Melbourne JDM Fest Set For March

The inaugural Melbourne JDM Festival is set to feature a display of JDM drag, race, show, drift, and stance cars from around Australia.

Organised by the Melbourne JDM Club and popular Instagramer, Cam Male, the festival is said to be the first of its kind in Melbourne and will bring together like-minded car enthusiasts of all brands and backgrounds who appreciated JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) cars.

The event will also feature exhibitors, and sponsors offering aftermarket accessories, live entertainment, and gourmet food trucks in a “fun family festive environment”.

“I’ve always imagined what it would be like to have a huge festival with mind-blowing JDM cars, awesome live DJ music, good food, where everyone can come together with their friends. That’s my idea of a great day out,” said Daniel Ruja, one of the club’s founders.

“Our goal is to create a festival where car culture is celebrated, and that people can feel a sense of belonging and reignite the passion we all have for our JDM cars.

“People want to know how to be part of the scene and learn about the best way to modify their car. This event is perfect for this [purpose]. Come and be inspired by the cars on show and chat with the sponsors and exhibitors who can help you put your dream ride together.”

Prizes from the festival’s sponsors and partners will be on offer during the day, including the inaugural car competition where owners of displayed cars will have the chance to win one of 10 awards, each with a $1,000 prize.

The “COVID-19-safe” event will also bring together many small businesses in support of the local economy following a difficult two years.

“After two years of swinging in and out of lockdowns, due to the global pandemic, both JDM car enthusiasts and businesses, which service the JDM market, need a safe, legal and practical event to reconnect,” said Male.

“We have built this festival from the ground up to be as COVID-safe as possible. We are meeting all regulatory requirements in hosting a COVID-safe event but choosing a venue like Caribbean Gardens allows us to have the festival outdoors, with plenty of space between the cars.”

Melbourne JDM Fest 22 will take place on 19 March 2022 from 12pm to 7pm at Caribbean Gardens Lakeside, 1280 Ferntree Gully Rd, Scoresby, Victoria.