Braddon, the broader city centre and Northbourne Avenue.

Here’s how to make sure you avoid road closures and stay ahead of public transport changes.

City Cruise

When: Thursday 5 January 2023 from 12 pm to 1 pm

Where: Sections of the Federal Highway and Northbourne Avenue will be subject to rolling closures from 12 pm to 1 pm on Thursday 5 January 2023. The rolling closures will be in place from Flemington Road to the intersection of London Circuit and Northbourne Avenue.

Effects on traffic and public transport

• The rolling closures will close intersections along sections of the Federal Highway and Northbourne Avenue as the cruise passes.
• Traffic management will be in place around the rolling closures.
• The rolling closures will apply to all traffic including motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.
• Delays are expected.
• Road users should seek an alternate route where possible.
• Light rail services will not be operating between Alinga Street and Sandford Street stops from 12 pm to 1 pm. Partial services will continue to operate between Gungahlin Place and Sandford Street only during this time.
•  The last full northbound service travelling from Alinga Street to Gungahlin Place will depart at 11:40 am. The first full service will resume at 1 pm.
• The last full southbound service travelling from Gungahlin Place to Alinga Street will depart at 11:40 am. The first full service will resume at 12:50 pm.

Summernats Fringe Festival

When: Friday 6 and Saturday 7 January 2023, 4 pm to 11 pm daily.

Where: The below closures will be in place from 4 pm to 11 pm daily on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 January 2023.

• Lonsdale Street, Braddon will be closed between Cooyong Street and Girrahween Street.
• Mort Street , Braddon will be closed between Cooyong Street and Girrahween Street.
• Elouera Street , Braddon will be closed between Northbourne Avenue and Torrens Street.

Effects on traffic

• Lonsdale Street , Mort Street and part of Elouera Street will be closed to general traffic, but will remain open for pedestrians and local residents.
• Traffic management will be in place around the closures.
• Delays are expected in the area and motorists are advised to seek an alternate route where possible.

Other road closures

Flemington Road will be closed between the Federal Highway and Randwick Road at the following times:

• 7 am to midnight on Thursday 5 January 2023
• 7 am Friday 6 January to 1 am Saturday 7 January 2023
• 7 am Saturday 7 January to 1 am Sunday 8 January 2023
• 7 am to 7 pm Sunday 8 January 2023.

Stirling Avenue will be closed between Knox Street and the Federal Highway from 10 am Thursday 5 January to 7 pm Sunday 8 January 2023.

• These closures will apply to all regular traffic.
• Signage and detours will be in place.

Effects on public transport

• The EPIC Park and Ride facility will be closed during the Summernats 35 car festival – from 7 am Thursday 5 January until 7 pm Sunday 8 January 2023.
• People who wish to use the EPIC Park and Ride facility are asked to use the nearby Park and Ride facilities at Well Station Drive or Swinden Street.

Changes to bus services

• Summernats attendees can travel to and from the event on regular Transport Canberra bus services. Regular fares apply.
• Due to road closures in place, bus route 18 will be diverted from the first service (approximately 6 am) on Thursday 5 January 2023 to the last service (approximately 8 pm) on Sunday 8 January 2023. No bus stops will be missed.
• Changes to light rail services
• Changes to light rail services during the City Cruise are detailed above.

During Summernats, there will be increased frequency to light rail services during the peak event hours on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 January 2023 at the following times:

• Friday 6 January 2023 from 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm.
• Saturday 7 January 2023 from 8:30 am to 12 pm (noon) and from 8 pm to 11:30 pm.

Customers are encouraged to plan ahead using the TC  Journey Planner .

For patrons who do not have a MyWay card, tickets for bus and light rail travel can be purchased from ticket vending machines at all light rail stops, major bus interchanges and the Canberra Airport.

For information on road closures visit  cityservices.act.gov.au .

For information on transport options visit  transport.act.gov.au .

Feature image courtesy of Summernats

Related Posts

Your cheat sheet for the Enlighten Festival

Have no idea what this ‘Enlighten’ thing is we keep banging on about? Allow us…

Our Managing Editor shares her podcast, book and show recommendations for summer

“What did I even watch and read this summer…?” That was the question I asked…

Comments are closed.

Are you all about this beautiful city?

Sign up to our newsletter.

• Name * First Last
• Email Address *
• Food + Drink

GIVE REGULARLY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Summernats returns with a roar, bigger than ever before.

Summernats 35 Fringe Festival Braddon media launch, 2022. Photo: James Coleman.

The annual four-day festival of tyre smoke, mullets and noisy engines that don’t fit under the bonnet properly is returning to Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) for its 35th iteration.

Co-owner Andy Lopez said Summernats 35 will be the “biggest ever”, starting on Thursday, 5 January 2023, with a cruise up and down Northbourne Avenue.

“We have 2700 cars booked in – we actually had to put up the ‘sold out’ sign for car entries for the first time,” he said.

“It’s a great indication of the strength of the event and the love for it.”

READ ALSO SUVs like VW’s new T-Roc might help with a very Aussie problem

Tens of thousands of visitors from interstate and overseas are expected to descend on Canberra over the four days to watch all things fast and furious – not to mention the music line-up – bringing millions of tourism dollars and “life and colour of a different kind”.

“One thing about Summernats is it shows off Canberra in a completely different light,” Andy said.

“For that one weekend of the year, it becomes Australia’s capital of cool.”

Summernats was founded in 1988 by the late Chic Henry, who died in April 2022. Andy and his wife took it over in 2010. They began moving it away from its chequered past of strip shows and wet T-shirt contests and towards a more family-friendly event designed to showcase the effort and money Australia’s petrolheads pour into their cars. Think burnout competitions, noisy cruises and static car shows.

“All the guys and girls put so much work and passion into their cars,” Andy said.

“This is also our first Summernats without the founder and creator of the show, so we’ll be remembering and celebrating him throughout the show with little touches.”

For the second time, Braddon will also host hundreds of the entrant vehicles for the free Fringe Festival car show, harking back to when the inner-city suburb was largely populated by car dealerships, mechanic’s workshops and the odd car meet.

The City Renewal Authority (CRA) said this followed “positive feedback from the community, business and residents”.

“This event will bring economic benefit to Braddon and the surrounding area once again, attracting people into the precinct to eat, drink and shop in what is traditionally a quiet time of the year for the city,” CRA CEO Malcolm Snow said.

READ ALSO You’re driving along and a kangaroo jumps out in front of you – what should you do?

In 2022, the Fringe Festival triggered an 87 per cent increase in non-resident visitation to Braddon.

