AMERICAN NORTHWEST
Descend on Bend
When August 30-September 2, 2024 | Where Yamhill River, Oregon
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Descend on Bend returns with live music, a daily maker’s market, a community potluck, a raffle, and workshops. The inaugural event occurred in 2014 when 15 VW Vanagon Westfalia enthusiasts gathered at Bend’s Hole-in-the-Ground crater and vowed to make it an annual tradition. Morning yoga and coffee will be served.
$228/4-day extended pass, $198/1-day pass | descendon.com
Adventure Van Expo
When September 7-8, 2024 | Where Enumclaw, Washington
The Adventure Van Expo’s Enumclaw show will mainly feature built-out Mercedes Sprinters, accessories, and more. For a family-friendly weekend celebrating the vanlife community, purchase a camping pass and stick around to enter the DIY contest to win best Fit-n-Finish, Most Creative/Unique, and Best Layout.
The Adventure Van Expo offers a handful of events this fall season, including North Lake Tahoe (September 14-15), and Big Bear Lake, California (October 19-20), Ventura, California (October 26-27).
$96/camping, $6/entrance pass | adventurevanexpo.com
Teton Overland Show
When September 13-14, 2024 | Where Idaho Falls, 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.
$80/in-show camping + weekend pass (per vehicle), $15/weekend pass, $8/daily admission | tetonoverlandshow.com
Snow Peak Way West
When October 4-6, 2024 | Where Long Beach Campfield, Washington
Snow Peak Way offers a blend of activities focusing on the much-coveted ‘unprogrammed free time.’ Those longing for a break from luxurious activity-absent time can partake in workshops and informal demonstrations, which offer a chance to connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts in an environment suited to reconnecting with nature. For those near Upstate New York, join Snow Peak Way East in Tannersville from September 13 to 15, 2024.
$100/adult, $25/children | eventbrite.com
SOUTH/SOUTHWEST USA
Toyo Tires Trailpass
When September 6-8, 2024 | Where Big Bear, California
Held at a 400-acre private retreat in the San Bernardino Mountains, the Toyo Tires Trailpass gathers the outdoor, off-road, and overlanding community. Suiting beginners and experienced travelers alike, the event features display vehicles, workshops, camp cooking demos, an outdoor film, and a product giveaway. The event is free and open to the public; however, make sure to pre-register before arrival.
Free entrance and camping courtesy of Toyo Tires | trailpassoverland.com
Overland of America
When September 13-15, 2024 | Where Jay, Oklahoma
Held at the 2600-acre MidAmerica Outdoors facility in Jay, Oklahoma, the inaugural Overland of America promises to bring a sense of humor to the overland industry. Barbie Jeep downhill races, a camper appreciation pool party, and an awards ceremony keep things light, while the entertainment park will keep attendees satiated courtesy of the on-site restaurant, bar, coffee house, general store, and food trucks.
$135/camping passes, $35/3-day passes, $20/day pass | overlandofamerica.com
Off-road Expo California
When September 28-29, 2024 | 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 27, 2024) | offroadexpo.com/event/california
Feralosophy: A Ladies-Only Overlanding Experience
When October 3-6, 2024 | Where Jasper, Arkansas
Presented by Lady Overlander Radio, Feralosophy is an intimate weekend camping experience near Jasper, Arkansas, in the Ozark Mountains. Located near the 135-mile Buffalo National River, the retreat includes primitive camping, all meals, and a solid lineup of activities, including basic wilderness survival training and an off-road recovery workshop by Switchback Outdoor Safety, a gravel route ride through historic Newton County, Arkansas, and Friday and Saturday morning yoga.
$275 | ladyoverlanderradio.com
Mosko Moto Dusty Lizard Campout
When October 4-6, 2024 | Where Death Valley National Park
Comfortable autumn temperatures mean milder riding conditions for those heading to Death Valley, where Mosko Moto will hold its final event of the year. Participants will receive suggested routes with GPX files for adventure bikes and dual sports, while evening attractions include beverages and live music, local food, and the latest gear from Mosko, Ruby Moto Lights, Taco Moto Co., and Red Rock Harley Davidson.
$329/moto weekend pass with camping, $159/Saturday day pass, $149/Friday day pass | moskomoto.com
Moonlanding III: To See You Dance Again
When October 10-14, 2024 | Where Ramah, New Mexico
Part of the Journal of Lost Time event circuit, Moonlanding III continues to deliver one-of-a-kind activities and experiences suited to nomads, overlanders, and van \lifers. Access tools, parts, and advice at the DIY Repair Outpost, get that tattoo you’ve always wanted, or shake it like a Polaroid during a Jazzercise class. From vehicle recovery to pottery, the schedule is jam-packed with fun.
$200/5-day extended pass | moonlandinggathering.com
Copperstate Overland
When October 12-16, 2024 | Where Arizona
This year marks Copperstate Overland’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.
$14,850 | mensartscouncil.com/copperstate-overland
American Adventurist SoCal Mountain Rendezvous
When October 17-20, 2024 | Where Camp Tahquitz, California
The SoCal Mountain Rendezvous was the first overland event I attended back in 2013. Invited by friends, we climbed to 6,500 feet of elevation to enjoy the camp cooking competition, potluck dinner, and raffle at the campfire. Pack your bits and bobs for the best-decorated campsite competition; the theme is “Camp Spooky.” Still going strong, this year marks the event’s 13th anniversary.
