Last night we headed to Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live at the Birmingham Utilita Arena—and wow, what a show! Every single one of us (grown-ups included) left buzzing from the energy, the noise, and the pure adrenaline-fuelled madness of it all.
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth the hype, here’s everything you need to know before you go—including top tips for families, what to expect, and why this is one event that’s guaranteed to impress even the trickiest tweens.
Who Did We Go With?
We were a group of six—my sister and I plus four kids aged between 7 and 13. From the moment we walked into the arena, the vibe was electric. There were two larger-than-life hosts in glowing LED suits who kept the energy high with dance-offs, gift card giveaways (thanks, Smyths Toys Superstores!), and a competition-style format that was super easy to follow.
Even better? There wasn’t a single dull moment. Every gap between trucks was filled with something—stunts, challenges, crowd games, or giant screen replays. We even managed to pull off a full-on Mexican wave around the entire arena!
Hot wheels Monster Trucks That Match Their Toys—Perfectly!
One of the biggest highlights? Seeing the real-life trucks look identical to their diecast Hot Wheels versions. Arlo brought along his miniature Mega Wrex, and you should have seen his face when the full-sized version rolled out in matching paintwork and colours. Every single truck was perfectly styled, and the attention to detail was incredible.
Oh, and the smell of burning rubber and the smoke from the spinning donuts? Honestly, it had the kids completely mesmerised.
Which Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Featured—and What Were the Rounds?
A big part of the thrill came from seeing the real-life monster trucks tearing around the arena. Fan favourites like Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, Bone Shaker, and more all made an appearance—and they were just as bold and brilliant as the toys.
The event was split into three exciting rounds, and the competition format made it feel like watching a monster truck Olympics:
Wheelies Challenge – Each truck powered over a line of cars, trying to get the biggest lift possible. Donut Battle – A full-throttle spinning challenge that sent smoke and rubber flying, with cheers from all sides of the crowd. Freestyle Round – This was our favourite! Trucks flew over ramps, drifted across the arena, and smashed through the car line-up with total chaos and control. The energy was next level.
Each round ended with a live leaderboard, so you could see the scores and cheer for your favourites. There was a real sense of anticipation with every round—points were earned, the leaderboard changed, and the crowd were completely invested.
Between jumps, a brilliant track crew dashed out to sweep debris and keep the arena safe, which only added to the slick production and high energy of the show.
Bonus Drama: A Fire-Breathing Dragon?
Just when we thought the madness was over, a runaway vehicle made a surprise entrance—zigzagging wildly across the arena before revealing its true form… a fire-breathing dragon! In true monster truck style, it went on a full-on rampage, ripping apart a vehicle and setting it on fire. Totally unexpected and totally awesome.
Family-Friendly Fun (But Bring Ear Defenders!)
The Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live show is 100% family friendly. There were tons of kids in the audience, some really little and some clearly mega fans. The layout of the arena meant everyone could see the trucks clearly (they’re enormous!), and the big screens made sure you didn’t miss a thing.
My only tip? Bring ear plugs or defenders—the engines are LOUD. We loved it, but it’s definitely worth prepping younger or more sensitive kids.
The only slight downside was the price of food and merch. A single monster truck toy was £17, and soft drinks were nearly £5. If you’re planning on picking up souvenirs, it might be worth setting a budget in advance or bringing your own truck from home for your little one to wave around like Arlo did!
What About the Venue?
The show took place at the Birmingham Utilita Arena, which is central, well-organised, and easy to reach. There’s plenty of nearby parking (though it’s city centre pricing!), and public transport links are great too. The venue itself is fully accessible, with clean loos, a wide concourse, and good buggy or wheelchair access. Plenty of venues nearby for pre show meals and drinks too.
Bonus: Stunt Bikes That Stole the Show
As if the trucks weren’t enough, there were also world-class stunt bikers who absolutely wowed the crowd with jaw-dropping tricks and flips. Every time they hit the ramp, the whole arena gasped. It added a whole extra layer to the night—and definitely made it feel like great value.
Final Thoughts: Would We Recommend It?
Absolutely. Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live is a must-see for monster truck lovers, car-crazy kids, or anyone who loves a bit of action. It’s unlike anything else we’ve done as a family, and I was genuinely impressed at how smooth, exciting, and well-organised the whole night was.
If you get the chance to go—grab it. Just don’t forget the ear defenders and maybe a few snacks in your bag!
Have you ever been to a monster truck show? Would your kids love this kind of thing? Let me know in the comments or tag me in your adventures over on Instagram.
Tickets were provided for PR purposes however all views and opinions expressed are our own.