ACT Minister for Business and Better Regulation Tara Cheyne said the ACT Government welcomed the economic return for local businesses and attractions.

“We know that before the pandemic, Summernats welcomed more than 40,000 visitors from interstate and internationally and delivered an economic return of $30 million over the four days,” she said.

“Even with the challenging conditions in January 2022, we still welcomed 25,000 interstate visitors and $20 million return, which is a fantastic achievement.”

Max Edwards can’t remember a year when he and his family didn’t attend Summernats.

“I’ve grown up around Summernats and been there every year I’ve been alive, as far as I’m aware,” he said.

The 24-year-old won the first Young Street Machine of the Year award at the last Summernats with his heavily modified 2005 Toyota Crown Majesta.

“The interest in cars really picked up as soon as I got my licence when I realised I didn’t want to drive around in a normal car,” he said.

With YouTube videos and handy friends by his side, he painstakingly changed “pretty much every panel” on the white luxury sedan over 18 months to make it wider, faster, louder and lower. Much lower.

“I spent an hour this morning trying to get it over a speed hump,” he said.

READ ALSO Canberra fitness influencer commits the rest of his life to providing ‘supercar experiences’

Glenn Munday and his 1972 Holden HQ SS have attended Summernats since its inception. The Aussie classic still has the original entry sticker on the windscreen and badge in the engine bay to prove it. It was also the first car to let its tyres rip at the burnout pad.

“I’ve had this car since I was 18 and completely rebuilt it from the ground up in 1983.”

Glenn said he’s drawn by the atmosphere and the people.

“Every year, you meet more people, so as well as being a great big party, you get to catch up with people from all over Australia.”

Summernats 35 will be held at EPIC from Thursday, 5 January, to Sunday, 8 January. A variety of day or all-weekend passes are available online . Lonsdale Street will be closed between 4 pm and 11 pm on Friday, 6 January, and Saturday, 7 January, for the Fringe Festival.

Join the conversation

• All Comments
• Website Comments
• Facebook Comments

Why do these SummerNat hoons come to Canberra? I know, it’s because our police force is hopeless. Just look at the damage done to Lonsdale Street (and to many other places). Black tyre marks everywhere the giveaway of the “burnout” and a sure sign that our police constables are doing anything except enforcing common sense standards of good and safe behaviour on the roads.

Yep! And get rid of Floriade as well. All those cars backed up on Commonwealth Avenue, from City Hill to Parli house. Every day for a month! All those exhaust gases being pumped into the atmosphere as they idle while pedestrians cross the the Ave at Regatta Point. And don’t get me started on the high pollen count during Floriade!

Summernats should be relocated to Western Sydney.

Yep, get rid of Floriade too. All those idling cars on Commonwealth Ave, banked up from City Hill to Parli House. Every day for a whole month – waiting for pedestrians to amble across between the carpark next to the lake and Regatta Point. Imagine how much pollution is pumped into to atmosphere over that month. And don’t get me started on the higher pollen count!

I cycle there. There are also buses. These ways of getting there need to be better advertised.

What's Trending

Online reporting portal for dangerous driving increases 'anywhere anytime' policing.

Our police service is under resourced, and our officers are undervalued. Once you’re up at… View

Coalition's super housing plan is a first home owners grant on steroids: Don't fall for it

Haha, Excel is a wonderful tool and most databases are exportable these days. Looking further at the… View

Capital Retro asks if people are happy for Super Funds to make for-profit investments in housing… View

Fair enough. I used only the one source for the comment. To be comprehensive, I hope you're up for… View

Long-promised upgrades to major Tuggeranong roads underway

Quicker than you can say 'election coming' ACT Labor starts the pork barreling... View

Long overdue! It's a wonder that there hasn't been major major accidents in this area. View

Great, more signs to fade under four years of sun...waiting, waiting View

'No one else's child should almost have to die': Mother's fight to change diabetes management in schools

Speaking as a long term type 1 diabetic, it seems the student was suffering high blood glucose, and… View

Canberra photographer says recent aurora australis is 'the largest display I've seen in 20 years'

The new byd seal might just be the best car to come out of china yet (pity about the names), brindabella trefoil guild calls on knitters to make winter warmer for canberra's needy, floods close south coast roads, high tide forecast for 11am, where are the brumbies fans it remains a mystery, national folk festival looks to leaner event after horror financial result for 2024, featured properties, today's poll.

Should Canberra get rid of escooters?

• Yes, they're dangerous and a hazard
• No, they're convenient and encourage active travel
• No, but they require more regulation to keep riders and pedestrians safe

View Results

Featured Businesses

BDN has provided legal services to to Canberra, Queanbeyan and the region for over 160 years.

Mortgage Brokers

A passionate team of Canberrans helping other Canberrans secure their home loans. No frills, no commissions, no brainer.

Professional Services

DFK Everalls is a Canberra-based, multifaceted accounting and financial services firm that provides private and business clients with comprehensive financial and strategy tax advice.

Commercial & Office Cleaning Specialists

Bliss Solutions provides their clients with custom built cleaning service packages to suit their individual requirements.

Through a spirit of entrepreneurialism, collaboration, and future-forward thinking, we have earned an industry-leading reputation and a huge base of long-lasting client partnerships that are built on a foundation of trust and respect.

Podiatrists

The Walking Clinic has perpetuated an attitude of excellence in foot health provision. The experienced Podiatric team provide current and innovative care to all patients.

Custom Promotional Products and Merchandise

BrandPro’s in-house design team has created award-winning promotional campaigns that have opened new doors for organisations, large and small.

Solar Panel Installers

SolarHub has helped more than 12,000 customers reduce their energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions by harnessing the power of the sun.

Frerejean Frères Champagne Dinner

Ralph heimans: portraiture. power. influence., mexican fiesta at midnight hotel, gelli printing: make an artist book 6-week masterclass at tuggeranong arts centre, related stories.

Cars will be cruising into Braddon for an extra night this Summernats

Headline act Jimmy Barnes pulls out of Summernats

'Record-breaking' Summernats rolls in for four days of burnouts, mullets and a lot of money

Jimmy Barnes' Summernats replacement named

Probing the polls: Christmas trees and Summernats - it must be January in Canberra!

Jimmy Barnes takes to the stage for Summernats' 35th anniversary

Summernats 36 rolls into Canberra with high hopes (and a warning from police)

Car dealerships batten down the hatches as Summernats rolls in

Police investigating Summernats incidents shared to social media

Daily digest.

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

Street Machine Summernats 2023 survival guide

Everything you need to know if you're heading to street machine summernats 35, 5-8 january, share this:.

