The Recap & ExcitementOverland Expo SoCal 2026

OC Fair & Event Center

Costa Mesa, CA

March 14-15, 2026

Event Statistics

  • 19,000+ attendees
  • 420 registered exhibitors
  • 56 presenters, trainers, and VIPs
  • 59 attending media
  • 35 staff
  • 703 registered dogs
  • 128 classes, seminars, demos, activities, slideshows, and films; totaling 146 session hours of instruction.
  • Attendees descended on Costa Mesa, CA from all over the country. They span the country from 46 states. The highest in attendance were California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, and Washington.
  • International attendees visited from Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Jersey, Mexico, and South Korea.

Event Highlights

  • Subaru Unveiled Its All-Electric Trailseeker  - Subaru captivated adventurers and overlanding enthusiasts with the grand unveiling of the 2026 Subaru Trailseeker at this year’s Overland Expo SoCal. Their Camp Subaru LIVE! event celebrated innovation and exploration, with live music adding to the vibrant atmosphere. 
  • Overland Expo Foundation Charity Raffle Raised Over $10K  - Attendees united for a meaningful cause, raising over $10,000 for the Overland Expo Foundation. Through the generous contributions of exhibitors and attendees, these funds will drive impactful initiatives for overland-focused charities, highlighting the community's dedication to making a difference. Big thank you to Vortex, Nokian Tyres, and Superwinch for their donations!
  • Saturday Happy Hour Sponsored by Toyo Tires: A Toast to Adventure - As the sun set on day one of Overland Expo SoCal, Saturday’s Happy Hour Sponsored by Toyo Tires became the heart of the event. Attendees mingled, swapped stories, and raised their glasses to the overlanding lifestyle, proving once again that Overland Expo is a celebration of connection and community.
  • Woman Who Wander Networking Event Sponsored by MAXXIS Tires - This iconic event brought together inspiring female founders, business owners, and local women’s overlanding groups to share their personal journeys. It provided a welcoming space for women to connect, ask questions in breakout group discussions, and celebrate their shared passion for adventure and exploration over mimosas. Thank you to all the incredible women making an impact! 
  • Anker SOLIX In-booth Party - The Anker SOLIX in-booth party was filled with great energy, laughs, and engaging conversations. Anker SOLIX held live demonstrations of their products and creatively used online games to engage and inform attendees. Overlanders gathered to connect, learn, and enjoy the family friendly atmosphere. 
  • ICECO Debuted Their Newest Product - ICECO’s booth was buzzing with exciting raffles, giveaways, and meet-and-greets drawing attendee interest. The debut of the GoPack12 (backpack) fridge was a key moment, giving Overland Expo SoCal visitors an exclusive first look at their newest product. The event combined fun and innovation. 
  • Sandy Vans: The Concrete Oasis Series - Sandy Vans showcased their "Concrete Oasis" van at Overland Expo SoCal, a limited-series build created in collaboration with Ananda Living. Inspired by Tulum-style architecture, the van features European-imported concrete-like finishes, walnut wood accents, and top-tier systems for a luxurious yet functional design.  

Photo & Video Highlights

Photo Gallery

Overland Expo SoCal 2026: Dogs
Overland Expo SoCal 2026: Parties
Overland Expo SoCal 2026: Sunday Photos
Overland Expo SoCal 2026: Saturday Photos

What People Are Saying

From Exhibitors:

"This event is full of education—you’ve got to participate in the classrooms, and you’ll learn so much. If you don’t know anything about overlanding, this is the place to come and get started. Everyone has been super nice, and it’s been an absolute pleasure being here."
— Carrie Prince, Hoka Hay Adventures

 

"There’s everything here that you could need or want, especially the educational opportunities. Whether you’re unsure about overlanding or just starting out, this event is the perfect place to learn. The instructors, presenters, and vendors bring decades of experience, making it an absolute must to come and put a toe in the water to figure out your path."
— J.P. Prince, Hoka Hay Adventures

From Attendees:

"The biggest part is the community, the people. My neighbor over on one side, just hanging out with him all weekend, has been great—hearing his stories and sharing mine. Meeting others around the camp and looking at different setups has been awesome. The workshops have also been great, with inspiring stories and practical tips for overlanding."
— Chris C., Anaheim, CA

 

"If you're getting into overlanding or already into it, this [Overland Expo SoCal] is a great way to learn how to make the experience the best for you. You can meet potential trail friends and connect with great companies offering quality products. The event is super well-organized, with a wide variety of vendors and a great space for camping and exploring."
— Owen B., Ventura, CA

Featured Media Coverage

News

Best Gear Overland Expo SoCal Maxtrax

Best Gear of Overland Expo SoCal 2026

Overland Expo 2026 season started with a bang this weekend in Costa Mesa, California hosting over 15,000 attendees and hundreds of vendors. We were on the hunt for new, impressive products to support our overlanding passions and this weekend didn’t disappoint. Dozens of products caught our eye, offering unique solutions to common issues we face out on the trail. Of those, here’s our top 10 products we saw, ranging from camp hygiene to roof top tents, to recovery equipment and beyond.

March 18, 2026

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Title Sponsors

Additional Sponsors

Full List of Exhibitors

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Photo by Brett Willhelm, Willhelmn Visual Works