NitroFest 2026

ROCKINGHAM, N.C. — The countdown is on for one of the biggest weekends in motorsports history in North Carolina, and it all begins in downtown Rockingham.

The City of Rockingham, Richmond County Tourism Development Authority, the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), and Rockingham Dragway are proud to announce NitroFest, a free community celebration on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. around Harrington Square in downtown Rockingham.

NitroFest will officially kick off the inaugural NHRA Nationals at The Rock, marking the first-ever NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series national points event to be contested at historic Rockingham Dragway. The three-day national event, scheduled for September 25-27, 2026, will serve as the second of six races in NHRA's Countdown to the Championship playoffs, bringing the stars of NHRA Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle to Rockingham, North Carolina, as championship contenders battle for valuable playoff points.

Before engines roar down the quarter-mile, fans will have the opportunity to celebrate with an unforgettable evening in downtown Rockingham.

Country music trailblazer Colt Ford will headline the evening with a free concert beginning at 7:45 p.m., following autograph and meet-and-greet sessions with some of NHRA's biggest stars from 6:30 p.m. until 7:15 p.m.

NitroFest will also feature:

• NHRA driver autograph sessions and meet-and-greets
• Motorsports and automotive vendors and displays
• Race cars on display
• A free Kids Zone sponsored by Pee Dee Electric featuring bounce houses, inflatable slides, a rock climbing wall and face painting
• Food trucks serving a variety of local favorites
• A beer garden hosted by Rockingham Dragway
• NHRA, team and event merchandise
• A drag racing practice tree competition
• Family-friendly activities and interactive experiences celebrating the return of nitro-powered racing to The Rock

Admission is free, making NitroFest the perfect opportunity for families, race fans and visitors to experience the excitement of NHRA while enjoying an evening of entertainment, food and community fellowship in the heart of downtown Rockingham.

The NHRA Nationals at The Rock is expected to attract thousands of competitors, crew members and fans from across the country, generating a significant economic impact for Richmond County while showcasing the area's hospitality, attractions and vibrant downtown.

Whether you're a lifelong drag racing enthusiast or experiencing NHRA for the first time, NitroFest offers something for everyone.

Thursday, September 24, 2026
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Harrington Square
111 E. Washington Street
Rockingham, NC

Then experience history as the NHRA Nationals at The Rock take over Rockingham Dragway September 25-27, 2026, for the first NHRA national points event ever held at one of drag racing's most legendary venues.

For event information, lodging opportunities and everything happening throughout NHRA Nationals weekend, visit VisitRichmondCounty.com and RockinghamDragway.com.

Secure your seats here: https://nhra.evenue.net/list/RN1

The event is designed to be affordable for the entire family:

• Kids 12 and under receive FREE General Admission.
• Children 12 and under can also purchase reserved seats for just $25 in non-premium seating locations.
• Every event ticket includes pit access, giving fans the opportunity to get just feet away from their favorite NHRA drivers and race cars throughout the weekend.
• Free parking is available for all spectators.
• Active military, veterans, and first responders are eligible for special discounted ticket pricing through GOVX at: https://offers.govx.com/event/offers/

A free Kids Zone has become a signature part of our downtown festivals, and thanks to the generous support of Pee Dee Electric, families will once again enjoy an evening packed with fun at NitroFest on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in downtown Rockingham.

Kids can enjoy inflatables, a rock climbing wall, games, and more—and every activity in the Kids Zone is completely FREE! It's the perfect place for families to make memories while celebrating one of the biggest weekends in drag racing history at Rockingham Dragway with the inaugural NHRA Nationals at The Rock.

But NitroFest isn't just for the kids! The evening will also feature:
🏁 NHRA Driver Autograph & Meet-and-Greet
🎶 Live concert by Colt Ford
🏎️ Automotive and racing vendors & displays
🌮 Food trucks
🍺 Beer Garden hosted by Rockingham Dragway
…and plenty more surprises!

For more than 80 years, Pee Dee Electric has been dedicated to providing safe, reliable electric service to thousands of homes, farms, and businesses across the Sandhills and Pee Dee regions of North Carolina. As a member-owned electric cooperative, Pee Dee Electric is committed to strengthening the communities it serves, making them an outstanding partner for this family-focused event.

Please join us in thanking Pee Dee Electric for helping make the NitroFest Kids Zone a free, fun experience for families throughout our region. We can't wait to see everyone in downtown Rockingham on September 24!

Thursday Plaza Jam is the 1st Thursday of the month's May-October on Cole Plaza (514 Rockingham Road) from 6:30pm - 8:30pm.