It’s that time of year again! We’re limbering up for what’s promising to be the most spectacular instalment yet of Australia’s biggest horsepower party, Street Machine Summernat s 35, which rolls into Canberra 5-8 January 2023.

Over 2700 car entries and all Platinum spectator passes sold out months ago, so it’s very likely that we’ll see record crowds pouring through the gates over all four days to smash some slushies and watch tyres get sent to tread cemetery.

Speaking of which, with that many cars on hand, you can guarantee Skid Row will be pumping hard all weekend, while the burnout pad will again host the best of the best for both the Burnout Masters and Burnout Championship titles , as combatants vie for over $40K in prize money across both classes.

Records are looking to get broken indoors as well, with Summernats staff hinting there could be over 30 brand-new builds being unveiled in the Top 60 Elite Hall during the Meguiar’s Great Uncover , which has now moved to Thursday night to really kick the weekend off in a big way.

We suspect the other reason the unveilings have been moved forward is because Friday night will be all about the killer line-up on the music stage. Aussie rock legends Shannon Noll, Diesel, Daryl Braithwaite and Jon Stevens will rock the main stage all night long, kicking off at 6pm.

Our friends at MPW will be in the dyno hall all weekend running tuning workshops and the Haltech Horsepower Heroes dyno competition , while outside, the fan-favourite lawn mower racing will be kickin’ up grass from Friday, as well as a special celebrity mower race on Saturday. The Canna Main Arena will also play host to Fashions on the Field, the body art comp, and of course the mullet competition.

The Drift Cadet crew will be back once again doing demos and ride-alongs all weekend in their sliding machines, while Tuff Street will showcase Australia’s gnarliest machines right next to Skid Row.

The Fringe Festival held in the streets of Braddon is also back and even bigger this year. Held on Friday and Saturday nights from 6pm, it’s where you can see all manner of wild Summernats entrants cruising the streets.

Combine all that with the Saturday-afternoon Supercruise and Brooke Evers, The Stafford Brothers and Bliss N Eso performing on Saturday night, and this is shaping up to be the best Street Machine Summernats yet!

Highlights:

The action on Skid Row kicks off from 1pm on Thursday, where any entrant can blaze tyres at full noise without getting kicked out!

Meguiar’s Great Uncover

If you thought last year was a big one for unveilings, it ain’t got nothin’ on what ’Nats 35 has in store.

There’s going to be over 30 cars being shown for the very first time, and it’s also been moved to Thursday night to give the punters an extra day to gawk at the immaculate machines.

Fringe Festival

The Summernats Fringe Festival returns to Braddon this year, where organisers shut down a large portion of Canberra’s CBD from 6pm until late to allow Summernats entrants to cruise the streets and hit the bars and restaurants. It’ll make for an awesome atmosphere, and will be running both Friday and Saturday nights.

Music acts!

It’s an Aussie rock fest Friday night on the main stage , with Shannon Noll Diesel, Daryl Braithwaite and Jon Stevens kicking arse from 6pm.

Grand Champion award

The road to Summernats Grand Champion gets serious on Sunday morning, with the motorkhana and go-to-whoa events on the pad from 11am, before the Grand Champ is crowned at 12:30.

More awards!

Silverware also gets handed out for Tuff Street, PPG Supreme and the Haltech Horsepower Heroes.

Burnout Masters

The Burnout Masters return to the pad on Saturday for the final eliminations before Sunday’s Top 10 shootout. They’ll light up the crowd from 4pm.

Mowers & Mullets

Saturday is a massive day on the main stage, with body art and mullet competitions , the celebrity mower race, and the traditional twilight Supercruise.

Don’t be a goose!

As you may know, Summernats 34 got pretty wild on the cruise route on the Saturday afternoon. The ’Nats team let it roll on a bit more than usual on that occasion because we’d all been locked up for two years.

However, ACT Police and WorkSafe have made it very clear that we all need to keep our cool on the cruise route like we normally do.

The ’Nats team work hard to keep punters away from your pride and joy, so do your bit to help keep everyone safe and enjoying the event. If you muck up on the cruise route, you may be removed from the show and could be that person who gets the event closed down. For a day, or forever.

So rip a skid at Skid Row. Do burnouts on the burnout pad. Cruise on the cruise route. It’s that simple.

Street Machine merch!

Our merchandise stand will be back in the Rare Spare Pavilion this year, with our brand-new LITRE8 T-shirt on offer. We’ll also have books, stickers, hats, tank tops and a whole lot more, so make sure you come say g’day and grab some SM swag.

Thursday 05 Jan

The first day of Summernats used to just be about sign-in, getting through scrutineering and jumping on the beers, but it’s now morphed into one of the most important days of the whole weekend.

Cruising kicks off at 9am, with Skid Row opening gates at 1pm.

For the burnout warriors, Thursday afternoon plays host once again to the Last Chance Wildcard Shootout for the Burnout Masters, with 33 drivers hanging it all out for a final opportunity to secure a spot in Saturday’s eliminations.

For the first time ever, the Meguiar’s Great Uncover has been moved forward to Thursday night, so the Elite Hall is going to be packed to the brim as the covers are pulled off a record 31 never-before-seen builds. The Top 60 finalists show will also be in the mix from 7pm.

It’s all going to make for a huge first day!

07:00-20:00: Entrant camping check-in & scrutineering 09:00-21:00: Cruise route open 11:00-22:00: Public gates open 12:00-13:00: City Cruise 13:00-20:00: Skid Row 16:00-18:00: Last Chance Wildcard Shootout 19:00-21:00: Top 60 Finalists Show 19:30-20:30: Meguiar’s Great Uncover

Friday 06 Jan

The second day of ’Nats 35 sees the dyno hall kick into gear for both the Haltech Horsepower Heroes comp and MPW tuning masterclasses, while the Drift Cadets get sliding from 9am for demo sessions and passenger rides.

The Tuff Street showcase gets underway, and while the Masters take a break, the Burnout Championship eliminations hit the pad from 1pm.

The Fringe Festival in Braddon will see local streets bustling with Summernats entrants from 6pm ’til late, while on the Canna Main Stage, a mega-concert featuring Aussie rock legends Shannon Noll, Diesel, Daryl Braithwaite and Jon Stevens gets underway from 6pm.

09:00-20:00: Public gates open 09:00-21:00: Cruise route open 09:00-20:00: Haltech Horsepower Heroes 10:00-15:00: Tuff Street Showcase 11:00-20:00: Skid Row 13:00-18:00: Burnout Championship eliminations 18:00-23:00: Braddon Fringe Festival 18:00-23:00: Concert: Shannon Noll, Diesel, Daryl Braithwaite, Jon Stevens

Saturday 07 Jan

Saturday is historically the biggest day of any Summernats, and this year will be no exception. It’s a massive day on the Canna Main Stage, with Fashions on the Field, body art and mullet contests all day.

