Overland Expo West, the largest overlanding event in the U.S., is returning to Flagstaff, Arizona, May 15-17.
As the original event in the Overland Expo series, West is widely regarded as the “grandfather of overlanding events” — bringing together the world’s top adventure travel experts, gear innovators and thousands of enthusiasts for a weekend of inspiration, education and community.
More than 400 exhibitors and over 400 hours of educational programming, including 120-plus classes, demos and roundtables — await attendees across a jam-packed three-day schedule. From vehicle recovery techniques to backcountry culinary skills, Overland Expo West offers educational sessions for everyone, from curious beginners to seasoned explorers.
“Community is at the heart of everything we do at Overland Expo,” says Emily Boden, show director. “Flagstaff is the big one, Overland Expo West offers attendees the chance to connect with fellow adventurers, engage in educational opportunities, see the latest gear, and immerse themselves in the spirit of overlanding.”
Event Highlights for Overland West 2026 Include:
- Thursday, May 14
- (5-7 p.m.) Welcome Happy Hour Sponsored Barebones Living: Exclusive to camping attendees and exhibitors, kick off the Overland Expo West weekend at Thursday’s Happy Hour and connect with fellow adventurers.
- Friday, May 15
- (10 a.m.) Subaru Dog Adoption In-Booth Event: In partnership with the local human society, attendees can help dogs find new homes.
- (5-7 p.m.) Happy Hour Sponsored by TOPS Knives: Unwind and connect with fellow adventurers at Overland Expo West’s Friday Happy Hour, to cap off the first day.
- (7–9 p.m.) Moto Party + Raffle Sponsored by Rider Justice: This beloved community event brings moto adventurers together for prizes, drinks, and storytelling.
- (7 p.m.) Overland Expo Film Festival Sponsored by Remote Vans: A celebration of global adventures and untold stories.
- (7-9 p.m.) Toyota Game Night: Enjoy free food, drinks, prizes, and a surprise visit from a mystery celebrity guest.
- Saturday, May 16
- (10–12 p.m.) Women Who Wander Networking Event Sponsored by MAXXIS Tires: A dedicated space to connect, learn, and share experiences with fellow women travelers.
- (10-12 p.m.) Firestone Brunch: Filled with music, giveaways, and adventure-ready inspiration.
- (10 a.m.) Subaru Dog Adoption In-Booth Event: In partnership with the local human society, attendees can help dogs find new homes.
- (3-5 p.m.) Camp Subaru LIVE! In-Booth Event: Enjoy live music, light bites, and
- (5-7 p.m.) Happy Hour Sponsored by BRS OFFROAD NORTH AMERICA: Unwind and connect with fellow adventurers at Overland Expo West’s Friday Happy Hour, to cap off the second day.
- (7–9 p.m.) Overland Expo Foundation Charity Raffle: Give back to the community while winning top gear from premium overland brands.
- (7-9 p.m.) AT Overland, Equipt & Overland Collective In-Booth Party: Filled with music, prizes, and good times.
- Sunday, May 17
- (10-11:50 a.m.) New! Dogs and Donuts Sponsored by Far Fetched Adventures: Grab donuts, connect with fellow dog lovers, and learn essential skills for adventuring with your four-legged companion.
With 120+ specialized classes, demos and activities and 400+ hours of instruction available, Overland Expo West offers an unmatched educational experience for all skill levels. Attendees can join sessions on topics like wilderness first-aid, recovery skills, content creation, route planning, cooking tips, and gear essentials. Plus, enjoy film festival screenings, roundtable panels, product demos, and check out custom DIY overland rigs.
New for 2026, Overland Expo West will feature a special educational session celebrating the Route 66 Centennial Anniversary. Led by Candi Skehan, this session will honor the history and legacy of the iconic highway, offering attendees a unique opportunity to reflect on its impact and significance.
Additional new items at Overland Expo West 2026:
- Overland Expo and Hipcamp Adventure Route
This exciting new collaboration helps overlanders discover ideal camping spots near all Overland Expo events, making adventure planning easier than ever. - onX Offroad Event Map
Integrated into the Overland Expo app, the onX Offroad Event Map allows attendees to use their location within the venue to navigate and calculate distances to specific exhibitor booths with ease. - Nearly 100 First-Time Exhibitors
Overland Expo West 2026 welcomes nearly 100 new companies exhibiting for the first time, offering attendees a chance to explore fresh products and innovations in the overlanding space. - 19 New Educational Sessions
This year’s event introduces 19 new sessions, including hands-on workshops and expert-led classes. Highlights include flat tire repair on the trail, reliable and sustainable power solutions, and much more! - Exhibitor Lounge Sponsored by SEMA/ORBA
Overland Expo West exhibitors can enjoy an exclusive lounge designed for relaxation, networking, and recharging in style.
- Expanded Food Offerings
Attendees can enjoy five new food options, totaling 24 awesome food trucks. New offerings include:- Lopez Street Dogs
- The Fry Factory
- Hot Bamboo
- Jakes Donuts and Treat Trolley
- Harris’ Smokehouse
- All-New Hat Bar – Located at the Overland Expo Gear ShopFor the first time, Overland Expo West features a Hat Bar, where attendees can create customized hats to commemorate their adventure.
Overland Expo West offers a variety of ticket options, including day passes, weekend passes, and premium camping packages, and general admission camping packages. Attendees are encouraged to secure tickets early as camping spots are expected to sell out. Buy tickets and camping passes here.
Upcoming 2026 Overland Expo events:
- Overland Expo PNW – June 26-28, 2026 | Redmond, OR
- Overland Expo Mountain West – August 21-23, 2026 | Loveland, CO
- Overland Expo East – October 23-25, 2026 | Arrington, VA
For more information, visit overlandexpo.com and join us for the next event.
