Overland Expo, the world’s premier event series for do-it-yourself adventure travel enthusiasts, is set to kick off its 2026 season with Overland Expo SoCal. Taking place March 14-15 at the OC Fair & Event Center, this year’s event promises to be the largest and most dynamic gathering of the overlanding community in Southern California history.
With less than a month until the gates open, excitement is building for what will be a massive showcase of adventure travel culture. Overland Expo SoCal will host over 400 exhibitors, featuring the industry’s top brands and latest innovations. From cutting-edge vehicle modifications and rooftop tents to essential camp gear and portable power solutions, attendees will have unparalleled access to the best equipment on the market.
Beyond the expansive exhibitor midway, Overland Expo SoCal offers a robust educational curriculum designed to empower travelers of all skill levels. The event features hundreds of session hours, expert-led round tables, and technical workshops. Whether attendees are looking to master their backcountry cooking, or learn the basics of travel logistics, there is a class for every adventurer.
The weekend also serves as a vibrant community hub. Attendees are invited to all events onsite and throughout the weekend.
Happening All Weekend Long:
- Exhibitor midway – over 400 brands!
- Kids Adventure Area: special activities for families and children.
- Showcase & DIY Area: get inspired by real travelers
- Oasis Bar & Food Court sponsored by Nokian Tyres: take a break, enjoy some lunch, and hangout. The Oasis Bar & Food Court holds the Saturday Happy Hour, Overland Expo Foundation Raffle, and the Sunday Women Who Wander Networking Event.
- Bivvy #1 sponsored by Hankook Tire: take a break, grab some water, chat with someone nearby. This bivvy is all about taking it easy and meeting someone new.
- Backcountry & Culinary Pavilion sponsored by Mohab: Learn tips and tricks for cooking in the backcountry from award-winning chefs.
- Women Who Wander Pavilion sponsored by Kelderman Mfg.: For women, but in no way exclusive. Women-focused education provided by seasoned women travelers.
- The Learning Lab sponsored by FOX: with a wider range of topics, the Learn Lab covers a lot of what you need to plan your next adventure.
- Overland Essentials Area sponsored by Vortex Optics: sessions to get your bearings. From washing dishes, to international travel, the Overland Essentials will help you. Get started or take the next step.
Saturday Events:
- Anker SOLIX in-booth party from 1:00pm to 3:00pm in booth #GG-1000
- Camp Subaru LIVE! from 3:00pm to 5:00pm in booth #GG-1055
- Happy Hour sponsored by Toyo Tires from 5:00pm to 7:00pm in the Oasis Bar & Food Court sponsored by Nokian Tyres
- Overland Expo Foundation Raffle starting at 5:30pm in the Oasis Bar & Food Court sponsored by Nokian Tyres
Sunday Events:
- Women Who Wander Networking Event sponsored by MAXXIS Tires on Sunday at 11:00am located in the Oasis Bar & Food Court sponsored by Nokian Tyres
View the full weekend’s schedule & event locations here.
As the premier event for the overlanding lifestyle, Overland Expo SoCal is the place where friendships are forged, skills are honed, and future journeys begin. With camping spots nearly sold out and tickets moving fast, organizers encourage prospective attendees to secure their passes immediately to ensure they don’t miss out on this definitive kick-off to the 2026 adventure season.
Tickets are available now at overlandexpo.com/socal/buy-tickets-socal
About Overland Expo
Founded in 2009, Overland Expo is the world’s premier event series for do-it-yourself adventure travel enthusiasts. Hundreds of exhibitors of adventure travel equipment, camping gear, bikes, vehicles, and services convene at every Overland Expo event. Each Expo hosts hundreds of session hours of classes, including off-road driving techniques, adventure motorcycling, inspirational programs, roundtable discussions, demonstrations and the Overland Film Festival. Overland Expo is owned and produced by Emerald.
About Emerald
Emerald’s talented and experienced team grows our customers’ businesses 365 days a year through connections, content, and commerce. We expand connections that drive new business opportunities, product discovery, and relationships with over 140 annual events, matchmaking, and lead-gen services. We create content to ensure that our customers are on the cutting edge of their industries and are continually developing their skills. And we power commerce through efficient year-round buying and selling. We do all this by seamlessly integrating in-person and digital platforms and channels. Emerald is immersed in the industries we serve and committed to supporting the communities in which we operate. As true partners, we create experiences that inspire, amaze, and deliver breakthrough results. For more information, please visit www.emeraldx.com.
