The Recap & ExcitementOverland Expo East 2026

Oak Ridge Estate

Arrington, Virginia

October 23-25, 2026

Event Statistics

Thursday, Day 0: A Meaningful Start to the Weekend

The weekend began with great people, great food, and a great cause.

  • The Happy Hour Sponsored by the Overland Expo Foundation gave campers, exhibitors, and attendees their first chance to connect before the weekend officially kicked off. With drinks, conversations, and trail stories shared around the venue, it set the tone for an unforgettable weekend of adventure and community.
  • The sold-out inaugural Overland Expo Foundation Charity Dinner brought the overlanding community together for an evening of great food, live music, and giving back. Guests enjoyed a curated outdoor dining experience from Chef Natty of Food For Adventures while Jacob Paul Allen provided live music throughout the evening. The sold-out event raised $4,200 for Venture Unknown Foundation, helping support conservation, stewardship, outdoor education, and responsible recreation initiatives.
  • Exhibitors lined the roads, campsites filled up, and the energy started building as the Overland Expo East community arrived in force. By night, camp chairs were out, neighbor introductions were underway, and the weekend had officially begun.

Friday, Day 1: Stories, Films & Campfire Vibes

From happy hour to films under the night sky, the adventure continued long after the show grounds closed.

  • Happy Hour Sponsored by General RV brought attendees together after a day of classes, exhibitors, and rigs. It was the perfect place to grab a drink, catch up with friends, and connect with fellow overlanders before the evening events began.
  • The Jeep Experience Ride & Drive gave attendees the chance to get behind the wheel of the latest Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models and tackle a purpose-built off-road course. From steep climbs to off-camber obstacles, participants experienced the capability of Jeep vehicles firsthand with expert guidance along the way.
  • Camp Subaru LIVE! kept the energy rolling into the evening with community, live-music, and the camp atmosphere that makes Overland Expo East feel like a gathering of friends.
  • The Film Festival sponsored by Midland Radio Corporation brought the overland community together for a night of adventure and plenty of inspiration for the next trip. The evening wrapped up with a raffle, giving lucky attendees the chance to take home prizes before heading back to camp.

Saturday, Day 2: The Heart of the Weekend

From sunrise to well after sunset, Day 2 delivered some of the most memorable moments of Overland Expo East.

  • The Women Who Wander Networking Event brought together women from across the overlanding community for an evening of conversation, connection, and inspiration. Attendees shared stories from the trail, exchanged advice, and built new friendships with fellow adventurers who share a passion for exploration.
  • Happy Hour sponsored by Toyo Tires brought people together for one of the best parts of Overland Expo East, hanging out with fellow overlanders. Whether reconnecting with old friends or meeting new ones, it was the perfect way for the community to come together.
  • The Overland Expo Foundation Charity Raffle had the crowd gathered around until the very last prize was announced. Excitement built with every ticket drawn, and by the end of the evening attendees had helped raise a record-breaking $24,500 while celebrating a great cause.

Sunday, Day 3: One Last Adventure

The weekend may have been ending, but attendees were still making every moment count.

  • Classrooms and in-booth demos kept the learning going all day, with attendees making time for one more class, one more conversation, and one more new idea before heading home.
  • From new product discoveries to impressive vehicle builds, the exhibitor area stayed busy as attendees made their final rounds, explored the latest gear, and connected with the brands behind their favorite adventures.
  • The weekend may have come to a close, but the friendships, knowledge, and inspiration gathered over the past few days will travel far beyond the show grounds.

What People Are Saying

From Attendees:

“It keeps getting better every year. There are tons of things to do, great vendors to see, and plenty of rigs to check out.” – Taran, Maryland (Attending Since 2021)

 

“We love it. Just hanging out, seeing people, checking out new gear, and enjoying the good weather.” – Mike, Ohio (Attending Since 2018)

 

“It's my first time at Overland Expo, and I'm having a great time. There are lots of products and gear to check out, and it's been fun exploring everything the event has to offer.” – Jesse (First-Time Attendee)

 

“Seeing everything in person helped us discover products and ideas we really loved. We even found a van that had us ready to put down a deposit.” – Overland Expo East Attendee

News

Inspiring Stories and Big Adventures at the Overland Expo East Film Festival

Overland Expo East 2026 is just around the corner, and with it comes a longtime favorite – the Overland Expo Film Festival. The film festival is sponsored by Midland Radio and takes place on Friday, October 23rd, bringing an evening of inspirational films documenting vehicle-based travel adventures both near and far. Be ready to be blown away by exceptional storytelling and world-class cinematography.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!

Title Sponsors

Additional Sponsors

Our History Discover the excitement

Photo by Brett Willhelm, Willhelmn Visual Works