If you’re a car enthusiast, SEMA Fest in Las Vegas, Nevada, is the place to be. However, you don’t need to love automobiles to have an unforgettable time at this exciting festival.
The event has grown so much over the years that it requires more than one day. Once you learn more, you won’t want to miss a minute of the exciting schedule.
Today, we’re popping the hood on SEMA Fest to give you all the hot details.
Let’s start those engines!
You Need to Experience This Las Vegas Car and Music Festival
The SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) Fest is a two-day celebration at the tail-end of the popular trade show. It provides the general public an opportunity to join in on the fun and excitement of the week.
This high-energy outdoor bash takes place in early November, and you can enjoy activities from noon to midnight each day.
Organizers work hard to pack the schedule with musical performances, off-road demos, and drifting competitions. You don’t want to miss it if the smell of burnt rubber gets your heart pumping.
As for musical performances, some of the most prominent names in the music industry will be there. Imagine Dragons, Incubus, Wiz Khalifa, Bush, and Third Eye Blind are among the bands you’ll see. You’re sure to have a rockin’ good time during their shows.
Getting through the gate is going to require you to purchase a ticket. Like most events of this caliber, they offer various packages to serve different types of budgets. Options run from $179 to $469. As you might expect, the premium costs include VIP treatment. No matter which pass you choose, you’ll have a great time once you enter the venue.
Know Before You Go: Visit the SEMA Fest website to purchase tickets and see the full musical lineup.
Where Is SEMA Fest?
SEMA Fest takes place at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds. The facility accommodates 85,000 people on its 26 acres. Its massive and spacious grounds make it ideal to host concerts, festivals, and other large-scale events. This versatile outdoor venue sits on the famous Las Vegas Strip.
The location makes it easy to access, especially if you’re staying in one of the city’s iconic hotels. You’ll have plenty to see and do while in town. There’s a constant buzz of activities at the casinos and clubs along the Strip. If you’re a gambler, you may even hit the jackpot.
Since it’s an outdoor venue, you may worry about rain. However, you have to remember that this is the desert. The area typically sees less than half an inch of precipitation in November. While Mother Nature can be unpredictable, rain is a rarity this time of year.
Casinos are excellent places for overnight or even long-term RV stays. Find out How to Park Your RV Overnight at a Casino.
Is SEMA Fest in Vegas the Same as the SEMA Car Show?
Even though they’re similar, the events are not the same. Unfortunately, the car trade show is not open to the general public. If you can prove that you work in the industry, you can purchase a pass. On the other hand, the festival is open to everyone.
The SEMA Car Show typically brings more than 70,000 buyers to view the 2,000 exhibitors. Some of the largest manufacturers in the industry display the latest products. They aim to generate a buzz with the leading professionals in the after-market space.
Other Fun Things To Do Near the Vegas Car and Music Festival
Beyond SEMA Fest, you’ll have plenty of other fun things to do in Vegas. Here are a few more activities you may consider in Sin City.
Step Into the Past at the Neon Museum and Boneyard
Ever wonder what happens to those bright lights after they’re retired from the Vegas Strip? If so, plan to check out the Neon Museum and Boneyard. The museum aims to collect, preserve, and educate visitors on the iconic lights that have made the area famous.
This quirky display is home to over 250 signs dating back to the 1930s. A quick stroll through the exhibit lets you see lights from Caesars Palace, the Moulin Rouge Hotel, and the Golden Nugget.
Drive Your Dream Car in Vegas
Do you have the need for speed? If so, hop in a race car at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway to fulfill your craving. Whether you get behind the wheel or sign up for a ride-along package, expect a boost in your adrenaline. You’ll fly around the 1.5-mile track like a professional driver at 140 miles per hour.
In addition, the Exotic Driving Experience offers the opportunity to drive a Lamborghini, Bentley, or McLaren. Feel the raw power push you into your seat as you lay on the accelerator. Just because these vehicles may cost seven figures doesn’t mean you can’t take them for a spin.
Visit a Vegas Car Museum
You can find some of American history’s most famous and classic vehicles in Sin City.
The Hollywood Cars Museum has an extensive collection of over 100 automobiles featured in popular movies. They house them in a 30,000-square-foot facility on Dean Martin Drive. You’ll see The Batmobile, Herbie the Love Bug, and one inspired by Bugs Bunny.
The Carroll Shelby Museum is another incredible Vegas experience. It honors the legacy of the former driver who helped improve vehicles, especially the Ford Mustang. Several versions of the iconic muscle car and educational exhibits are on display. Visit the gift shop to buy collectibles, gifts, and clothes to take back home.
Best Places To Stay Near SEMA Fest
You’ll want a place to stay during the car festivities in Vegas. Where you choose can help you make the most of your time. Here are a few places to consider laying your head.
Riviera RV Park
Despite being a large city, bringing your camper to Vegas is one option. Riviera RV Park is about a ten-minute drive from the festival grounds. However, it’s a 55 and over campground, meaning they might not register young families.
The park has over 130 sites with 30 and 50-Amp connections. You’ll also be able to use their free WiFi to check email or post pictures of your epic adventures. Taking a dip in the pool or soaking your muscles in the hot tub are great ways to relax after a day at SEMA Fest.
If you have a Thousand Trails membership, check out the Vegas location: 7 Luxury Thousand Trails Campgrounds.
Ahern Luxury Boutique Hotel
The Ahern Luxury Boutique Hotel has 188 guestrooms and 14 luxury suites. For an ultimate experience, book the nearly 1,400-square-foot penthouse. No matter which room you choose, you get a great view of the Strip and the surrounding mountainous landscapes.
One of the standout features of this hotel is its extensive food selection. They have four first-class restaurants on site. These can be excellent options if you want to taste some of the best food in town and be within walking distance of the fairgrounds.
Hilton Grand Vacations Club on the Las Vegas Strip
Maybe you want a more traditional hotel experience. In that case, the Hilton Grand Vacations Club is worth considering. They offer everything from a standard 360-square-foot studio to the luxurious two-bedroom king suite.
When not in your room or out exploring, go swimming in the outdoor pool or work off some calories at the fitness center. In addition, they have a spa you can visit. Select from various treatments to help melt the stresses of life away.
One of the best features of the Hilton Grand Vacations Club is that it’s approximately half a mile from SEMA Fest. The convenience can be well worth the premium price.
Plan your other activities with Fodor’s Las Vegas.
Is a Vegas Car and Music Festival Road Trip Worth It?
So, as you can see, Vegas comes alive for car and music enthusiasts during this jam-packed event. The SEMA Fest is the perfect opportunity to get closer to one of the most exciting gatherings in the automobile industry. And the excellent music lineup is the cherry on top. So start planning your trip now!
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