A Newcomer’s Guide to Overland Expo – East 2026 Edition
First Overland Expo? No problem. Here is everything you need to know, including must have essentials for planning, and our must-see parts of the weekend.
October 14, 2026
EastEDUCATION & INSTRUCTORS
No other event features a gathering of so many overland legends, authors, and experts. Overland Expo EAST offers more than 270 session-hours of incredible programs—that’s 265+ different classes, slideshows, demonstrations, and activities—brought to you by 55+ instructors and presenters from around the world.
OCTOBER 23-25, 2026
OAK RIDGE ESTATE // ARRINGTON, VA
FRI 9-5 | SAT 9-5 | SUN 9-3
LIST OF PROGRAM OFFERINGS
For EAST, we have 265+ different classes and programs, totaling 270+ session hours. From beginner to advanced sessions, covering everything from wilderness first aid, to working on the road with Starlink, to winching and recovery. We truly have something for everyone.
Reserve Your Sessions
- Camping Passes
- If you have purchased a camping ticket, about 2 weeks before the event, you will receive an email invite to sign up for classes.
- Popular classes fill up quickly, so do not delay in your selection.
- Weekend & Day Passes
- No access to Driving / Recovery & Instructional Classes.
- Do not need to sign up for sessions in advance: Seminars, Roundtables, Demos, Slideshows, Films, Kids Activities, and Exhibitor Demos.
- But we recommend you download the app and create a schedule for the weekend!
Featured Programming
Jeep Ride and Drive Comes to Overland Expo East 2026
Get behind the wheel and see the capability that Jeep offers during this exclusive Ride and Drive Experience at Overland Expo East.
October 13, 2026
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.
October 5, 2026
Instructor Spotlight: Brad St. Clair and Sheri Troftgruben
One of the best things about attending an Overland Expo is meeting fellow travelers and drawing inspiration from their adventures. We are fortunate to have a large cadre of such people teaching classes throughout our events, sharing their stories, how they made their travel dreams a reality, and providing guidance on how we can follow in their footsteps. Brad St. Clair and Sheri Troftgruben are two such people and we are excited to have them join us at Overland Expo East, which is just around the corner.
October 1, 2025
Visit Our TEACHING AREAS
HANDS-ON PAVILIONS
Our training pavilions get you out of the classroom and into the field. Each year we bring you technical classes essential for overlanding. Rotating topics to cover everything from how-tos about electronics to hands-on maintenance and roadside repairs to first aid and injury assessment to showing how to set up gear and what to take with you (and sometimes leave behind).
CLASSROOMS
With our numerous navigation classes, there are no more excuses for getting lost when your GPS dies. Learn communications skills to enhance your overland experience. Brush up on your art of travel techniques with photography and videography classes. Stay safe with situational awareness tips from experts in their field. No matter if you drive a truck or motorcycle, we’ve got classes for you.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY AREAS
overland expo film festival sponsored by midland radio corporation
Each year we offer a new selection of slideshows of trips from around the world. On Friday evening, a special full-length trailer will premiere from Mountain State Overland from their new video series “Hammer Down 6” releasing on YouTube in January 2026.
oasis bar & food court sponsored by nexen tire america
This space includes a teaching area tent that will host education related to content creation, such as photography clinics with incredibly talented photographers, “how to” classes on everything from video creation to the legal terms involved with making money as a content creator, and stories from folks who are traveling around the world.
ROUNDTABLE PANELS
Want to know more about Africa or Australia? What it’s like to travel solo or as a family? From Regional Q&As to expert tips, roundtables can help you plan for the trip of a lifetime. Listen to expert panelists and enjoy tales from the road!
OVERLAND ESSENTIALS AREA
Are you looking to up your camping game? Want to learn what gear essentials well-traveled overlanders don’t leave home without? Spend some time in this area to learn the ins and outs of overlanding from the experts.
SHOWCASE & DIY VEHICLE AREA
Considering investing in an overland rig or motorcycle, and want to see how someone else has modified their rig to travel? Take a look at our “My Overland Vehicle / Moto” series. This “show and tell” series is about vehicle and moto customizations that have been put to the test of time and miles; bring your questions. Many will also share tips on how to travel.
Backcountry & Culinary Pavilion Sponsored by Storyteller Overland
Want to know how certain gear functions, how seasoned travelers pack their rigs or feed themselves on the road, or what it’s like to bring your four-legged friend on your next adventure? Check out the Backcountry Skills Area for information you’re bound to put to use during your next adventure.
PRODUCT DEMO
Want to know how a specific product works? The exhibition area is the place to be. Check the schedule for times of detailed demonstrations. Look for everything from solar cooking to rooftop tents to air compressors and tow straps.
KIDS ADVENTURE AREA
For kids, by kids! We pack the weekend with activities tailored to adventurous kids and their parents. Check out the Junior Overland Explorer program and earn patches for select classes. Kids of all ages can learn about nature journaling, first aid, knot-tying and more. For kids ages 10 and up, look for select afternoon activities—kids can learn some expedition skills with help from the Camel Trophy training team.
CHECK OUT WHAT'S NEW #OVERLANDEXPO
THE WORLD IS OUT THERE GO SEE IT!
Join attendees from all over the world at this year’s Overland Expo East in Arrington, VA.