There’s plenty to see and do during the day at Overland Expo East, but the fun doesn’t stop when the exhibitor booths begin to close. From food trucks and local craft beer to Happy Hours, live music, films, and the annual Overland Expo Foundation raffle, there are plenty of reasons to stick around after hours.
Grab a Drink at the Oasis
At the center of it all will be the Oasis Bar & Food Court sponsored by Nexen Tire America, serving as the main gathering spot throughout the weekend, and new for 2026, Devils Backbone Brewery joins Overland Expo East as the event’s official beer sponsor. The Virginia-based brewery will be pouring a selection that includes Eight Point IPA and Vienna Lager, along with additional beers to be announced. If beer isn’t your thing, canned cocktails will also be available, including the Tequila Lime Margarita Smash and Vodka Orange Smash.
Whether you’re meeting friends after a day of classes, comparing notes on the latest gear, or just looking for a cold drink before the evening festivities begin, this will be the place to regroup.
READ MORE: Virginia Overland Adventures: Expo East Travel Ideas
Food, Coffee, and More at the Oasis
You won’t have to venture far when hunger strikes. Eight food trucks are already scheduled around the Oasis Bar & Food Court, sponsored by Nexen Tire America, with plans to potentially add a couple more before the event.
Biscuit Batch brings Southern comfort food with a twist. Led by Navy veteran, Food Network finalist, and world-traveled chef Jessica, the Spotsylvania-based operation serves small-batch biscuits, globally inspired jams, and savory dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
For something a little more indulgent, Bruneau’s cooks its Philly cheesesteaks right in front of you on its open-air food cart, while REO Cheesewagon, new for 2026, will be serving gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and other appropriately cheesy comfort food.
The Upper Crust Pizza Company is another new addition this year, bringing handcrafted pizzas ranging from familiar classics to specialty pies.
If tacos and pupusas sound better after a long day walking the show, Taqueria Y Pupuseria Don Jose will be serving Mexican and Salvadoran favorites including tacos, handmade pupusas, and quesadillas. Fire Escape Food Truck rounds out the savory options with made-to-order burgers, fries, and comfort food while also supporting local firefighters and first responders through its Burger of the Month program.
And when it’s time for a caffeine boost, two coffee vendors will be on hand throughout the weekend. Returning Nomad Coffee Company has built its business around traveling, meeting new people, and making great coffee wherever they happen to stop. Joining them for 2026 is Brewberry Lane, a family-run coffee truck serving hand-pulled espresso, slow-brewed chai, and specialty drinks.
Thursday: Welcome Happy Hour and Charity Dinner
For campers and exhibitors getting settled before the show officially opens, the weekend starts early. The Welcome Happy Hour, sponsored by the OX Foundation, runs from 5 PM to 7 PM on Thursday, October 22, at the Oasis Bar & Food Court sponsored by Nexen Tire America. Beginning at 6 PM, the new Overland Expo Foundation Charity Dinner adds another opportunity to gather before the weekend gets underway. Available exclusively to Overland Expo East campers and exhibitors as an add-on experience, the dinner runs from 6 PM to 8 PM and combines food, storytelling, and fundraising. Email [email protected] if you would like to join us for the dinner and 50/50 raffle or add the charity dinner tickets to your order. Proceeds support the Overland Expo Foundation and its featured beneficiary, the Venture Unknown Foundation.
Friday: Happy Hour, Live Music, and Film Night
After the first full day of Overland Expo East, head back to the Oasis Bar & Food Court sponsored by Nexen Tire America for Happy Hour from 5 PM to 7 PM. A free drink will be offered, making it an easy place to meet up with friends before deciding where the rest of the evening takes you. At 7 PM, you’ll have a couple of options. Camp Subaru LIVE! takes over Subaru Booth A300 from 7 PM to 9 PM, combining live music with light bites and drinks in a relaxed setting where attendees can hang out and explore the space.
The Overland Expo Film Festival sponsored by Midland Radio also runs from 7 PM to 9 PM in the outdoor area next to the Oasis Bar & Food Court sponsored by Nexen Tire America, featuring a screening of Sea 2 Sea, followed by a Q&A with the film’s videographer. Grab a drink, find a seat, and settle in for an evening of adventure storytelling on the big screen.
Saturday: Women Who Wander, Toyo Tires Happy Hour, and the Foundation Raffle
Saturday starts with community and a few morning refreshments at the Women Who Wander Networking Event, happening from 10 AM to noon at the Oasis Bar & Food Court, sponsored by Nexen Tire America. Attendees can enjoy muffins and mimosas while hearing stories from women throughout the off-road and overland community. It’s an opportunity to connect, share experiences, and meet others from across the industry and enthusiast community.
Later that afternoon, the Oasis Bar & Food Court sponsored by Nexen Tire America once again becomes the center of the action with Happy Hour sponsored by Toyo Tires from 5 PM to 7 PM. Stick around afterward because the Overland Expo Foundation Raffle begins at 7 PM. The raffle has become one of the weekend’s most popular traditions, giving attendees a chance to take home overland gear and prizes while supporting the work of the Overland Expo Foundation. Raffle tickets can be purchased in advance online or during the event at the Foundation booth.
Make the Most of the Weekend
Once the daytime schedule winds down, grab dinner from a food truck, have a beer, catch up with friends, and stick around for the evening events. It’s a chance to slow down, connect, and enjoy another side of Overland Expo East.