There’ll also be the celebrity mower race, as well as silverware handed out for the Elite judging and Tuff Street.

The burnout action ramps up as well, with two sessions for Burnout Championship eliminations, before the Burnout Masters hit the pad for their knockout round at 4pm.

The traditional Supercruise around the main arena will lead into music acts DJ Brooke Evers, The Stafford Brothers and Bliss N Eso, with the night topped off with a fireworks spectacular. And remember, kids, there’s still one more day to go!

09:00-10:00: Motorkhana 09:00-16:00: Street Finalists display 10:00-15:00: Tuff Street final judging 11:00-20:00: Skid Row 11:00-13:00: Burnout Championship eliminations 13:00-13:30: Celebrity Lawn Mower Race 13:30-14:00: Fashions On The Field 14:00-14:30: Body Art Nationals 14:30-15:00: Mullet Competition 14:00-16:00: Burnout Championship eliminations 15:30-16:00: Elite awards 16:00-18:00: Burnout Masters qualifying 18:00-23:00: Fringe Festival Braddon 19:00-20:00: Supercruise 20:00-22:45: Concert: Brooke Evers, The Stafford Brothers, Bliss N Eso 22:45-23:00: Fireworks

Sunday 08 Jan

Sunday is the last day of the Summernats, and it’s a day of silverware all across the EPIC precinct as champions are crowned.

Earlybirds can head to the burnout pad to watch Australia’s mintest machines duke it out in the motorkhana and go-to-whoa for Australia’s ultimate show car prize, Street Machine Summernats Grand Champion.

The PPG Supreme display is also a highlight of Sunday morning, with their awards handed out later in the day.

The MPW dyno cell hosts the finals for the Haltech Horsepower Heroes, and after lunch the Burnout Championship finals get underway.

From 3pm, 10 of Australia’s best burnout combatants will face off for ultimate bragging rights and a huge cash prize in the Burnout Masters final face-off, and then Summernats 35 comes to a close as everyone packs up and reminisces about what’ll doubtless be a Summernats for the ages.

09:00-17:00: Public gates open 09:00-10:00: Go-to-Whoa 09:00-14:00: Skid Row 09:00-16:00: Cruise route open 09:30-11:30: PPG Supreme display 10:00-13:00: Haltech Horsepower Heroes finals 11:00-12:00: Grand Champion driving events 12:00-12:30: Magnificent Seven presented 12:30-12:45: Grand Champion presentation 13:00-15:00: Burnout Championship finals 15:00-16:00: Burnout Masters finals 17:00: Summernats close

Street Machine Summernats 36 survival guide

All the info you need to make the most of the 36th edition of the ultimate horsepower hoedown

Video: Summernats 36 day four

Street Machine Summernats 36 came to a close yesterday at Exhibition Park in Canberra in fine style.In today’s video, we check out the gold in the PPG Supreme display, follow the Grand Champion shoot out, meet this year’s Street Champion and watch the Haltech Horsepower Heroes finals. On the burnout pad, the action was rounded […]

Grinspoon to rock Street Machine Summernats 36

Check out the live music line up for Street Machine Summernats 36

Your guide to Summernats 2023

Hear that rumble?

Canberra's 35 th Summernats is back from Thursday, with souped-up cars and Daryl Braithwaite raw and ready to go, for four days of auto action.

But while 2022 was "pretty mad", organisers will be running a tighter ship this year.

"We let it roll a bit more than usual because we'd all been locked up for two years," organisers wrote.

"ACT Police and Worksafe have made it pretty clear to us that we all need to keep our cool on the cruise route like we normally do.

"If you muck up on the cruise route you may be removed from the show, and could be that person who gets the event closed down. For a day, or forever.

"So rip a skid at skid row. Do burnouts on the burnout pad. Cruise on the cruise route. It's that simple. Don't be that person."

So, here is your guide to a (relatively) tame 2022 Summernats:

Thursday, January 5

Everyone in Canberra will be able to admire the hottest and most-hotted up cars on Thursday.

Cars will be cruising along Northbourne Avenue from 12pm , starting from EPIC, heading down Flemington Road, the Federal Highway and then join Northbourne Avenue southbound, before turning back via London Circuit.

• 11am: Public gates open
• 12pm: Summernats City Cruise
• 1pm: Skid Row
• 4pm: Last Chance Shootout Wildcard Burnouts
• 6:30pm: Top 60 finalists show
• 7:30pm: Meguiar's Great Uncover
• 12am: Venue closed
• All day: Cruising, Traders and Exhibitors

Friday, January 6

Daryl Braithwaite and Diesel will be rocking out during Friday's four-hour "mega Aussie rock show" , alongside DIESEL, Night Train, Shannon Noll and Jon Stevens.

Unfortunately Jimmy Barnes had to pull out due to back and hip surgery.

• 9am: Public gates open, Drift Cadet Drift Rides
• 10am: Tuff Street Monsters show; Summernats Burnout Championship Eliminations
• 11am: Skid Row
• 6pm: Concert (Night Train, Shannon Noll, DIESEL, Daryl Braithwaite, Jon Stevens), Braddon Fringe Festival
• All Day: Shannons Show 'N' Shine, Haltech Horsepower heroes, Cruising, Traders and Exhibitors, Top 60 Finalists Show, Modified Lawn Mower Racing, Grass Driving Events

Saturday, January 7

The biggest prize on the ACT calendar will be awarded on Saturday to Summernats' best mullet.

Award-winning hairdresser Claudia Cataldo warns competitors to throw away the shearers and head to a professional .

• 9AM: Public gates open, Drift Cadet Drift Rides
• 11am: Skid Row, Summernats Burnout Championship Eliminations
• 1:30pm: Fashions on the Field, Body art Nationals Competition, Dirty Mullet Fest
• 2pm: Summernats Burnout Championship Eliminations
• 4pm: Burnout Masters Qualifications
• 6pm: Summernats Super Cruise, Braddon Fringe Festival
• 8pm: Concert (Brooke Evers, Bliss N Eso, Fireworks Spectacular, Stafford Brothers)
• 1am: Venue Closed

Sunday, January 8

On Sunday, the Grand Champion will be announced. It is a pretty tough gong to grab, with 2022's winner spending 40 years preparing for the competition.

Burnout Masters and Awards will also be taking place from 3pm.

