SEMA Show 2026 — Complete Attendee Guide
The SEMA Show is the most exciting week in the automotive aftermarket industry. Over 160,000 enthusiasts, builders, and industry professionals flood the Las Vegas Convention Center to see the wildest custom builds, latest performance parts, and aftermarket innovations. SEMA Week includes the show itself, SEMA Fest outside the LVCC, and the legendary SEMA Cruise on Friday. This guide has everything you need.
Quick Info
In This Guide
Registration
SEMA Show Badge Pickup — Location & Hours
Badge pickup and registration is in the LVCC South Hall lobby. Pre-registered attendees can use express kiosks — bring your phone with the QR code from your registration confirmation. Note that SEMA is a trade-only show. You must be a verified automotive industry professional to attend. Badge pickup opens the Monday before the show starts.
Schedule
SEMA Show Show Floor Hours
SEMA Fest (open to the public) runs outside the LVCC on Thursday and Friday. The SEMA Cruise down the Strip departs Friday afternoon — do not miss it.
Transportation
How to Get to SEMA Show
Parking
The LVCC has large surface lots and a parking garage surrounding the complex. Expect to pay $15–25 per day during major shows. Lots fill up fast — arrive before 9 AM or consider rideshare instead.
Public Transit / Monorail
The Las Vegas Monorail has a dedicated Convention Center station with direct service to Strip hotels from MGM Grand to the Sahara. A single ride is $5 and a full-day pass is $13. During peak convention hours the monorail is often faster than driving.
Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)
Uber and Lyft have a designated pickup and dropoff area on Convention Center Drive. Surge pricing is common during morning arrivals and evening departures — stagger your schedule to avoid the rush.
Walking from the Strip
The north end of the Las Vegas Strip is about a 15-minute walk from the LVCC. The monorail makes it easy to reach central and south Strip hotels in under 10 minutes.
Food & Drink
Where to Eat During SEMA Show
- In-N-Out Burger — directly across Paradise Rd, walkable in 3 minutes
- Peppermill Restaurant — classic 24-hour Vegas diner, 10-minute walk south on the Strip
- Resorts World — 10-minute walk north with dozens of restaurants including Carversteak and Genting Palace
- Wynn / Encore — 15-minute walk or one monorail stop with world-class dining
- Westgate Las Vegas — connected via skybridge from the LVCC North Hall
- Convention center food courts — available inside the West Hall and Central Hall during major shows
Insider Tips
SEMA Show Tips for First-Timers
- SEMA fills every hall of the LVCC plus outdoor areas. Plan to spend at least two full days to see everything. Three days is ideal.
- The outdoor vehicle displays and SEMA Fest area are worth seeing even if you are not attending the indoor show.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. November weather is pleasant (60–70°F) but you will be on your feet all day.
- Friday afternoon is the SEMA Cruise — hundreds of custom vehicles parade down the Las Vegas Strip. Find a spot on Las Vegas Blvd to watch.
- The LVCC parking lots fill by 8:30 AM during SEMA. Consider staying at a nearby hotel and using the monorail.
- Bring a camera. The custom builds and vehicle displays at SEMA are unlike anything else in the automotive world.
- Network at the manufacturer booths. SEMA is where deals happen and partnerships are formed for the next year.
After the Show
SEMA Show After Dark — Nightlife & After Parties
SEMA Week nightlife is legendary. The automotive industry knows how to party, and every major venue in Vegas rolls out the red carpet for SEMA attendees. From rooftop clubs to the best steakhouses on the Strip, the nightlife scene during SEMA rivals any holiday weekend.
Drai's Nightclub
Nightclub / Rooftop
The rooftop at The Cromwell is the SEMA crowd's favorite — live hip hop, bottle service, and views of the Strip.
Sapphire Las Vegas
Gentlemen's Club
The go-to for SEMA groups. Free limo from your hotel, no cover on our guest list, and a massive 70,000 sq ft venue.
XS Nightclub
Nightclub
At Wynn Las Vegas. The outdoor pool area is still open in November and the production is world-class.
Crazy Horse III
Gentlemen's Club
Upscale and modern. Free limo and no cover through NoCoverVegas. Popular with the automotive industry crowd.
SEMA Show — FAQ
Where is the SEMA Show 2026?
The SEMA Show 2026 is at the Las Vegas Convention Center, 3150 Paradise Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89109. The show uses all indoor halls plus extensive outdoor exhibit areas.
What are the SEMA Show 2026 dates?
The SEMA Show runs from Tuesday, November 3 through Friday, November 6, 2026.
Can anyone attend the SEMA Show?
The indoor SEMA Show is trade-only — you must be a verified automotive industry professional. SEMA Fest (outdoor) is open to the public on Thursday and Friday.
What time is the SEMA Cruise?
The SEMA Cruise typically departs the LVCC Friday afternoon around 3–4 PM and proceeds down the Las Vegas Strip. Check the official SEMA schedule for exact times.
Where do I pick up my SEMA badge?
Badge pickup is in the LVCC South Hall lobby. Registration opens the Monday before the show. Use express kiosks with your pre-registration QR code.
What should I wear to the SEMA Show?
Casual dress is standard. Jeans, sneakers, and a brand t-shirt are the unofficial uniform. Wear comfortable shoes — you will walk a LOT.
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