AMERICAN NORTHWEST
Descend on Bend
When: Sept 1-4, 2023
Where: Oregon Outback
This family-friendly overland event near Pinnacles National Park is accessible to all vehicles, including motorcycles and rental cars. Live music, a daily maker’s market, and morning yoga are some of the highlights, while the event website sold me on its “coffee and affogato offerings.” Luxury amenities include porta potties and relatively level ground to park your rig.
Lead image: Descend on Bend | $227/4-day extended pass, $197/3-day pass, $177/2-day pass | descendon.com/bend
Teton Overland Show
When: September 15-17, 2023
Where: The Waterfront at Snake River Landing, Idaho
The mission of Idaho’s largest overland show is to immerse anyone with a passion for adventure in the overland community. Offering camping, product demonstrations, trail runs, classes, and an activity area for the kids, the event will likely have something for everyone. Workshops include topics such as fishing and vehicle recovery.
$75/in-show camping + weekend pass (per vehicle), $25/weekend pass, $10/daily admission | tetonoverlandshow.com
SOUTH/SOUTHWEST USA
Adventure Van Expo Ogden
When: Sept 2-3, 2023
Where: Golden Spike Expo Center, Ogden, Utah
Take advantage of free daily admission to the Adventure Van Expo’s Ogden show for a family-friendly weekend celebrating the vanlife community. Or, purchase a camping pass, stick around, and enter the DIY contest to win best Fit-n-Finish, Most Creative/Unique, and Best Layout.
$50/camping, $0/entrance pass | adventurevanexpo.com
The Adventure Van Expo offers a handful of events this fall season, including North Lake Tahoe (September 16-17), Bend, Oregon (Sept 30-Oct 1), Chattanooga, TN (Oct 7-8), and Big Bear Lake, California (October 14-15).
Swell, the Inaugural Gathering
When: September 15-17, 2023
Where: North Liberty, Utah
Powered by Outspring, a discovery platform of outdoor brands made for and by women, Swell is a three-day camping weekend bringing like-minded women together for hands-on workshops, fun activities, and a market of women-owned businesses. Held at Weber County’s North Fork Park, the event features a mix of networking and learning opportunities, including group hikes, an avalanche awareness clinic, first aid workshop, and bike trail rides. Industry tickets are available.
$25-$349 | theoutspring.com
Moab Overland Experience
When: September 27-30, 2023
Where: Moab, Utah
“No more excuses for not going, finding, or seeking adventure” is the motto of the Moab Overland Experience, an adventure and lifestyle gathering of like-minded owners and industry professionals. With plenty of vendor attendance and educational content provided by Mercedes-Benz Van Center Warner, Agile Off-Road, Van Compass, and 4 Wheel America, participants will surely find a reason to return.
Off-road Expo California
When: September 30-October 1, 2023
Where: Pomona, California
Held at the historic Pomona fairgrounds, California’s Off-road Expo is all about racing, rock crawling, trail riding and sand sports, motorcycles, UTVs, and adventure travel. Attendees can expect a sprawling show filled with manufacturers and retailers, many with show-only discounted pricing.
$16/adult per day, $6/child per day (until September 29, 2023) | offroadexpo.com/event/california
Toyo Tires Trailpass Experience
When: September 29-October 1, 2023
Where: Big Bear, California
The Toyo Tires Trailpass Experience is free and open to the public, and accessible to everyone from beginner to the most experience traveler. The event will feature vehicles on display, free hosted workshops, a camp cooking demo, outdoor movie, and large product giveaway. Campers can look forward to sleeping under the stars at the Holcomb Valley Ranch, a 400-acre private retreat in the San Bernardino Mountains.
Free| trailpassoverland.com
Copperstate Overland Rally
When: October 7-11, 2023
Where: Arizona
This year marks Copperstate Overland Rally’s ninth annual overland driving adventure. The event is a fully-supported on-road/off-road experience modeled after the renowned Copperstate 1000 vintage car road rally. Fully catered and open to vintage off-road vehicles, Copperstate Overland offers a new route each year through deserts, river valleys, and alpine landscapes—all brought to you by the state of Arizona. Applications must be filled out online.
$12,875 | mensartscouncil.com/copperstate-overland
KTM Adventure Rider Overland Rally
When: October 13-15, 2023
Where: Page, Arizona
The 18th annual KTM Adventure Rider Overland Rally will welcome adventurers to the Lake Powell Resort for designated loops throughout the area. Participants will be placed in groups of two to four riders, promoting a collective environment and pairing those with similar skill levels. Technique and technical riding seminars will also be available.
