Upcoming Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live dates
Dates and live ticket listings appear here as soon as they are on sale. The guide below covers what to know before you buy.
What Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live is
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live is a touring family show in which full-size monster trucks based on Mattel's Hot Wheels toy line jump, crash and perform stunts on an arena floor. It is presented by Family Entertainment Live, a family live-events company based in Woodstock, Illinois, in partnership with Mattel, and it plays arenas across North America, the United Kingdom, Europe and other international markets.
The show is aimed at children and their families rather than at motorsport fans. The trucks are characters first, styled to match the toys kids already own, and the shows are led by hosts who guide the crowd through the stunts. A performance runs about two hours, including an intermission.
The trucks and show formats
The official site lists eight trucks in the current lineup:
- Rhinomite
- Skelesaurus
- 5-Alarm
- Gunkster
- Mega Wrex
- Bone Shaker
- Tiger Shark
- BIGFOOT
Which trucks appear can vary by city and date, so a child set on seeing one particular truck should not count on it.
The tour runs under two event names. Glow Party arena events add special lighting effects to the show, and Glow-N-Fire events combine those glow effects with fire elements. The event list on the official site labels each date, which is the easiest way to tell which version a given city is getting.
Where to sit for a monster truck show in an arena
Monster trucks use the entire arena floor as their course, with action at both ends as well as the middle. That changes the usual rules about the "best" seat.
- Mid-level lower bowl is the sweet spot. Seats roughly halfway up the 100 level (the lower ring of seats around the floor) along the long sides see the whole course, including jumps at both ends, while staying close enough to feel the engines.
- Front rows are not always better. The lowest rows typically sit behind safety barriers, and small children may see the wall more than the trucks. A few rows of elevation usually improves the view.
- Center beats the corners and ends. Seats at the ends of the arena look down the length of the floor, so action at the far end feels distant. Sideline seats near center keep everything in front of you.
- The upper level is a sound budget choice. The trucks are large enough to read from height, and the noise is easier on young ears farther up.
For families, an aisle seat near a section exit makes restroom and snack trips easier during a two-hour show.
Pre-Show Party and VIP options
Two add-ons let families get closer to the trucks:
- Pre-Show Party: a separate pass that lets ticket holders onto the competition floor before the show for a close look at the trucks, plus games, contests and giveaways. According to the show's FAQ, it typically begins two and a half hours before showtime and ends about 60 minutes before the show starts, though timing varies by market. All ages are welcome.
- VIP Experience: a guided, closer look at the trucks led by the show's hosts. The FAQ lists three VIP package tiers, Full Throttle, Pedal to Metal and Start Your Engine, each with different access and perks.
If your child cares most about seeing the trucks up close, the Pre-Show Party often matters more than a front-row seat, because it puts them on the floor next to the trucks. Check whether your ticket listing includes a pass or whether it must be bought separately.
Kids, noise and planning tips
The show is loud. The FAQ strongly recommends ear protection for young children, and earmuffs are sold at the merchandise stands, though bringing your own is usually cheaper and avoids a line. Children 2 and under are admitted free when seated on a parent's or guardian's lap; older children need their own ticket.
- Plan around the intermission. It is the natural break for restrooms, food and merchandise, and lines peak then.
- Arrive early if you have a Pre-Show Party pass. It ends about an hour before showtime.
- Expect outside food to be refused. The FAQ says outside food and drinks are generally not permitted; concessions are sold inside.
Bag and entry rules are set by each arena and change over time, so check the venue's current policy before you go.
When demand peaks
As with most family arena shows, weekend performances draw the most demand, especially Saturday daytime and early-evening shows that fit young children's schedules. Weeknight shows and later weekend shows usually have more choice of seats. School holidays and three-day weekends can push demand up in a given market, and a city that hosts the tour for only one weekend tends to see tighter inventory than one with a longer run.
Tickets on GoodSeats are mostly resale, so prices can sit above or below face value, and shipping is free on every order. The current schedule is on the official Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live site and in the live event list on this page.
Frequently asked questions
How long is Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live?
The show runs about two hours, including an intermission, according to the official FAQ.
Do toddlers need a ticket for Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live?
Children 2 and under are free when they sit on a parent's or guardian's lap. Older children need their own ticket.
Is Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live loud?
Yes. The official FAQ strongly recommends ear protection for young children, and earmuffs are sold at the merchandise stands.
What is the Pre-Show Party?
It is an add-on pass that lets fans onto the arena floor before the show to see the trucks and join games and giveaways. It usually starts two and a half hours before showtime and ends about an hour before the show.
Which trucks are in Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live?
The official lineup lists Rhinomite, Skelesaurus, 5-Alarm, Gunkster, Mega Wrex, Bone Shaker, Tiger Shark and BIGFOOT. Trucks can vary by city and date.
Who produces Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live?
Family Entertainment Live presents the show in partnership with Mattel, the owner of the Hot Wheels brand.