• 9am: Public gates open, Drift Cadet Drift Rides, Skid Row
• 9:30am: PPG Supreme Entrant Display
• 10am: Modified Lawn Mower Racing Finals
• 11am: Haltech Horsepower Heroes, Final Showdown, Grand Champion, Motorkhana and Go-Whoa
• 12:30pm: Street Machine Summernats Grand Champion Award
• 1pm: Summernats Burnout Championship Final
• 3pm: Burnout Masters Final 10 Faceoff
• 4:15pm: Burnout Awards
• 5:00pm: Summernats 35 closes
• All Day: Cruising, Traders and Exhibitors, Top 60 Finalists Show

We've made it a whole lot easier for you to have your say. Our new comment platform requires only one log-in to access articles and to join the discussion on The Canberra Times website. Find out how to register so you can enjoy civil, friendly and engaging discussions. See our moderation policy here

BREAKING: A controlled explosion frees the Dali container ship trapped beneath the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore 

Cruise ship worker accused of stabbing 3 people with scissors on board vessel bound for Alaska

JUNEAU, Alaska — A cruise ship worker from South Africa was arrested Tuesday in Alaska’s capital city, accused of attacking a woman and two security guards with scissors on board the vessel, according to authorities.

The U.S. attorney’s office says the man is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon within maritime and territorial jurisdiction. Online court records do not show an attorney for the 35-year-old man.

According to an affidavit from FBI Special Agent Matthew Judy, the man was recently hired by a cruise line and joined the ship, the Norwegian Encore, in Seattle on Sunday. The ship set off that day for a weeklong trip with scheduled stops in Alaska ports, including the capital of Juneau, and British Columbia.

The alleged incident happened west of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, as the ship was sailing to Alaska. According to the affidavit, during the “late evening” Sunday, ship personnel saw the man trying to deploy a lifeboat, and he was taken by security to a medical center for an evaluation.

While there, he “became irrational and attempted to leave,” and “physically attacked” a guard and a nurse, the affidavit states. He ran into another room, where he grabbed a pair of scissors and stabbed a woman who was being examined, as well as two guards who tried to intervene before being subdued and held in a “shipboard jail,” the affidavit says. None of the injuries were considered life-threatening.

The ship arrived in Juneau on Tuesday, when he was arrested by the FBI, the U.S. attorney’s office says.

The Associated Press

Cruise Routes (Interactive Map)

Request a quote download brochure

Russian River Cruises

• Find your cruise
• Moscow — St. Petersburg
• Moscow — Astrakhan
• Astrakhan — St. Petersburg
• St. Petersburg
• Cruise Highlights
• News & Travel Tips

Russia is again welcoming travelers!

• A negative PCR test is all that's needed to enter Russia
• Regular flights are now operating to / from Russia
• Visas can be issues quickly (Volga Dream provides your invitation)
• All Volga Dream personnel and guides are fully vacinated
• Bookings are transferable without penalty for 12 months
• Volga Dream arranges PCR-tests if needed for your outbound flight

Check our COVID-19 Policy page to learn more.

Lorem Ipsum

Luxurious river cruises in russia.

Explore authentic Russian cities. Enjoy premium service and engaging activities as you sail the Volga River.

2022 Cruise Season

Join our signature small group journeys and cruise in luxury along the Russian Volga river!

The Russian Odyssey

An extended 'South to North' view of Russia from Astrakhan to St. Petersburg through Moscow.

Explore Moscow, St. Petersburg and Russia’s Golden Ring in greater depth. Stay at gorgeous Four Seasons hotels. Enjoy special access to iconic cultural sites.

Lower Volga

Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience cruising the Volga river from Moscow to Astrakhan. The tour includes 2 nights in Moscow.

Find Your Cruise

Select destination Moscow — St. Petersburg Moscow — Astrakhan Astrakhan — St. Petersburg

View all months

A Volga river cruise is more than a geographical voyage; it’s also a journey through Russia’s rich and captivating history. No other experience takes you so completely to another place and time. The Volga is Europe’s longest and largest river; it meanders through the stories of Ivan the Terrible and his rise to power, the two historic ‘Greats’ Peter and Catherine, and then on into today. It’s a unique opportunity to see modern Russia in the context of its intriguing history, ably assisted by friendly and professional academics and tour guides. A Volga Dream Russian river tour promises to leave you with an unforgettable afterglow of fond memories.

Moscow to St. Petersburg River Cruise

Moscow and St. Petersburg are Russia’s best-known cities, but the towns of Russia’s historic Golden Ring are delightful too. The luxurious Volga Dream offers a unique opportunity to visit these Russian gems by sailing gently along the Volga River on an unforgettable cruising experience. In small, exclusive groups you’ll enjoy preferential access to some of Russia’s most significant cultural sites.

Moscow to Astrakhan River Cruise

Your River Cruise on the luxurious MS Volga Dream takes you from Moscow along Russia’s grand Volga River to the legend that is Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad) and Astrakhan on the Caspian Sea. Along the way, you’ll discover the treasures of Yaroslavl, the oldest city on the Volga, medieval Nizhniy Novgorod and beautiful Kazan, the ancient Tatar capital. We plan our tour carefully to combine the very best of Moscow with a world-class Volga River cruise.

Discover Russia with MS Volga Dream - Click-through map

We love hearing from guests about their time in Russia and one comment often hear is how surprised people are by the Russian capital. We can’t say for certain what people expected but we do know that it’s always far removed from what they imagined! It’s been called a modern metropolis, a cosmopolitan city, an historic gem, an architectural treasure and a cultural powerhouse, among other descriptions. Majestic Moscow has always surprised our guests and left them with lasting and fond memories.

Russia’s famous Golden Ring is an archipelago of historic towns surrounding Moscow. Uglich is one of the oldest and was founded under Igor, the last Varangian prince. It once resisted the Mongol invasion and its ancient walls saw the grisly murder of young Dmitri, son of Ivan the Terrible. The impressive Church of St. Dmitri on the Blood, with its classic onion domes and blood red walls, is a fine example of classic Russian architecture. The tour ends with an enchanting choral concert.

This, the oldest city on the Volga River, and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts a wealth of ancient orthodox treasures. The impressive Transfiguration of the Savior, adorned with murals depicting St. John’s apocalyptic visions can be seen in the Spassky Monastery. The Church of St. Elijah the Prophet is decorated with an awe-inspiring selection of rich frescoes. For a real taste of pre-revolutionary Russia, visitors are entertained by a costumed reception at the Governor’s House.

