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Overland Expos, Rallies and Events For 2026

5 min read


overlanding in desert
Image source: Canva

Overlanding and 4WD touring offer thrilling activities for adventurous campers and outdoor enthusiasts. With many similarities to glamping but with a certain rugged escapism as you navigate off-road terrains, it’s no surprise that overlanders have created ways to come together, socialize, and share their love for these sports.

So grab a durable, four-season overland ground tent and prepare for these 2026 overland expos and rallies. They’re coming up fast!

The Best Overland Expos

jeep overlanding rally

Image:  The Southeast Adventure Vehicle Expo

The Overlanding Expo

Dates:

  • Overland Expo SoCal | March 14-15 | Costa Mesa, CA
  • Overland Expo West | May 15-17 | Flagstaff, Arizona
  • Overland Expo PNW | June 26-28 | Redmond Oregon
  • Overland Expo MTN West | August 21-23 | Loveland, Colorado
  • Overland Expo East | October 23-25 | Arrington, VA

Overland Expo is considered the premier event for businesses and anyone who loves adventure travel and the outdoor lifestyle. Luckily, they offer several different expos spread throughout each of the four corners (roughly) of the United States. So wherever you hail from, there’s bound to be one within distance.

At Overland Expo, you can take four-wheel and motorcyclist classes, attend programs and demonstrations from notable adventurists and, of course, explore tons of the latest camping gear, equipment, rides, and services. A must-attend for any overland enthusiast.

The Southeast Adventure Vehicle Expo

Dates: Feb. 27 - March 1, 2026
Where: Starke, Florida

If you’re in the south, the closest Overland Expo you can reach is in Virginia. But if that’s not doable, the Southeast Adventure Vehicle Expo (once called the Southeast Overland and Off-Road Expo) in Starke, Florida, is a convenient three-day event to satisfy your adventurist spirit. Taking place at The Florida International Rally & Motorsport Park, this expo offers on-site camping, food trucks, classes, and off-road courses that promise overlanders a good time.

California Overland Adventure and Power Sport Show

Dates:

  • February 14 - 15, 2026 | Del Mar Fairgrounds, San Diego, CA
  • September 26 - 27, 2026 | Santa Rose, CA
  • October 24 - 25, 2026 | Fairplex, Pomona, CA

Come for the California Overland Adventure Expo and stay for the Power Sports and RCX Expo. This overland expo offers multiple activities surrounding everything outdoor lifestyle to keep you entertained for the two-day event. Explore products, gear, and vehicles (from ATVs to boats and water toys) designed for overlanding. Then, check out the outdoor brands tailored for your travel activity-loving lifestyle, from cycling, camping, hiking, climbing, and so much more. A great destination if you’re in the SoCal and NoCal vicinity!

Lone Star Overland Adventure and Power Sport Show

Dates: May 2 - 3, 2026
Where: Palmer Events Center | Austin, Texas

The California Overland Adventure Power Sports Show (mentioned above) has expanded to the Lone Star State! If you're in the Austin, Texas area, check out their latest event. 

MOORE Expo

Dates: April 17 - 18, 2026
Where: Ozark Empire Fairgrounds | Springfield, Missouri

If you hear folks talking about MOORE, know they’re referencing the Midwest Overlanding and Off-Road Expo. This two-day overland expo includes various classes, courses, and seminars ranging from overland navigation to trauma kits and recovery. And with 200 exhibitors from across the globe, you have lots of new gear and vehicles to discover.

The Best Overland Rallies

bigironoverlandrally images

Image: bigironoverlandrally.com

Overland South

Dates: Spring: March 5 - 8, 2026, Fall: TBA!
Where: Charleston, South Carolina

Overland South gives overlanding enthusiasts the chance to convene along the Palmetto Coast. While the event is limited to 300 vehicles, it is biannual, taking place in both spring and fall. The Woodlands Nature Reserve is set up with 30 miles of dirt roads and trails, letting you have some fun test-driving your overland vehicle. But all are welcome to attend -- refurbished skoolies, converted vans, and even full-on RVs!  

Big Iron Overland Rally

Dates: 2026 Dates TBA! (last year was Sept. 26-27)
Where: West Mineral, Kansas

Big Iron Overland Rally offers a three-day event where you can pitch a tent overnight and enjoy a live concert experience, all while under the towering, historic Big Brutus electric shovel. At this overland rally, you can listen to notable guest speakers, browse exhibitors, and satiate your appetite at the beer garden and food trucks. This overlanding rally also supports a good cause: raising funds to preserve the town's coal mining history. 

The Pilgrimage

Dates: September 30 - October 4, 2026
Where: South Royalton, Vermont

With a basecamp at Henderson’s Highway along the White River, the Pilgrimage overland rally offers a picturesque setting with colorful fall foliage in early October. Experience navigating ancient highways and trails with a range of experience levels while accessing local Vermont foods (like fresh maple syrup). Also, with a designated camping area for those with young children, this is a great family-friendly overland rally.

BC Overland Rally

Dates:2027 Dates TBA (taking pause for 2026) 
Where:Kelowna, BC

While you might be disappointed to learn the BC Overland Rally doesn't have dates scheduled for 2026 -- don't worry! This event has plans of returning in 2027 at Heartland Ranch near Kelowna, BC. This relaxed, family-friendly event offers overlanders hands-on workshops, expert-led classes, and community activities for all experience levels. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or new to the scene, BCOR provides newbie and seasoned overlanders the opportunities to learn, connect, and enjoy the outdoors. You can also camp on-site to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Their hope for a 2027 return is to come back stronger, while offering smaller gatherings in the meantime. 

Northwest Overland Rally

Dates:June 18 - 21, 2026
Where:Plain, WA

Nestled in the scenic Cascade Mountains near Plain, Washington, is the Northwest Overland Rally (NWOR). Last year, the event was cancelled, which was a real bummer for folks. So be sure not to miss it this year!

This inclusive event welcomes overlanders of all experience levels and vehicle types. Attendees can participate in a variety of activities such as 4WD training, trail drives, and workshops on topics such as trail repairs, solar power, and emergency preparedness. Gather in the evenings for welcome cocktails, campfire gatherings, and raffles with prizes like camping gear and vehicle accessories. This overland rally also offers specialized classes for women and families, ensuring a comprehensive experience for all. Plus, on-site camping is available.

overland ground tent with a truck at night

More Overlanding Resources to Explore

The above lists are just some of the overland expos and rallies with concrete dates for 2026. There are many more yearly events with dates yet to be announced, so keep your eyes peeled for announcements by following and exploring a few of the resources we’ve gathered below: 

The Compass – Overland Expo’s blog offers lots of tips and resources to learn everything you possibly can about overlanding.

The Overland Journal – Listen to this podcast on your travels! A perfect way to make the hours fly by until you reach your destination.

Overland Bound – An annual membership group with access to a forum, regional Facebook groups, and even trip-planning software.


SHOP OVERLANDING GROUND TENTS

Brette DeVore
Brette DeVore

As a former hospitality interior designer with an adventurous spirit and love for travel, I now help interior designers and tourism-related businesses in creating online content and media.



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