Headlining the outdoor excitement is Nitro Circus Moto Mayhem, where some of the world’s most daring freestyle motocross riders will soar above the crowd, twisting through the air in displays of technical precision and fearless creativity. Attendees will watch as riders execute backflips, whip tricks, and complex maneuvers that demand both grace and grit — a visceral demonstration of human control over machine.
Performances will unfold several times daily, ensuring that no visitor misses the spectacle. From Tuesday through Thursday, shows are scheduled for 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m., with Friday’s high-flying finales taking place at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.
“The outdoor activations are an essential part of the SEMA Show experience,” said Tom Gattuso, SEMA’s vice president of events. “They allow attendees to see how the innovations they encounter on the Show floor come alive in motion, reflecting the imagination and technical mastery that define the automotive industry.”
Andy Tompkins, SEMA’s trade show director, described the experience as a full sensory immersion. “Engines roar, tires squeal, and performers push their vehicles to the limit,” he said. “Visitors can witness the artistry of these professionals up close — it’s thrilling, it’s raw, and it captures the essence of what makes this industry so special.”
Beyond Nitro Circus, SEMA’s outdoor arenas will feature Horsepower Rodeo, a crowd favorite known for its burnouts, drifting, and tire-smoking displays of precision driving, all taking place on the Diamond Lot adjacent to the West Hall. Meanwhile, the OPTIMA Peak Performance Challenge will test both driver and machine in timed acceleration, cornering, and braking trials — proving who can harness speed and control in equal measure.
Friday, known as SEMA Show Friday – Open to the Public, promises to bring the week to an explosive close. Enthusiasts and industry professionals alike will gather to watch elite drivers tear up the asphalt in a final day of high-performance showdowns. Throughout the week, visitors will also find interactive experiences and photo opportunities with professional drivers and riders, connecting fans directly to the action.
But the SEMA Show is more than spectacle. Inside the convention halls, tens of thousands of attendees will explore cutting-edge products, network with industry leaders, and glimpse the next wave of automotive design — from electric conversions and advanced safety systems to AI-driven diagnostics and sustainable materials.
For those unable to attend in person, highlights will stream live on SEMA Live via YouTube and Meta, bringing the energy of Las Vegas to screens around the world.
Since its debut in 1967, the SEMA Show — produced by the Specialty Equipment Market Association, a nonprofit organization founded in 1963 — has grown into one of the world’s premier automotive gatherings. Its mission remains rooted in creativity, craftsmanship, and collaboration, showcasing products that elevate performance, comfort, and safety for cars and trucks alike.
Tickets for SEMA Show Friday and SEMA Fest, a companion event open to the public on November 7, are available at SEMAFest.com. More information about the Show and registration details can be found at semashow.com.