Close to the shores of White Lake once were the ‘tsar’s fishing grounds’. It lies in a place so serene that ancient monks chose to build no fewer than three holy sites here, including the Ferapontov Monastery. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, its chapels boast magnificent frescoes by Dionysius, one of Russia’s most renowned icon painters. The Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery was a refuge for many nobles during tumultuous times and later a fortress that successfully repelled invading armies.

The Karelia region is a vast and naturally beautiful wilderness that spreads all the way from St. Petersburg to the Arctic Circle. The glorious island village of Kizhi consists almost entirely of the traditionally styled wooden buildings of ‘Old Russia’. Among them is the famous Transfiguration Church built in 1714. Remarkably, and in testament to the craftsmen of the time, not a single nail was used in its construction! Kizhi is one of the favorite stops on the river cruise to St. Petersburg.

A typical rural hamlet brought to life by warm and welcoming villagers. Volga Dream guests are invited into local homes to enjoy classic Russian fare, tea with jam and ‘pirozhki’ (pies). Enthusiastic hosts share Russian traditions and the appeal of village life while proudly showing off their scrupulously kept homes and kitchen gardens. The tour continues with a brief bus ride to see a unique World War II memorial and then, for a real glimpse of Russian life, a visit to a local primary school.

Nizhny Novgorod

This was once a wealthy city thanks to its proximity to rich eastern trading routes. During the Soviet era, the city was closed to outsiders because of its military importance. It’s also where many political prisoners were sent to live out their days in exile. The 16th-century Kremlin ramparts offer spectacular views and the city is known for its elaborately decorated churches. For Volga Dream cruise guests, the highlight of the day is an evening folk concert performed by local children.

Sailing along the Volga river, the riverbank gradually ceases to be dominated by Orthodox churches. Instead, beautiful mosques appear as the river crosses into Tatarstan where the first stop is scenic Kazan, the region’s capital. Inside the white walls of the citadel, the famous Kul Sharif mosque and the old Cathedral of Peter and Paul stand side-by-side symbolizing the two faiths’ long and peaceful coexistence in the region. A concert of traditional Tatar music ends the Volga Dream tour in Kazan.

Passing the Zhigulevskie Mountains offers wonderful views from the sundeck before touring the city. One of the key attractions is the fascinating Space Museum, which offers a revealing glimpse of how the Soviet Union pursued its ambitious journey to the cosmos. The town is also noted for its beautiful esplanade, perfect for a relaxed stroll beside the Volga river. This in turn leads to the Samara State Art Museum. Founded in 1897, it is home to a collection of more than 16,000 works of art.

This city is best known for its close associations with cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin. The Russian hero who achieved worldwide fame as the first man in space lived and studied here. Saratov used to be home to a large German community, a heritage that can still be seen in the local architecture. The Volga Dream tour visits the Radishchev State Art Museum, the first picture gallery in Russia outside Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Originally called Tsaritsyn, the city was renamed Stalingrad from 1925 to 1961 in honor of the USSR’s leader. During World War II, the city’s residents put up a heroic defense, repelling an advancing Nazi invasion. The battle for Stalingrad has gone down in history as a pivotal moment in the bloody conflict on the eastern front. The most ferocious and deadly fighting took place on Mamayev Hill, where an imposing memorial now stands close to the excellent Battle of Stalingrad Panorama Museum.

Saint Petersburg

If Moscow surprises, then St Petersburg delights. Peter the Great founded the city to showcase Russia’s newfound enlightenment. He wanted to show the modern world a cultured and advanced society. In short, he built the city to impress and in that he succeeded splendidly! The striking buildings were designed by some of the finest architects Europe had to offer and even now, the ‘Venice of the North’ never fails to enchant with its spectacular buildings and impressive canal network. It is a city of true grandeur.

Cocktails with the Captain

Commanding any ship is a complex role that calls for a long list of skills. Captains know their vessels inside out as well as well as the routes they sail and when things don’t go to plan, they have to make instant decisions. Above all though, the most important part of the job, underpinning everything they do, is to keep the ship and everyone aboard safe. The Captain’s cocktail party is a great and a wonderful opportunity for passengers and crew to get acquainted as the gets underway.

Matryoshka doll painting

There is nothing more typically Russian than a Matryoshka. It embodies the fact that there’s always something deeper to be found in every aspect of Russian life. Learning the traditional designs and techniques used to decorate these iconic dolls offers a pleasant diversion and some cathartic creativity!

Superb Service & Dining

Our restaurant serves the highest standard of international cuisine, freshly made by our Cordon Bleu Chef. Choose either a sumptuous buffet or set menu for lunch while dinner is always four or five courses with full service. High praise for the exquisite quality of meals is yet another constantly recurring feature in feedback from our guests.

Meet the Professor

From the Mongol hordes to Soviet times, Russia’s history is, like all of Europe’s, a complex web of political intrigue, war and peace, trade and treaties, as well as heroes and villains. Academics devote whole lifetimes to studying Russia’s long past and one of them presents a series of lectures shedding light on everything from Gorbachev to Chekhov, Khrushchev to Ivan the Terrible and of course, contemporary Russia. Our Professor is on board throughout the river cruise for informal conversation.

Beginner’s Russian

The Russian language can be rather beautiful and poetic and we know that many seasoned travelers enjoy trying their hand at different languages. Our onboard teachers provide an introduction to the riches of Russian, so guests can try out a few useful words and phrases on real Russians during the exciting river tours from Moscow to St. Petersburg or from Moscow to Volgograd!

Russian tea tasting

The drink we tend to associate with Russia is vodka, but tea, in fact, is the much more universal beverage of choice throughout the country. Guests will get acquainted with the Russian tea etiquette, a fundamental component of the country's social culture, and enjoy the traditional tea ceremony while cruising from St. Petersburg to Moscow or taking a Grand Volga river tour.

Russian Dinner & Vodka Tasting

All our dining is international but for Russian Dining night, the Chef includes a selection of traditional Russian dishes: Chicken Kiev, Kulebyaka and no Russian table is complete without Borsch. To add to the ‘Taste of Russia’ optional Russian dress, or at least a touch of Russian style, is provided along with enthusiastic help from our staff!

Russian Cooking Class

A plate of pelmeni might not look like much to the untrained eye, but it forms the heart of Russian cuisine and culture. Basically, it's a type of dumpling: small portions of meat and onion wrapped in a thin sheet of unleavened dough and boiled, a little like ravioli. Guests can join a Russian cooking class onboard the MS Volga Dream to learn how to cook this delicious Russian dish.

Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov Piano Recital

Some of the greatest classical music ever written comes from Russia. It’s hard to imagine a more fitting stage for a virtuoso solo recital by our resident concert pianist than the mighty Volga or a better backdrop than the heart of Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov’s own serene homeland.

