Overland Expo SoCal 2026 kicked off the show season with more than 400 exhibitors, 100 hours of educational programming, and thousands of enthusiasts gathered at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. From expedition vehicles to hands-on skills training, the event delivered everything overlanders need to explore with confidence.
Kicking off this year’s show season, Overland Expo SoCal 2026 arrived in Costa Mesa with plenty of anticipation—and it delivered. Held March 14–15 at the OC Fair & Event Center, the event brought together overlanders, gear manufacturers, vehicle builders, and travelers from across the region for a weekend focused on vehicle-based adventure.
As the largest vehicle-based adventure expo in Southern California, the show continues to grow each year. For 2026, more than 400 companies filled the fairgrounds with displays covering everything from expedition vehicles and rooftop tents to recovery gear, lighting systems, camp kitchens, and power solutions.
The exhibitor area remains one of the biggest draws for attendees, offering a chance to see new products up close, talk directly with the people who design and build them, and get hands-on demonstrations before committing to new gear.
But Overland Expo has always been more than a trade show. The event blends product displays with a strong educational component designed to help both newcomers and experienced travelers sharpen their skills.
The 2026 SoCal event featured more than 100 hours of educational programming, including classes, demonstrations, roundtable discussions, and presentations from overland travelers and instructors from around the world.
Topics ranged from trip planning and vehicle setup to cooking in the backcountry and responsible travel practices. Dedicated areas such as the Overland Essentials Area and the Backcountry & Culinary Pavilion provided spaces where attendees could learn practical skills that translate directly to time spent on the trail.
Community remains a central part of the event’s appeal. Overland Expo draws thousands of enthusiasts who share a common interest in travel, exploration, and the equipment that makes it possible.
Throughout the weekend, attendees gathered around the show grounds, attended evening happy hour events, and swapped stories from the road with fellow adventurers.
Several themed areas added to the experience. The Women Who Wander Pavilion hosted education and networking opportunities highlighting the growing community of female overlanders, while the Showcase & DIY Vehicle Area allowed builders to share the details of their rigs and discuss the lessons learned from real-world travel.
Families were also welcomed, with activities such as the Kids RC Driving Course teaching younger participants the basics of responsible trail use.
Costa Mesa proved to be a fitting location for the event. The OC Fair & Event Center provides a spacious venue capable of accommodating the large exhibitor footprint and outdoor demonstrations that the show requires.
Located near Southern California’s coastline and within reach of the Santa Ana Mountains and Cleveland National Forest, the area also reflects the type of landscapes many attendees explore with their vehicles.
OVR was also part of the action this year with a booth on the show floor. We’d like to thank everyone who stopped by to say hello and check out what we have been working on.
Events like Overland Expo are a reminder that the overlanding community is built not just around vehicles and gear, but also around the people who share the same interest in getting out and exploring.
We snapped a few photos during the weekend, and the gallery that accompanies this story offers a small glimpse of what was on display throughout the fairgrounds. With hundreds of vehicles, products, and ideas packed into the event, it would be impossible to capture everything in one visit.
If you get the chance, Overland Expo SoCal is worth adding to your calendar next year. For anyone interested in vehicle-based travel, it remains one of the best opportunities in Southern California to see the latest equipment, learn new skills, and connect with others who share the same enthusiasm for the road ahead.
Overland Expo SoCal 2026 Vehicle Gallery
Overland Expo SoCal 2026 Exhibitor Gallery
Overland Expo SoCal 2026 Other Sights Gallery
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