Overland Expo West, one of the largest overlanding events in the U.S., returns to Flagstaff, Arizona, May 15-17, 2026. 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, event officials stated in a press release.
More than 400 exhibitors and over 400 hours of educational programming—including 120-plus classes, demos and roundtables—are scheduled for the three-day event. Attendees can join sessions on topics like wilderness first-aid, recovery skills, content creation, route planning, cooking tips and gear essentials. Plus, attendees can check out custom DIY overland rigs.
“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.”
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, noted the release.
What’s New at Overland Expo West 2026
- Overland Expo and Hipcamp Adventure Route: This new collaboration helps overlanders discover ideal camping spots near all Overland Expo events.
- 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.
- Nearly 100 First-Time Exhibitors: Overland Expo West 2026 features nearly 100 new companies exhibiting for the first time.
- 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 more.
- Exhibitor Lounge Sponsored by SEMA/ORBA: Overland Expo West exhibitors have access to an exclusive lounge designed for relaxation, networking and recharging.
- Expanded Food Offerings: A total of 24 food trucks will be at the event.
- All-New Hat Bar: For the first time, Overland Expo West features a Hat Bar, where attendees can create customized hats to commemorate their adventure.
Upcoming 2026 Overland Expo Events
- Overland Expo PNW – June 26-28, 2026, Redmond, Oregon
- Overland Expo Mountain West – Aug. 21-23, 2026, Loveland, Colorado
- Overland Expo East – Oct. 23-25, 2026, Arrington, Virginia