Rockhampton’s 2025 calendar offers 35 diverse events

Rockhampton Regional Council has unveiled its 2025 Major Events Calendar  which features over 35 diverse events across the 12-month period.

The events are expected to attract more than 250,000 tourists, visitors and spectators to the region and support the economy and hundreds of local jobs and businesses.

From adrenaline-pumping motorsports to cultural festivals, gourmet experiences to sporting events, there's truly something for everyone, every season in the Rockhampton Region.

The 2025 Major Events calendar includes key experiences like:

• Rare Spares RockyNats 05

• River Festival

• CapriCon

• 7Rocky River Run

• Pop-Up Polo

• Capricorn Food & Wine Festival

• Rockhampton Show

Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said once again the Rockhampton Region will be central for events, visitation and experiences in Central Queensland and noted “we know that hospitality, tourism and retail are key pillars of our economy and a driver of local jobs and economic activity.

“That’s why we have once again developed an event calendar – featuring Council run and private events – that will see more people coming to our region whilst giving locals those events and activities that we all love.

“Last year alone, Council's five major events generated over $16.7 million for our local economy and I am looking forward to seeing 2025 being bigger and better still.

“So, whether you’re a local, an interstate visitor or maybe even someone coming from further afield, I encourage everyone to jump online and check out what’s planned in 2025 in the Rockhampton Region.”

Advance Rockhampton Tourism and Events Manager Zac Garven said the region’s leading economic development, tourism and events agency, Advance Rockhampton, works with event operators, local small businesses and our State and Federal bodies to ensure that we are putting Rockhampton’s best foot forward.

Garven added “the 2025 Major Events calendar is now available online, allowing locals to invite their friends and family, and potential visitors to plan their trips well in advance.

“These events do more than boost our economy – they enhance the fabric of our community. When families gather at River Festival, when friends meet up at CapriCon, or when neighbours cheer together at Rocky River Run, we're building a more connected and vibrant community.

‘A strong events calendar makes Rockhampton an even better place to live, creating those moments that bring people together and give our region its unique character.”

Additional 2025 Major Event information:

• Rare Spares RockyNats 05, 4th-6th April Anticipates more than 57,200 car enthusiasts from all over Australia for a revving good time in Rockhampton to kick off the school holidays.

• Rockhampton River Festival, 25th-27th July - The River Festival is the quintessential winter festival on the Central Queensland calendar. Held in the picturesque Rockhampton Riverside Precinct, the event attracted almost 40,000 attendees in 2024, bringing art and culture to our riverside.

• CapriCon Pop Culture Convention, 30th August - The largest single-day pop culture convention in regional Queensland with more than 7,000 attendees at the 2024 event, and over 30% of those coming from out of region.

• 7Rocky River Run, 18th May - The largest fun run in Central Queensland attracts over 2,200 runners, raising funds for local charities and drawing participants from across Queensland. Race distances include 21km Half Marathon, 10km, 5km and 2km.

• Rockhampton Show, 12th-13th June - With over 32,000 attendees at the 2024 event the Rockhampton Agricultural Show continues to bring city and country together. With competitions, entertainment and carnival sideshows it’s a must attend event for the community.

The 2025 Major Events Calendar highlights major art, culture, food, entertainment and sporting events taking place across the region and can be found at www.explorerockhampton.com.au/whatson

Images from top:Rockhampton Show; Rare Spares RockyNats; 7Rocky River Run. Credit: Advance Rockhampton