Storyteller Overland’s inaugural national owners rally marks an exciting milestone, not only for the brand’s growing community of adventure travelers, but also for the broader overland industry. Set against the one-of-a-kind backdrop of Lasertown in Johnson Valley, California, STO Fest will bring together Storyteller owners, outdoor enthusiasts, industry partners, and phenomenal musicians for four days of music, learning, and connection from October 15-18, 2026.
Attendees can enjoy performances from nationally recognized acts including The Struts, Blackberry Smoke, and Ozomatli, along with campfire circles, a vendor village, vehicle service appointments, education sessions, and food trucks. By combining the energy of a music festival with the camaraderie of an overland gathering, STO Fest is poised to celebrate the evolving nature of the overland lifestyle itself, where connection and shared experiences are as important as the destinations we pursue.
Overland Expo brings expert education to STO Fest
A key component of that experience is education, and that is where Overland Expo is proud to contribute.
For 17 years, Overland Expo has served as the leading destination for overland training and education, connecting travelers with experienced instructors and practical, real-world knowledge – and inspiration. Each event features hundreds of hours of education, covering everything from border crossing preparation to vehicle recovery to wilderness first aid – for both humans and pets. In support of STO Fest’s educational and community programming, Overland Expo’s Director of Programming, Azure O’Neil, will lead three sessions designed to help attendees build knowledge, confidence, and connections.
Before joining the Overland Expo team, O’Neil was one of the event series’ featured instructors, sharing lessons drawn from her own extensive travels. Since leaving a corporate career in 2011 to explore Australia and beyond, she has traveled through 31 countries by both motorcycle and four-wheel vehicle. Today, she oversees the educational programming that has become a hallmark of the Overland Expo experience.
READ MORE: Educational Opportunities Abound at Overland Expo East 2026
At STO Fest, O’Neil will present The Road to Full-Time Overlanding, a candid discussion about transitioning to a location-independent lifestyle. Drawing from years of full-time vehicle-based travel and nearly a decade working with full-time overlanders, this session will explore everything from budgeting and logistics to resilience, community, and creating a sustainable nomadic life.
She will also teach Getting There is a Team Sport: Marshaling & Spotting, an interactive class focused on driver-spotter communication, obstacle negotiation, and teamwork. Through practical exercises and challenges, participants will build confidence and improve safety in off-road environments.
Rounding out the lineup is Community Conversation for Women Who Wander (Or Who Think They Might Like To), a popular Overland Expo session that creates space for women in the overland community to connect, share resources, exchange advice, and build new friendships. (All attendees are welcome to attend.)
In addition to the sessions being presented by Overland Expo, several Storyteller Overland owners will teach classes on knot tying, reptile safety, yoga, and more.
This collaboration between Storyteller Overland and Overland Expo highlights a shared commitment to enriching the overland community through education, connection, and shared experiences. As Storyteller launches this exciting new event, Overland Expo is proud to support the learning opportunities and community-building experiences that are at the heart of the overland lifestyle.