$10-$350 | eventbrite.com
Moonlanding II Solar Eclipse Festival
When: October 12-16, 2023
Where: Sky View Park and Campground, New Mexico
If you’re looking for something different from the usual overland event scene, the Moonlanding II Solar Eclipse Festival might be just the ticket. Whimsical and full of happy hours, whiskey tastings, and an espresso bar, the event provides an opportunity to play. The event schedule is packed with activities, including a hands-on pottery class, a local Navajo history session, and an evening of stand-up comedy.
$120+/general admission plus camping, $50+/general admission | moonlandinggathering.com
iKamper Campout
Editor’s note: Unfortunately, this event has been canceled. Those who have purchased tickets will receive a full refund via Eventbrite.
When: October 13-15, 2023
Where: Cuyama, California
Held at the Songdog Ranch in California’s Cuyama Badlands, iKamper campout attendees can expect valley views and, if the weather is right, stunning desert sunsets. Activities include product demos, ambassador chef meals, live music, and guided trail runs. Note that this event is open to iKamper owners and guests only.
$239/mesa views, $179/valley views, $99/additional guests | ikamper.com/campout
Off-road Expo Arizona
When: October 14-15, 2023
Where: Avondale, Arizona
The 2023 Off-road Expo returns to the Phoenix Raceway for its third year, where attendees can participate in seminars and interviews with industry experts and browse a selection of gear from leading manufacturers. Interviews from the likes of 4-Wheel Parts, Can-Am, and HyperCo will be held on the main stage, while vehicle recovery seminars will help sharpen your skills.
$16/adult, $6/child (until October 13, 2023) | offroadexpo.com/event/arizona
American Adventurist Mountain Rendezvous
When: October 19-22, 2023
Where: Camp Tahquitz, California
Held in California’s San Bernardino Mountains, the 12th annual American Adventurist Mountain Rendezvous will bring folks together for trail rides, raffles, classes, and plenty of tasty bites at the camp cooking competition. I attended the event back in 2013 and was wowed by the results: pulled pork and tomatillo salsa verde tacos won first place. The event supports the Boy Scouts of America.
$100 per vehicle| americanadventurist.com
AMERICAN MID/MIDWEST
Big Iron Overland Rally
When: September 29-30, 2023
Where: West Mineral, Kansas
Big Iron Overland Rally is a weekend campout and concert experience at the Big Brutus historic landmark in West Mineral, Kansas. Highlights include vehicle display awards, adventure education, and family games and activities. The music lineup features 80s tribute band Members Only, and The Juice, a party band that delves into rock, funk, hip hop, reggae, and more. Make sure to pop by the historic Bucyrus-Erie model 1850-B electric shovel while you’re in the area.
$190/RV camping, $160/camping with trailer, $130/vehicle-based primitive camping, $95/tent camping and weekend pass, $65/two-day music pass, $35/one-day admission | bigironoverlandrally.com
Rendezvous in the Ozarks Overland Rally
When: October 12-14, 2023
Where: Ozark National Forest, Arkansas
Held at the Mulberry Mountain Lodge, this overland event features classes, presentations, and trip reports covering winching, recovery, vehicle packing, navigation, photography, camp cooking, and more. Participants will test their luck at the Saturday evening prize draw, where $23,000 in rooftop tents, 12-volt fridges, awnings, and other overland paraphernalia will be given away.
$90/three-day registration, $35/single-day registration, $10.25/primitive camping per night | naturalstateoverland.org/event-information
AMERICAN EAST
Red Clay Overland Rally
When: September 8, 2023
Where: Appalachia, Eastern United States
The Red Clay Rally is a three-day, time-speed-distance event covering 250 miles of technical off-pavement terrain in the Appalachian region of the eastern USA. More than a rally, the event’s competitors have gathered over 3,450 pounds of trash and debris from 4×4 trails since 2017. The rally format includes unknown checkpoint locations and the use of GPS to set the pace.
$300/competitor, $220/tourer, $85/passenger | redclayrally.com
New England Overland Rally
When: September 9-10, 2023
Where: Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park, Thompson, Connecticut
Serving a large and diverse overlanding community in New England, this rally offers its participants access to product demos with manufacturers and various educational sessions. A purpose-built driving course and ride-alongs will be available, and professional drivers will be on hand to offer constructive guidance and tips. Live music, a craft beer garden, and food trucks round out the event.
