2026 SEMA Show
Event Date: Friday, November 6, 2026 Location: Las Vegas Convention Center
Photos and blog by Henry Ma / PHM
Here we go again, another year, another SEMA Show, which officially starts on Tuesday but that’s all reserved for people that’s actually in the automotive industry. So what’s a guy to do that don’t quite belong? You buy your way in. About 3 years ago, SEMA created this new mash up called SEMA FEST. (It’s basically a concert) but they mix in the automotive flavor (as the backdrop) I recall prior to SEMA FEST they’ve tried to do this concert thingy offsite and I assumed that didn’t go well (just for logistics reason)
They’ve got the space, they already paid for the spot, so why not just make SEMA FEST on-site? Great idea! We can make more $$$ while we’re at it. So what’s SEMA FEST? It’s a concert really, most of the cars are actually OUTSIDE the area where SEMA FEST is being held (on the parking next to South Hall, see below)
And there you have it, within the red circle there really isn’t much to it. I recall checking it out during the initial year, first there’s no in and out (at least not for GA) There really isn’t much you do once you’re inside other than the music. The Drift part they’ll have (2) sessions for the night but again these are something you can see during the day. The money you spent for SEMA FEST honestly goes toward to the headliners. If you don’t care about who’s playing, don’t bother paying extra for SEMA FEST, it’s not worth it in my opinion (if you’re not a fan of the headliners) Also note the way they have the stage setup you’re going to get a shitty view (if you’re GA) You’re better off watching it from the top parking lot of Renassisance hotel (no joke)
Anyway, enough SEMA FEST trash talk, let’s check out SEMA Show itself.
Everything you see in the above it’s FREE to access, that’s right, in case you didn’t know, everything OUTISDE anyone can access (without a badge) there’s no security checking credentials. But you will need a badge to get inside any of the halls (North, South, Central, West)
Above: Optima section outside with the drift track next to SEMA FEST. Also free to access!
Above: End of South Hall where you need to go for your badge
Above: Very cool Liberty Forged wheels, I almost wanted to roll my dice in there!
Above: Vanessa and Veronica working at Corleon Forged wheels booth South Hall
Above: Natalia Marie working at UnAuto wheels booth South Hall
Above: I think this guy is lost, hey buddy, Area 51 is over there!
Above: Who doesn’t love some Big Ass Fans?? lmao
Above: Scored free shirt from Carlyle Tools, you just got to complete a quick survey. 🙂
Above: This truck is.. HUGE!
Above: Another section outside you can access for FREE!
Above: Toyo Tires, you know when there’s a line there’s FREE stuff
Above: Smoking a 420 while selling ice cream, nice!
Above: Upcoming Karma Kaveya, hyper car or vaporware? And is someone really going to spend 300-400k given Karma’s track record isn’t exactly great.
Above: I have no idea what this is.. looks like a prop from MAD MAX movie. Supposed to be a Ford Model T with tank tracks
Above: The Vegas Savage sponsored by HKI Air Suspension, congrats!
Above: USA! USA! Very cool setup! Portable Car Hoist
Above: Outside Central Hall, they finally finished construction! So many people.. so little time.
Above: This is what the new Central inside (remodel) looks like. Basically more of the same like the new West Hall.
Above: Models at Traxxas booth signing posters on Friday (Central Hall)
Above: Central Hall is just a mad house!
Above: When did Gabriel Iglesias aka Fluffy has his own booth at SEMA like what?!? Outside North Hall
Above: North Hall is also a mad house! Make sure you bring ear plugs this is the sound hall! lol
Above and below: Pumpkin Prowler… and yes this is a custom GOLF Kart! lol
Above: My dream car if I can afford one.. KTM X-Bow GT-XR (yes it sounds like an arrow!)
Above and below: West Hall drift track was popping! Make sure to take advantage of FREE Tesla loop to get around between halls.
Below: SEMA FEST was popping, I guess there are a lot of music lovers!
And there you have it. There are quite a few models I’ve missed. 🙁 Such a large venue truly need all 4 days. I’ve tried to cover all the halls (South, lower and upper, outside Central, inside Central, North, West both inside and outside) probably took 5 hours total but that’s just skimming thru it. If I have more time (and days) I would definitely try and walk every aisle possible.
Definitely look forward to next year again. For those planning to go Friday, make sure you grab your tickets EARLY. Prices don’t go down, they go up! I believe I’ve paid $99.99 (taxes included) for the Friday experience and I’ve purchased my ticket back on May 4th!
Anyway, see you next year! November 2nd till 5th, 2027