Six 1,500 horsepower, four-tonne monster trucks will tear up the dirt and crush everything in their path as part of this alcohol-free, family-friendly event.

It's the Monster Slam's first time in Canberra, and monster truck commentator Rusty Bell said it's sure to thrill kids and their parents alike.

"We've got state-of-the-art new trucks, and we're really looking forward to coming down and putting a big show on," he said.

"A lot of the time I get mums say "oh I'm just bringing the kids along," but by the end of the night they're screaming their heads off. We have a lot of fun with it."

The evening revolves around chaos, carnage and death-defying feats of skill performed by the six, talented monster truck drivers and the team of Freestyle Motorcross daredevils.

Events include the metal-melting jet van, which boasts a Russian Viper jet engine in the back that can and does melt cars, as well as the car drop, where you get to indulge that ultimate childish fantasy- what would happen if I dropped a car from 50 metres in the air?

There's also a 'car soccer' match, between the Aussies and the International Allstars, who have some big name stars including England's David Wreck'em and Italian Luigi StickySparkplug.

And then of course, there's the rampaging monster trucks, who will race, perform a variety of jaw-dropping stunts, and crush cars with abandon.

"The best part with the monster trucks is the 'freestyle'," Mr Bell said.

"That's 90 seconds of no rules- they just go berserk and it's all about as much carnage and destruction as they can do in that time.

"There's every chance you'll see one upside down when that happens. The drivers usually get a bit carried away."

Get there early for the pit party, which runs between 3.30 and 4.30pm, before the show kicks off at 5pm. It's a chance for kids and their parents to get up close and personal with the four-metre high trucks and meet the drivers.

"You don't realise how big they are until you actually get up there next to them and stand next to them. They're pretty awesome," Mr Bell said.

n Catch the Monster Slam at EPIC Arena, Canberra on Saturday May 3, from 5-7.30pm. Tickets $40 adult, $35 12-15yrs and $25 3-11yrs. Under 3 free. Purchase presale tickets through Super Toyworld Fyshwick, Canberra and Region Visitors Centre in Dickson, or online at www.monstertrucksaustralia.com. Limited grandstand seating available for an extra $10, otherwise, please bring a chair. Gates open 3pm.