When the sun sets, MotorEx shifts gears

MotorEx After Dark

Wild cars, night drifting, fireworks and Melbourne sound on the Saturday night.

The night as it ran at MotorEx 2026 (Saturday 2 May 2026). The 2027 After Dark line-up is still to be announced.

Hot Wheels stunt cars in smoke with flame cannons firing at night

MotorEx 2026

When the sun sets, MotorEx shifts gears

As the sun goes down, Meguiar’s MotorEx turns up After Dark on Saturday 2 May.

Orkestrated, Papa Smurf and Boogs lead three hours of Melbourne sound, wild cars and fireworks.

Custom builds, cruising, street machines, JDM, 4x4 and drifting all roll into one huge weekend.

Saturday and Weekend ticket holders are already in. After Dark Only tickets are on sale now from just $45.

Kids 15 and under go free with an adult or concession ticket.

Sounds of Melbourne

The 2026 line-up

  1. Orkestrated, the two-piece Melbourne dance act

    Orkestrated

    Orkestrated are the godfathers of the Melbourne Sound and one of Australia’s biggest dance acts. With nearly 20 years in the game, more than 35 million streams and a sold-out Sidney Myer Music Bowl show behind them, they’ve taken their sound from underground basements to massive stages.

  2. DJ Papa Smurf in red-tinted sunglasses

    Papa Smurf

    Papa Smurf is a long-time force in Australia’s underground dance scene, with more than 25 years behind the decks. Known for euphoric trance sets that helped shape local dance culture, he’s now back with fresh energy, new production and a sound that moves through house, progressive and harder styles.

  3. DJ Boogs in a red hoodie

    Boogs

    Boogs is one of Melbourne’s most respected underground DJs, with nearly 25 years at the front of club culture. Known for sharp technical skill, deep selections and a sound that has never followed trends, he has built a reputation that reaches far beyond Melbourne.

Ultimate petrolhead party

When the sun goes down, MotorEx shifts gears with wild cars, fireworks and a huge Saturday night atmosphere.

Melbourne Sound meets car culture

Orkestrated, Papa Smurf and Boogs headline three hours of Melbourne sound in a night built around music, movement and machines.

After Dark tickets from $45

After Dark is included with all Saturday and Weekend tickets, with After Dark Only tickets from just $45.

Saturday 2 May 2026

After Dark program

TimeEventWhere
5:00pmGates openBLAHST Real Street, All Japan World & Drift World
5:45pmDrift show under lightsDrift World
6:00pmMobil 1 Performance World closePerformance World
6:00pmBoogsLMCT+ Main Stage
6:10pmHot Wheels fire stunt showDrift World
6:45pmKOKA’s JDM live showcaseLMCT+ Main Stage
7:00pmPapa SmurfLMCT+ Main Stage
7:00pmMethanol Madness live showcaseLMCT+ Main Stage
7:45pmOrkestratedLMCT+ Main Stage
9:00pmMotorEx After Dark closesAll areas

After Dark FAQs

What time does MotorEx After Dark start?

Meguiar’s MotorEx After Dark begins from 5pm on Saturday.

Is After Dark a separate ticket?

MotorEx After Dark is included with all Saturday Pass and Weekend Pass tickets.

There’s also an After Dark Only ticket from just $40 for those joining from 5pm.

Concession and Youth tickets are also available, and kids 15 and under go free with an adult or concession ticket.

Where does After Dark take place?

Across BLAHST Real Street, All Japan World, LMCT+ Main Stage and Drift World.

What can I expect?

Night drifting, cruise sessions, live music from Orkestrated, Papa Smurf and Boogs, fireworks, illuminated show cars, food trucks, bars and a Saturday night atmosphere across the precinct.

Do kids need a ticket?

Kids 15 and under go free with an adult or concession ticket.

Spectator tickets on sale soon

Be first through the gates.

Early access subscribers hear about ticket releases before the general public. 1 to 2 May 2027, Melbourne Showgrounds.

Countdown to

195 days to go until Meguiar's MotorEx 2027.

Be first for After Dark 2027

Stay in the loop and get early access when spectator tickets go on sale for the 25th Meguiar’s MotorEx.

Enter now Get early access