SocalEDUCATION & INSTRUCTORS

No other event series features a gathering of so many overland legends, authors, and experts. Our premier 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 with Graham Jackson, how to make your own dehydrated meals with Connie Rodman, or get inspired to up your photography game with National Geographic Photographer, Mylo Fowler.

Reserve Your Sessions

Visit Our TEACHING AREAS

HANDS-ON PAVILIONS

Our training pavilions get you out of the classroom and into the field. Each year we bring you technical classes essential for overlanding. Rotating topics to cover everything from how-tos about electronics to hands-on maintenance and roadside repairs to first aid and injury assessment to showing how to set up gear and what to take with you (and sometimes leave behind).

CLASSROOMS

With our numerous navigation classes, there are no more excuses for getting lost when your GPS dies. Learn communications skills to enhance your overland experience. Brush up on your art of travel techniques with photography and videography classes. Stay safe with situational awareness tips from experts in their field. No matter if you drive a truck or motorcycle, we’ve got classes for you.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY 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.

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

The dogs at Overland Expo SoCal were the real stars of the show 🐶⭐️🛻😂

Thank you to the @oc_fair for working with us to allow dogs at the event, and thank you all for being responsible 🐕🦮🐩🐕‍🦺

🐶 Did you bring your pup? Let us know and tag them if they’re on Instagram!
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Overland Expo SoCal was a blast! Thank YOU for coming out and being part of our very first Southern California event. We had a mind blowing 19,000 people come through over the weekend! 🤯

⬇️ Were you there? What was your favorite part?

Missed it? No worries – we`ve got another event coming up soon. Join us for Overland Expo West May 16-18 in Flagstaff, AZ. This is THE original Overland Expo event and one of our biggest events of the year. Come camp with us for the whole weekend to get the full experience 🏕️🚙✨

📺 Head to our YouTube channel (link in bio) to watch the full recap video.

📽️ @yapping_about_cars
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The first Overland Expo SoCal was epic, West is next! 🌲🚐✨

Overland Expo West is the OG event and one of our biggest events of the year. Set in the beautiful pine forests of Flagstaff, AZ, West is the ultimate gathering for overlanders, adventure travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Vendor spaces have been sold out for months and we’ll have 500+ brands on site showcasing cutting-edge vehicles and gear. Trust us – you don’t want to miss this!

🏕️ If you thought SoCal was fun, wait until you experience West. Camping is the best way to get the full experience – there’s more to see and do than can possibly be fit into one day.

🎟️ Get your tickets now and lock in your camping passes to stay in the heart of the action. Don’t wait— premium camping is almost sold out and passes are going fast.

☀️ We’ll be sharing more from SoCal in the coming days, in the meantime, get your West passes and start planning your next adventure!

✉️ Make sure you’re on our email list as well to stay up to date (link in bio).
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Overland Expo SoCal has been a blast. Day 1 was awesome and Day 2 is underway! ☀️🚐

🔥 Let us know if you’re here! What’s been your favorite part?

📷 @imandrewjones
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The first Overland Expo SoCal is officially kicking off! Gates are open, it’s a beautiful day and we are stoked to have you here 🎉

Drop a 🔥 if you’re here and if you’re not, come on down! We’ve got an epic weekend planned ☀️🌴🛻

🎟️ Tickets at the link in bio
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Everyone’s rolling in for Overland Expo SoCal! There’s sunshine on the forecast and it’s going to be an epic weekend ☀️🌴

Let us know if you’re here or if you’re coming!

We’ve got a fun weekend planned full of education sessions, demos, films, networking, happy hour, a party, and of course, allll the coolest overlanding and adventure travel vehicles and gear 🔥

See you soon! The show opens at 9am tomorrow 🎉
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Sneak peek of Overland Expo SoCal setup going down 👊🏼

📽️ @yapping_about_cars
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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.

Photo by Brett Willhelm

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