What is the single most critical element of a successful overlanding expedition? Is it the suspension on your rig? Your recovery gear? Your meticulously planned route? All great answers, but let’s be entirely honest. The real magic happens when the engines turn off, the camp chairs come out, and you share a great meal and a cold drink with friends.
At Overland Expo West 2026, we know that exploring over 400 exhibitors and taking hands-on classes all day works up a serious appetite. That is why we have curated an incredible lineup of food, drinks, and epic parties to keep you fueled and connected all weekend long. May 15-17 in Flagstaff, Arizona, you are not just attending a gear show. You are joining the most vibrant community in the adventure travel world.
Here is your ultimate guide to eating, drinking, and partying on the grid.
A Culinary Adventure Awaits
Forget the standard trade show hot dogs. We are bringing 25 unique food trucks to four massive locations across the venue, ensuring you are never far from a fantastic meal.
The heart of the action is the Oasis Bar & Food Court sponsored by Nexen Tire America. This is where you will find flavors from around the globe. Craving some heat? Southern Soul is serving up Cajun Poutine, Pulled Pork Nachos topped with Hatch Chile Queso, and Jalapeno Hushpuppies. Looking for something different? Grab authentic African appetizers at Safari Samosas, or dive into some fresh Yaki-soba from Island Noodles.
If you find yourself wandering the Ramada or the West Lot, you will stumble upon even more incredible options. Start your morning with breakfast from Be Crepeful or Coffee on the Run. For lunch, grab a massive bison burger from Nina’s Concessions, or treat yourself to a Sonoran dog from Lopez Street Dogs. And when that afternoon sweet tooth hits, track down Polar Bros in the Quad for liquid nitrogen ice cream.
Nightly Happy Hours and Film Premieres
The connections you make at Overland Expo are the ones that last a lifetime. Every evening, the exhibitor midway winds down, and the parties ramp up.
If you are camping with us, start your weekend early on Thursday night at the Welcome Happy Hour from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, sponsored by Barebones Living. It is the perfect opportunity to meet your neighbors and map out your weekend strategy.
Friday night is absolutely packed. Kick things off at 5:00 PM with a Happy Hour sponsored by TOPS Knives. Afterward, you have some tough choices to make. Head over to the Toyota booth for “Toyota Game Night,” or grab a seat at the Oasis Bar & Food Court sponsored by Nexen Tire America for the Overland Expo Film Festival, featuring XOverland’s season 7 finale, Milestones.
If you travel on two wheels, you do not want to miss the legendary Moto Party & Dinner, sponsored by Rider Justice. Hosted in the ADV Skills Area, this exclusive gathering features a catered dinner, an impressive raffle, and live music by Owen. Make sure to add this $55 ticket to your registration before it sells out.
Brunches, Booth Parties, and Huge Giveaways
Saturday is all about maximizing your event experience. Start your morning right at 10:00 AM with “Breakfast with Firestone,” or head over to the Women Who Wander Networking Brunch, sponsored by MAXXIS Tires. This brunch is a phenomenal space to connect with trailblazing women, share stories, and grow your travel network.
Need an afternoon pick-me-up? Swing by the Subaru booth from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM for “Camp Subaru LIVE!” before heading to the Saturday evening Happy Hour, sponsored by BRS OFFROAD NORTH AMERICA.
As the sun sets on Saturday, the energy peaks. Join the massive AT Overland, Equipt, and XOverland block party for beers and great hangs. Then, make your way to the Oasis Bar & Food Court sponsored by Nexen Tire America for the ultimate highlight of the weekend: the Overland Expo Foundation Charity Raffle. The mountain of premium overlanding gear given away at this raffle is staggering. Best of all, every ticket purchased supports a fantastic cause protecting our public lands.
Close It Out with Dogs and Donuts
We are not letting you pack up camp without one last gathering. On Sunday morning at 10:00 AM, bring your furry co-pilots to the Oasis Bar & Food Court sponsored by Nexen Tire America for Dogs and Donuts, sponsored by Far Fetched Adventures. It is the perfect, laid-back way to say goodbye to your new friends before hitting the trail home.
Whether you are here to outfit a brand-new rig, learn advanced recovery skills, or simply immerse yourself in the overlanding community, the memories you make after hours are what you will carry with you.
Grab a cold drink, find a spot by the fire, and join us. The world is out there—let’s go see it together.
