SocalEDUCATION & INSTRUCTORS
No other event series features a gathering of so many overland legends, authors, and experts. Our SoCal event will offer sessions by some of our top instructors, chefs, and travelers from around the world.
MARCH 14-15, 2026
OC FAIR & EVENT CENTER // COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA
SAT 9-5 | SUN 9-4
LIST OF PROGRAM OFFERINGS
Overland Expo SoCal will feature education and networking opportunities on a variety of topics. From beginner to advanced sessions, we have something for everyone. Learn how to plan your overland journey, how to make tasty meals on the road, or get inspired to take a trip across the border and beyond.
Reserve Your Sessions
- DaY & Weekend Passes
- About 2 weeks out from the event, download the Overland Expo app to start planning your time at the expo!
- Sign up for sessions in advance: Seminars, Roundtables, Slideshows, Activities, and Exhibitor Demos.
- Camping Passes
- About 2 weeks before the event, you will receive an email invite to sign up for classes.
- Sign up for sessions in advance: Seminars, Roundtables, Slideshows, Activities, and Exhibitor Demos.
Visit Our TEACHING AREAS
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.
Backcountry & Culinary Pavilion
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.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY AREAS
Kids Adventure Area
The Overland Expo Foundation will host the Kids RC Driving Course all weekend! Built around the TREAD principles, the Kids RC Driving Course is a challenging 1/24 RC course for young overlanders to practice their skills and learn to overland responsibly. Participants learn to stay on the trail, respect private land, to pack it in-pack it out, and much more!
Women Who Wander Pavilion
Honoring one of the fastest growing communities in the overland space, the Women Who Wander Pavilion features female-specific education and networking such as: the mechanics/body mechanics of doing vehicle maintenance as a female, safety/security, and fostering community among fellow female overlanders.
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? This “show and tell” area 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!
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.
CHECK OUT WHAT'S NEW #OVERLANDEXPO
A HUGE thank you to every attendee, camper, brand, instructor, volunteer, and staff member — YOU are what make this community and these events so special ✨
Thank you for showing up—traveling across the country, sharing your stories and skills, lending a hand, inspiring others, and bringing the stoke (and the smiles) all season long 🤙
Check out the recap pages under each event on our website to explore photo galleries packed with highlights—you might spot yourself!
Wishing you all a happy, adventure-filled Thanksgiving 🧡 What are you grateful for?
The Overland Expo Black Friday Gear Sale is on! 🔥 Score 20% off all merch in our Gear Shop with the code OVERLANDEXPOBF
👉 Tap the link in bio to shop and save on gifts for yourself and your loved ones.
⏳ Sale ends Dec 5
🎁 Looking for the perfect gift for the overlander, traveler, or adventure-lover in your life? ✨
This year’s Holiday Gift Guide is packed with epic gear PLUS a ton of Black Friday and holiday deals you won’t want to miss 🔥
🏕️ From camp essentials and stocking stuffers to dream-worthy upgrades, this year’s picks are all about elevating every adventure 🛠️
👉 Tap the link in our bio to explore the full guide and all the special offers.
Happy gifting & happy trails! 🚙💨✨
🚛🔥 Meet “Bronty” — a 1996 Stewart & Stevenson M1079 turned full-blown expedition vehicle/tiny house.
We met up with Justin at Overland Expo PNW as he was heading toward Alaska — the official start of his around-the-world journey. Fast forward to now, and he’s making his way south with his sights set on Argentina for the first major leg of the adventure 🌎✨
🎥 Catch the full tour on YouTube (link in bio), where Justin walks us through every detail of the build: mini-split A/C, full solar setup, full-size fridge, clever interior layout, and everything needed for full-time off-grid living.
Follow Justin’s journey ➜ @destinationdaily_
From weekend escapes to full-time life on the road, Outpost Vans is redefining what’s possible in modern adventure travel 🚐✨
Built on passion, crafted with precision, and designed to help you Make Camp Anywhere — every van is a blend of rugged capability and refined comfort.
Whether you’re chasing remote trails, coastal sunsets, or the freedom of the open road, Outpost is here to build the rig that gets you there
👉 Learn more about @outpostvans in our latest Industry Spotlight on OverlandExpo.com (🔗 in bio)
Quick release mounts, baffles, rain collection, and the ability to connect the battery powered 60 PSI pump, are just a few reasons why the Midnight Forest Rain Basins are the
most versatile overland water tanks on the market.
👉 @midnightforestofficial
#overlandgear
Winter’s calling—are you ready? ❄️ We’ve rounded up some winter-ready essentials like rugged tents, self-powered heaters, suspension upgrades, smart accessories and more to make cold-weather travel smoother and elevate your adventures all year long 🏕️🔥
👉 Swipe through to explore the gear that’s ready for any adventure.
🧭 Then head to The Compass on OverlandExpo.com (🔗 in bio) for the full roundup and product details.
Big News: Tickets for all 2026 Overland Expo events are LIVE! 🚐✨
🌎 Get ready for an epic year of adventure at five events across the US packed with education, community, and all things overlanding and adventure travel. Whether you’re new to the scene or a seasoned traveler, there’s no better place to learn, connect, and get inspired for your next journey.
️️🎟️ Tickets are ON SALE NOW — and we’re kicking things off with the lowest prices you’ll see! Don’t miss your chance to snag Early Bird pricing before it ends on 12/31 (Link in bio!)
🔥 Which event(s) are you joining us for? Tag your crew and start planning your adventure. We can’t wait to see you next year!
THE WORLD IS OUT THERE GO SEE IT!
Join attendees from all over the world at this year’s Overland Expo SoCal in Costa Mesa, CA.