$200/overland immersion, $100/weekend camping pass, $40/show vehicle parking, $35/general admission | neoverlandrally.com
Keweenaw Overland Adventure Retreat
When: September 14-17 2023
Where: Trails End Campground, Copper Harbor, Michigan
The Keweenaw Overland Adventure Retreat believes in the power of family, community, and friendship, and has fused these beliefs into its four-day event this fall. The Keweenaw shoreline is the perfect location for paddling or biking, and the event schedule is packed with clinics on astrophotography, first aid, and recovery. Be sure to join Saturday’s annual beach cleanup with a provided lunch and prize drawings.
$185/single ticket including camping, $75/weekend pass, $50/day pass | keweenawoverlandadventureretreat.com
Overland Expo East
When: October 6-8, 2023
Where: Infinity Downs, Arrington, Virginia
Located in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains near George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Overland Expo East brings another jam-packed schedule filled with activities, demos, and educational programming. Pop by the Moto Vendor Village for ADV rider classes and workshops, or attend the Overland Expo Film Festival for more inspiration.
$195/vehicle general admission weekend pass with camping, $170/moto general admission weekend pass with camping, $70/weekend pass, $20+/day passes. Premium and Overland Experience passes are also available for purchase. | overlandexpo.com/east
Texas Overland Festival
When: October 13-15, 2023
Where: Caldwell, Texas
Hosted on a 62-acre property featuring natural water sources and primitive camp spots, the inaugural Texas Overland Festival will host vendors, food trucks, and an off-road obstacle course. Attendees can look forward to live music and courses on building safety, preservation, and survival skills. General and VIP campgrounds are available.
$35-250 | texasoverlandfest.com
Overland the Red
When: October 19-22, 2023
Where: Red River Gorge, Kentucky
Held in the heart of the Daniel Boone National Forest, Overland the Red could be the perfect gathering to enjoy the fall colors and partake in activities from challenging your skills at the Hollerwood off-road park to hiking one of the area’s 150 sandstone arches. Evening campfires abound, while raffles benefit the Daniel Boone Backcountry Byway trails.
$295/weekend pass with electric large trailer site, $175/weekend pass with primitive camping, $75+/day passes | northologyadventures.com/overland-the-red
Blue Ridge Overland Gear Roof Top Tent Rally
When: October 20-22, 2023
Where: Gladstone, Virginia
Held at the James River State Park, Blue Ridge Overland Gear is hosting its seventh annual Roof Top Tent Overland Rally. There’s no rooftop tent required to attend this family-friendly event, which comes with the usual fixings: workshops, food trucks, live music, and more. Featured sessions include vehicle recovery, overland medical, and communications and navigation. Keen to take your Ham radio license exam? You can do that at the rally, too.
$150/general admission + early camping, $120/general admission | blueridgeoverlandgear.com/pages/roof-top-tent-rally
INTERNATIONAL
Alberta Outdoor Adventure Expo
When: September 2-4, 2023
Where: Edson, Alberta, Canada
Held at the Medicine Lodge Rodeo Grounds, the Alberta Outdoor Adventure Expo offers overlanders the chance to gather with like-minded people, learn from guest speakers, and try outdoor adventure gear. Fish at the nearby McLeod River, join evening fireside chats or tune in for the kids’ movie before turning in for the night. First-come-first-served trail rides are also available.
$50/weekend camping pass, $20/day pass | aoaexpo.com
Adventure Show
When: September 15-16, 2023
Where: Stratford On Avon Racecourse, Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
The Adventure Overland Show offers the best of both worlds: 4WD and 2WD campervans. The International Campervan Show will be held at the same venue on the same weekend, so visitors may attend both. Whether your ideal vehicle is old or new, “has all the chrome bells ‘n’ whistles,” or has four or more wheels and a place to sleep, it will fit right in. More than that, this show features an illustrious panel of speakers and an extensive list of vendors.
£15/standard adult admission (Saturday), £10/standard adult admission (Sunday) | Camping rates vary based on vehicle size. | adventure-overland-show.com
If you’d like to find an overland rally in the coming weeks, check out Overland Events and Rallies You Don’t Want to Miss this Summer.
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