Russian River Cruise Aboard Volga Dream

Moscow to St. Petersburg

Why Volga Dream

Family Owned & Operated

MS Volga Dream is Russia’s only family-owned river cruise ship. She can accommodate up to 100 guests, far fewer than most other cruise ships on the river making for a uniquely friendly and intimate atmosphere aboard.

Five-Star Central Hotels

We at Volga Dream are completely convinced that, our guests should stay in great 5-star hotels in Moscow and St. Petersburg within comfortable walking distance of all the major attractions, theaters and restaurants, rather than having to waste time in traffic.

Luxurious Accommodation

The MS Volga Dream is the most intimate and elegant 5-star cruise vessel in Russia. She boasts 56 cabins, all river facing, ranging from comfortable Standard Cabins to spacious Junior Suites and the luxurious forward facing Owner's Suite.

Russian Cultural Experience

Explore Russia's past with the help of professional tour guides. Our on-board program includes fascinating talks on Russian history and politics, Russian language lessons, a festival of Russian cuisine (including vodka tasting!), and much more.

Gourmet Dining

Our on board restaurant serves international cuisine to the highest standard, all freshly made by our Cordon Bleu Chef. For Russian Dining night, he prepares a selection of traditional Russian dishes: Chicken Kiev, Kulebyaka and Borsch.

Tailored Service

All our service crew members are native Russians who are fluent in English and handpicked by the Owner. Proudly, the Volga Dream is famous for her hard working and very hospitable personnel who take care of every aspect of your life aboard.

Download Our Brochure

It's never been easier to plan your next holiday in Russia. Download our free brochure to learn more about authentic Russian river cruises.

Escape the hassle and bustle and add a satisfyingly informative element to your trip and bring together a colorful mosaic of people, history, traditions,  religion, music and art. These are the many strands that time has woven into what is known today as Russia.

What people are saying

Jacqueline Lapwood

Great Britain

Rick Dowden

United States

Alexander Powell

Monique Verbrugge

Peter & Annemieke English

Philippa Calnan

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Sign up for our newsletter and keep up to date with the latest offers, savings and news at Volga Dream

Quick Links

Summernats opens with the annual city cruise down Northbourne Avenue

They came from near and far, and rumbled the national capital in a way that broke the record books.

Subscribe now for unlimited access .

(min cost $ 0 )

Login or signup to continue reading

Participants in the annual Summernats city cruise this year numbered 500 vehicles, far and away the largest turnout seen since 2005, when the public event had to be disbanded because of unruly behaviour by drivers and onlookers.

Holdens and Fords dominated the street parade right down through the model years, with a smattering of US-built Chevrolets, Lincolns and Camaros thrown in for good measure.

A lone Volkswagen Beetle and a couple of Toyotas were rolled out, their owners bravely mixing it with the locally made product.

Thousands of Canberrans, some bringing fold-up chairs and eskies containing their beverage of choice, lined Northbourne Avenue for the cruise, which limited all participants to a modest 40km/h.

Police led the pack with a VF Holden SS V8 pilot car - ironically one of the very last to roll out of the Elizabeth factory before production was ended in 2017, and Roads ACT generated a "green light corridor" for the cruise but the sheer volume of street-registered modified cars meant the parade rolled on and on for around half an hour.

Such was the volume of cars this year that they had to be fed out of the Exhibition Park mustering area from two separate gates.

The cruise rolled down Northbourne Ave, made a U-turn at London Circuit and headed back, this year - for the first time - having to contend with the vagaries of light rail, which operates under a separately modulated traffic light system to the vehicle traffic.

• Photos of Summernats 2022 city cruise in Canberra city
• Summernats campers told to pack up and leave if COVID symptoms develop
• Ratty interloper joins a polished many as Summernats kicks into gear
• Five things to do in Canberra this weekend

Police reported no incidents from the cruise, and the four tow trucks which tailed the pack were not needed.

Gates opened at 11am on Thursday to the public, with attendance this year capped at 20,000 per day in accordance with the COVID safety plan organisers developed with ACT Health. Masks are required to be worn at all indoor venues.

The forecast rain on Thursday failed to eventuate until very late in the day, when a storm cell rolled over Exhibition Park as the last of the wildcard entries were in action on the burnout pad.

Meanwhile, in the main judging pavilion, the elite cars - those that will not be driven but will stay as static displays throughout the event and judged on the quality of elements such as engineering, paint and design - remained anonymous under their dark shrouds, waiting for the so-called Great Uncover on Friday evening.

Thursday's spectator numbers appeared to be down on previous years, although entry numbers are up. Flemington Road will be closed to through traffic for the duration of the event, as are the main gates.

Entrants were still arriving on Thursday, keeping the scrutineering bays busy.

SUMMERNATS DAY TWO

Friday Highlights

• 9am: Judging restarts
• 9am: Show'n'shine in main arena
• 9am: Horsepower Heroes
• 10am Lawnmower racing
• 4pm: Grass driving events
• 6pm: Braddon Fringe Festival
• 7.30: Great Uncover of elite cars

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:

• Bookmark canberratimes.com.au
• Download our app
• Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
• Follow us on Twitter
• Follow us on Instagram

Peter Brewer

Telling the truth and holding agencies accountable must matter to us all. It's also important to tell the story well, and factually. Contact me at [email protected]

Advertisement

Get the latest Canberra news in your inbox

Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date.

We care about the protection of your data. Read our Privacy Policy .

Russian River Cruises 2024

« All Events

• This event has passed.

25th Annual Cruise the World — 2023

March 5, 2023 @ 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm.

Cruise the World is an annual event organized by the University of Idaho’s International Programs for the community to come together and experience the numerous cultures represented at the University of Idaho. This year, we anticipate having around 20 different countries display booths, some selling food, and performing at the event. Cruise the World will be held on Sunday, March 5 from 12-4pm at the Bruce M. Pitman Center. Admission is free. Food will be available to purchase with cash only.

• Google Calendar
• Outlook 365
• Outlook Live

Change Location

Find awesome listings near you.

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Personal finance
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

What are tactical nuclear weapons and why did Russia order drills?

