My review of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live, Glow n Fire 2026

Here’s what happened when we took a nine-year-old to Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live, Glow n Fire.

January (for me anyway) is grey, cold, and practically a countdown until Spring. But it’s also my son’s birthday month, so when he turned nine at the start of the year, I wanted to gift him an experience. Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow n Fire tickets were perfect, and alongside the trucks, we rolled into AO Arena in Manchester on Sunday, 4th January 2026.

To say we loved it would be a total understatement. The atmosphere was electric. Fans, young and old, were completely swept up in it; the January blues stood no chance. Here’s what we thought of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live, Glow n Fire 2026!

A birthday treat that honestly felt special

This was my son’s birthday present, and it more than delivered. The show feels designed with families in mind, especially kids who already love Hot Wheels. There are lovely touches like submitting your photo via a QR code to get your photo and birthday message on the arena’s big screen.

Everything is big, bright, noisy, and packed with energy. The setup is impressive. If I had to sum it up in one word, it would be loud. And likely, that is half the appeal for the kids.

A quick but important tip here for parents. Buy ear defenders in advance. My son has sensitive hearing anyway, and because we prepared beforehand, he was able to enjoy every minute without feeling overwhelmed. They do sell them at the arena if you forget.

Was the Pre Show Party worth it?

We also booked the Pre Show Party, which does cost extra (roughly £16 per person). For us, it was completely worth it. Here’s why:

This part of the experience lets you get up close with the monster trucks before the main show begins. You get time for photos, meeting the drivers, and soaking it all in without feeling rushed. My son was desperate to see Tiger Shark up close, and watching his face light up when he finally stood next to it made the extra cost worthwhile on its own.

The drivers were genuinely lovely. They took time to chat, sign autographs, and show real enthusiasm for what they do. You could tell they love performing for the kids. Rebecca Schnell, who was driving Bigfoot on the day, was especially kind to my son. We were also very envious of her custom Bigfoot Vans.

One thing I really loved was meeting the mix of female and male drivers. Seeing so many little girls and boys inspired by the skilled drivers felt really special, and it added something meaningful to the experience beyond the car crushing and noise.

Top tip: if you attend the pre-show party. Have your child draw their favourite monster truck beforehand and bring it along to be signed. My son did this, and it turned into one of the most memorable moments of the whole day.

Merch and budgeting

There is a lot of merchandise available. Hoodies, T-shirts, flags, toys, and even novelty driver’s licenses with your child’s photo on them. It’s all lovely stuff, but prices are high, as you would expect with touring shows like this.

If you are budgeting, buy merch early, so your child can wear it during the show. It adds to the excitement and helps them feel part of it all without the extra cost.

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live 2026: What monster trucks were there?

For the 2026 edition of the tour, the lineup included Tiger Shark, Bone Shaker, Gunkster, Bigfoot, Skelesaurus, Mega Wrex, and the new addition, Rhinomite.

Bigfoot, the original and arguably the most iconic monster truck, has been part of the Hot Wheels tour since its 2018 debut. Hearing Rebecca Schnell tell the crowd, “Thank you for letting me live my dream,” was a lovely moment that reminded everyone of the real passion behind the noise and flames.

Drivers, start your engines!

As the crowd roared and cries of “drivers, start your engines” echoed around the arena, the competition got underway. There is a definite American feel to the show, with two super energetic hosts keeping the momentum going.

They encourage Mexican waves, dance-offs, T-shirt gun chaos, and rounds of trivia that absolutely everyone can join in with. They are loud. Sometimes, it’s almost as loud as the trucks themselves. But they keep everything running smoothly while the crew resets the arena safely between rounds.

What happens at the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live shows?

The show is split into four main competitions, with each vehicle scoring points to determine overall rankings.

First up was the wheelies round. Watching drivers balance these enormous machines on crushed cars, using precise throttle control and perfect timing, was genuinely impressive.

Next came the doughnut round, which really got the crowd going. Rebecca Schnell’s performance here led to whooping and a lot of very impressed kids.

The final freestyle round was pure fun. Big jumps, dramatic turns, and plenty of personality from each driver. By this point, everyone was shouting for their favourites, completely caught up in the atmosphere.

Freestyle motocross thrills

Alongside the monster trucks, a trio of Freestyle Motocross riders delivered some jaw-dropping moments. They flew through the air both on and off their bikes, pulling off tricks that drew gasps from the audience.

The no-handed front flip was a standout moment and had everyone on the edge of their seats. It added variety to the show and kept energy levels high.

How long is the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live, Glow n Fire show?

The main show lasts about 2 hours, with a short intermission halfway. This felt just right for kids. Long enough to feel substantial, but not so long that attention spans start to wander. Note that this is a couple of hours longer if you attend the Pre Show Party.

My final thoughts for families

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live, Glow n Fire, was a brilliant family day out. It was exciting, inclusive, and perfectly timed to lift spirits during a dull time of year.

Our biggest tips for families are simple. Bring ear defenders, especially for younger children or those with sensitive hearing. Consider the Pre Show Party if your child is a big fan, or if you want to make it even more of a special experience. If you’re on a budget, buy merch ahead of time if you can. And bring something special, like a drawing, for the drivers to sign.

Tickets are still on sale for upcoming dates, with the tour returning to Liverpool, Leeds, and Birmingham in March and April. If you are looking for something loud, joyful, and unforgettable, this is one experience your kids will talk about for a long time.