Overlanding continues to ramp up in popularity, as evidenced by the success of the inaugural Overland Expo SoCal, held March 15–16 in Costa Mesa, Calif., which saw an estimated 19,000 attendees. Featuring 303 exhibitors, 30 presenters and trainers, and 84 classes, seminars, demos, and activities comprising over 96 hours of sessions; it’s all in support of the overlanding community, those who wish to camp off the grid, often in more rural and rustic settings.
According to Overland Expo, the organization responsible for this event, attendees hailed from 46 states with the highest attendance coming from California, Arizona, Washington, Texas, Oregon, Colorado, Utah and Nevada. There were also visitors from Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Japan, Israel, Mexico, and South Korea.
Though this is the first Overland Expo in Southern California, it’s part of an event series with four additional stops: West, in Flagstaff, Arizona; Pacific Northwest, in Redmond, Oregon; Mountain West, in Loveland, Colorado; and East in Arlington, Virginia.
What’s at the Overland Expo?
In addition to rows and rows of products and gear to support the overlanding lifestyle, a popular attraction is the custom builds. There are also a growing number of RV manufacturers in attendance to show off ready-made rigs designed specifically to address the needs of overlanding.
Beyond the exhibitor booths, attendees had access to a variety of immersive activities and expert-led sessions. Overland Expo veteran Chris Bradley shared insider tips in “How to Get the Most Out of Overland Expo,” drawing from his experience attending every show since 2009. At the DIY Showcase and Creator Vehicle areas, the “My Perfect Rig” series gave attendees a first-hand look at overland builds and gear setups. Chef Corso led interactive cooking sessions at the Backcountry & Culinary Pavilion including “No More Deli Sandwiches,” inspiring attendees to elevate their culinary creativity when camping.
The weekend also included networking and social events, such as Women Who Wander Networking, which brought together female overlanders to share stories, tips, and inspiration. Subaru provided puppy adoptions and an in-booth party, where attendees enjoyed refreshments and checked out Subaru vehicles.
About the Overland Expo
“The turnout at Overland Expo SoCal far exceeded our expectations,” said Jessica Kirchner, Vice President of Consumer Events for Emerald, which organizes the events. “With 70% of attendees reporting SoCal as their first Overland Expo, exhibitors were particularly excited about the opportunity to connect with a new overlanding audience, eager to learn and begin building out their vehicles for adventure. Across the board, exhibitors considered the event a tremendous success, with many already securing their spots for next year based on the incredible turnout, strong sales and high engagement.
“Overland Expo SoCal appeals to seasoned adventurers and newcomers interested in exploring what’s next in overlanding. Overland Expo SoCal reflects our commitment to growing with the community and providing unforgettable experiences across the country.”
One of the objectives of the Expo series is to support the Overland Expo Foundation, which started in 2020, to help support the lifestyle with trail betterment programs and other benefits to the infrastructure and the people who support it. Part of the way the organization raises money is by raffling one-of-a-kind custom vehicles and motorcycles through vendor partnerships. In 2023, over $104,000 was raised through these raffles.
Upcoming 2025 Overland Expo Events
Overland Expo West – May 16-18, 2025 | Flagstaff, AZ
Overland Expo PNW – June 27-29, 2025 | Redmond, OR
Overland Expo Mountain West – August 22-24, 2025 | Loveland, CO
Overland Expo East – October 3-5, 2025 | Arrington, VA
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