FILE - In this photo taken from a video distributed by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service, on Dec. 9, 2020, a Russian Tu-160 strategic bomber fires a cruise missile at test targets, during a military drills, Russia. The Russian Defense Ministry said that the military will hold drills involving tactical nuclear weapons – the first time such exercise was publicly announced by Moscow. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP, File)

FILE Russian President Vladimir Putin, center, walks to attend a welcome ceremony with Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov prior to their talks in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023. Putin has repeatedly reminded the West about Moscow’s nuclear might in a bid to discourage it from increasing military support to Kyiv. (Pavel Bednyakov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File)

FILE - In this photo taken from video released by the Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024, a Su-25 warplane is seen from the cockpit of another such aircraft as they fire rockets on a mission over Ukraine. The Russian Defense Ministry said that the military will hold drills involving tactical nuclear weapons – the first time such exercise was publicly announced by Moscow. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP, File)

FILE - This photo taken from video provided by the Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Feb. 19, 2022, shows a Yars intercontinental ballistic missile being launched from an air field during military drills in Russia. The Russian Defense Ministry said that the military will hold drills involving tactical nuclear weapons – the first time such exercise was publicly announced by Moscow. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP, File)

FILE - In this photo taken from video provided by the Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022, The Russian army’s Iskander missile launchers take positions during drills in Russia. The Russian Defense Ministry said that the military will hold drills involving tactical nuclear weapons – the first time such exercise was publicly announced by Moscow. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP, File)

FILE In this photo released by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, Russian troops load an Iskander missile onto a mobile launcher during drills at an undisclosed location in Russia. The Russian Defense Ministry said that the military will hold drills involving tactical nuclear weapons – the first time such exercise was publicly announced by Moscow. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP, File)

FILE Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko watch military drills via videoconference in Moscow, Russia, Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022. The Russian military on Friday announced massive drills of its strategic nuclear forces. Last year, Russia moved some of its tactical nuclear weapons into the territory of its ally Belarus that neighbors Ukraine and NATO members Poland, Latvia and Lithuania. (Alexei Nikolsky, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File)

FILE Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko shake hands during a meeting of the Union State Supreme Council in St. Petersburg, Russia, Monday, Jan. 29, 2024. Last year, Russia moved some of its tactical nuclear weapons into the territory of its ally Belarus that neighbors Ukraine and NATO members Poland, Latvia and Lithuania. (Dmitry Astakhov, Sputnik, Government Pool Photo via AP, File)

FILE - This photo taken from video provided by the Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022, shows a Russian Iskander-K missile launched during a military exercise at a training ground in Russia. The Russian Defense Ministry said that the military will hold drills involving tactical nuclear weapons – the first time such exercise was publicly announced by Moscow. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP, File)

FILE - In this photo taken from video provided by the Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022, Su-30 fighters of the Russian and Belarusian air forces fly in a joint mission during the Union Courage-2022 Russia-Belarus military drills in Belarus. The Russian Defense Ministry said that the military will hold drills involving tactical nuclear weapons – the first time such exercise was publicly announced by Moscow. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP, File)

FILE - In this photo released by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on April 20, 2022, a Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile is launched from Plesetsk in northwestern Russia. The Russian Defense Ministry said that the military will hold drills involving tactical nuclear weapons – the first time such exercise was publicly announced by Moscow. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP, File)

FILE - In this photo taken from video released by Russian Defense Ministry Press Service on April 14, 2023, a Belarusian air force pilot speaks at an unidentified location. The video said that Belarusian air crews have completed a training course in Russia on using nuclear weapons. The Russian Defense Ministry said that the military will hold drills involving tactical nuclear weapons – the first time such exercise was publicly announced by Moscow. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP, File)

FILE - In this photo taken from video released by the Russian Defense Ministry Press Service, a long-range Tu-160 bomber takes off from a base in Russia to patrol Belarus’ airspace on Nov. 11, 2021. The Russian Defense Ministry said that the military will hold drills involving tactical nuclear weapons – the first time such exercise was publicly announced by Moscow. (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service via AP, File)

• Copy Link copied

Russia’s Defense Ministry said Monday that the military would hold drills involving tactical nuclear weapons — the first time such an exercise has been publicly announced by Moscow .

A look at tactical nuclear weapons and the part they play in the Kremlin’s political messaging.

WHAT ARE TACTICAL NUCLEAR WEAPONS?

Unlike nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missiles that can destroy entire cities, tactical nuclear weapons for use against troops on the battlefield are less powerful and can have a yield as small as about 1 kiloton. The U.S. bomb dropped on Hiroshima during World War II was 15 kilotons.

Such battlefield nuclear weapons — aerial bombs, warheads for short-range missiles or artillery munitions — can be very compact. Their small size allows them to be discreetly carried on a truck or plane.

Unlike strategic weapons, which have been subject to arms control agreements between Moscow and Washington, tactical weapons never have been limited by any such pacts, and Russia hasn’t released their numbers or any other specifics related to them.

WHAT HAS PUTIN SAID ABOUT NUCLEAR WEAPONS?

Since launching the full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly reminded Western nations about Moscow’s nuclear might in a bid to discourage them from increasing military support to Kyiv.

Early on in the war, Putin frequently referenced Moscow’s nuclear arsenal by vowing repeatedly to use “all means” necessary to protect Russia. But he later toned down his statements as Ukraine’s offensive last summer failed to reach its goals and Russia scored more gains on the battlefield.

Moscow’s defense doctrine envisages a nuclear response to an atomic strike or even an attack with conventional weapons that “threaten the very existence of the Russian state.” That vague wording has led some pro-Kremlin Russian experts to urge Putin to sharpen it to force the West to take the warnings more seriously.

Putin said last fall that he sees no reason for such a change.

“There is no situation in which anything would threaten Russian statehood and the existence of the Russian state,” he said. “I think that no person of sober mind and clear memory could have an idea to use nuclear weapons against Russia.”

WHY DID RUSSIA SEND NUCLEAR WEAPONS TO BELARUS?

Last year, Russia moved some of its tactical nuclear weapons into the territory of Belarus , an ally that neighbors Ukraine and NATO members Poland, Latvia and Lithuania.

Belarus’ authoritarian president, Alexander Lukashenko , had long urged Moscow to station nuclear weapons in his country, which has close military ties with Russia and served as a staging ground for the war in Ukraine.

Both Putin and Lukashenko said that nuclear weapons deployment to Belarus was intended to counter perceived Western threats. Last year, Putin specifically linked the move to the U.K. government’s decision to provide Ukraine with armor-piercing shells containing depleted uranium.

Neither leader said how many were moved — only that Soviet-era facilities in the country were readied to accommodate them, and that Belarusian pilots and missile crews were trained to use them. The weapons have remained under Russian military control.

The deployment of tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus, which has a 1,084-kilometer (673-mile) border with Ukraine, would allow Russian aircraft and missiles to reach potential targets there more easily and quickly, if Moscow decides to use them. It has also extended Russia’s capability to target several NATO allies in Eastern and Central Europe.

Follow the AP’s coverage of the war at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine