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
As the Title Sponsor of Overland Expo SoCal, @ankersolix_official is bringing serious power to the party. Power Your Distance!
Swing by the Anker SOLIX booth (GG-1000) to get hands-on with our latest portable and home backup power solutions built for off-grid adventures and beyond. While you`re there, enter for a chance to win the Anker SOLIX C2000 Gen 2—your next adventure upgrade.
And don’t miss the After Party 👀 Come hang, connect with fellow explorers, and see how Anker SOLIX keeps you powered wherever the road takes you!
Ring! Ring! The Overland Expo app is BACK! 📱🔥 Get everything you need for Overland Expo SoCal right at your fingertips.
SPECIAL OFFER: Unlock an exclusive 50% off onX subscription within the app! Then use the SoCal onX event map to build a personalized route to each booth you want to hit, all based on your live location at the show. 🧭
Here’s what you can do in the app:
🗓️ Build your custom itinerary
📚 Check out the full education schedule
📍 Find exhibitor booth locations
🗺️ Explore the event map
… and so much more!
SoCal is less than TWO weeks away! Don’t miss the biggest overlanding event in Southern California. Buy your tickets today! 🚙💨
🔍 Search “Overland Expo” in the App Store or Google Play and download the app now! This app will be used for all upcoming events with Overland Expo West (May 15–17), coming up next.
@classicoverland makes its debut as a Title Sponsor at Overland Expo SoCal 2026, bringing a lineup built to stop you mid-aisle. Leading the charge is a commanding 6x6 Defender, joined by the heritage-driven Warthog Series and the fully bespoke Signature Series.
The Warthog Series stays true to utility and purpose, rooted in classic Defender DNA and built for real-world adventure. The Signature Series elevates the platform with hand-stitched interiors, premium materials, and modern performance options including LT1 power. Together, they showcase two philosophies united by craftsmanship and capability.
Throughout the weekend, Camel Trophy veteran Jim West will host live Defender heritage sessions at the Classic Overland booth, sharing firsthand expedition stories and insight into why the Defender remains the ultimate global platform.
The map suggests. You decide.
Find the Defender built for the way you travel.
@gowanderbox is proud to be a sponsor at Overland Expo SoCal this March in Costa Mesa, California. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience a fully built Wanderbox expedition camper up close and personal. Designed and built in Colorado, Wanderbox delivers serious capability with advanced lithium power systems, expansive solar capacity, extended fresh water storage, and suspension engineered for true adventure travel.
Visitors are invited to step inside, explore the craftsmanship, and connect directly with the Wanderbox team to learn about system performance, customization options, and current production timelines. From off-grid power and water independence to interior refinement and long-range durability, the team will be on-site to walk through what sets Wanderbox apart in the expedition camper space.
For those attending Overland Expo SoCal, this is the opportunity to see how Wanderbox is built to go out farther and stay out longer.
Why go to Overland Expo SoCal? Let the voices of the community tell you! 🤩
⚙️ 400+ Top Overland, Automotive, & Outdoor Exhibitors
📚 100+ Hours of Expert Led Classes
🤝 Connect with Fellow Overlanders
🚙 Experience Epic Trail Ready Rigs
Share what you’re most excited for at Overland Expo SoCal, we want to hear it! 👇
🎟️ Hit the link in our bio to get your tickets!
#overlandexpo #costamesaca #overlandcommunity #overlandexposocal
Overland Expo SoCal 2026 is almost here, and @alpharexusa is proud to return as a Title Sponsor.
AlphaRex will be bringing its latest lighting innovations, along with a lineup of fully built vehicles that showcase real-world performance in demanding environments. No matter what your adventure vehicle looks like or where it takes you, AlphaRex builds lighting designed to go with you.
In addition to new product releases, AlphaRex will debut fresh merch and an exclusive drop in collaboration with @tacomabeast and Olympic skateboarder @heimana_reynolds. Limited quantities will be available at the event.
The 2026 Overland Expo SoCal map is officially LIVE! 🗺️🌴 Swipe through to start getting the lay of the land for the largest overlanding event in Southern California.
Start mapping out your weekend:
🔸 The education sessions you don’t want to miss
🔸 The brands and gear you’ll be checking out
🔸 Where to grab food or find the closest restroom
For the full interactive map, head to the Overland Expo app. Link in bio to download for free! 🔥
We’re only weeks away, and we can’t wait to see the community come together. Tell us in the comments, what are you most excited for this year? 🤩
With spring just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to upgrade your kit! Dive into our latest Gear Showcase packed with must-have spring gear. From rock sliders and heavy-duty radios to eCoolers and more, make sure you’re fully prepared for those outdoor trail trips! 🌄
What spring gear essential will you be adding to your rig this year? 👀
Click the link in bio to read full product descriptions on The Compass! 🧭
#overlandexpo #overlanding #overlandinggear
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.