$100 ($60 RSVP fee + $40 donation) | americanadventurist.com
AMERICAN MID/MIDWEST
Big Iron Overland Rally
When September 27-28, 2024 | Where West Mineral, Kansas
Big Iron 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 in the area.
$250/RV camping, $195/open area camping + two weekend passes, $45/weekend general admission pass, $25/general admission day pass | bigironoverlandrally.com
Rendezvous in the Ozarks
When October 10-12, 2024 | 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.
$95/three-day registration, $35/single-day registration, $10/primitive camping per person per night | naturalstateoverland.org/event-information
KTM Adventure Rider Rally
When October 10-13, 2024 | Where Deadwood, South Dakota
Based out of The Lodge at Deadwood, the 2024 KTM Adventure Rider Rally will include extensive double-track trails with rocky and clay sections, snaking turns, and mountain climbs with the opportunity to demo select models from KTM’s current street and dual-sport ranges. Rides are suitable for all skill levels, with designated common stops for lunch and fuel-ups and small groups of two to four riders to maximize the safety and enjoyment of all participants.
$350/team, $350/individual, $175/non-participant meals | eventcreate.com
AMERICAN EAST
Red Clay Rally
When September 13-15, 2024 | Where Evarts, Kentucky
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 throughout the Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Area and the use of GPS to set the pace.
$300/competitor, $250/tourer, $90/passenger | redclayrally.com
Keweenaw Overland Adventure Retreat
When September 12-15 2024 | 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.
$225/single ticket including camping, $75/weekend pass, $50/day pass | keweenawoverlandadventureretreat.com
Overland Expo East
When October 4-6, 2024 | Where Oak Ridge Estate, 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, $71+/weekend pass, $21+/day passes. Premium and Overland Experience passes are also available for purchase. | overlandexpo.com/east
Barber Vintage Festival
When October 11-13, 2024 | Where Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, Alabama
BMW Motorrad Days will celebrate vintage motorcycles at this year’s Barber Vintage Festival held at the Barber Motorsports Park. Attendees will have the chance to demo on- and off-road models, including the R 1300 GS, F 900 GS, R 12, and the fully electric CE 02. In between rides, participants have access to live music, stunt shows, and a police rodeo performance.
$140/VIP Package, $70/3-day general admission, $75+/camping, $30+/general admission | barbermuseum.org/barber-vintage-festival/
Overland the Red
When October 17-20, 2024| Where Stanton, 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.
$275/weekend pass with electric large trailer site, $195/weekend pass with primitive camping, $75+/day passes | northologyadventures.com/overland-the-red
Blue Ridge Overland Gear Roof Top Tent Rally
When October 18-20, 2024 | Where Gladstone, Virginia
Held at the James River State Park, Blue Ridge Overland Gear is hosting its eighth annual Roof Top Tent 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. Test your skills in the backcountry survival games, take your ham radio license test, or enjoy 20 miles of hiking and bike trails within the park.
$150/general admission plus extra day of camping (per vehicle), $120/general admission plus camping | blueridgeoverlandgear.com/pages/roof-top-tent-rally
TouraTexas Rally
When October 24-27, 2024 | Where Burnet, Texas
The TouraTexas Rally is an ADV odyssey. On-site programming includes property rides, clinics led by industry professionals, and factory demo trucks. SheADV is joining the rally this year and features two days of women’s training with Shal Wilson, various rides, and social events. BDR will be in attendance with the release of its upcoming route, the Big Bend BDR-X in West Texas. The full route and film will be unveiled during a live YouTube broadcast on October 26 and in-person at the rally, including a 40-minute documentary, release of GPS tracks, and comprehensive online travel resources.
$260/premium admission, $175/basic admission, $65/day pass | austinmotoventures.com |
Epic Willys Adventure
When June 5 – 15, 2025 | Where Butler, Pennsylvania
While the Epic Willys Adventure is technically scheduled for next summer, registration is now open and teams will be chosen by November 2024. The event began as a pilgrimage to pay homage to the Jeep and the backroads of America. Race participants will drive hundreds of miles without the support of GPS or cell phones, sticking only to non-interstate roads in period correct 1941 to 1964 Willys Jeeps.
$2,500/team | epicwillysadventure.com
INTERNATIONAL
Alberta Outdoor Adventure Expo
When August 30-September 2, 2024 | 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.
$80/weekend camping pass, $25/day pass, kids attend for free | aoaexpo.com
Bikes and Boats Croatia Motorcycle Tour
When September 23-29, 2024 | Where Croatia
Suitable for riders of all levels, Bikes and Boats combines Honda CRF250cc/300cc motorcycle riding with sailing the Adriatic Sea’s crystal clear waters. Hosted by professional guides, the weeklong women’s trip includes dining at vineyards and ranches, sampling local cuisine, and unwinding on a private sailboat tour of the Croatian Islands. Can’t make it? A second tour is scheduled for May 17-23, 2025.
$3,795 all-inclusive | biglittlerides.com
Pizzas on the Piste Overland Gathering
When October 19, 2024 | Where Morocco
Part scavenger hunt, part pizza party, Pizzas on the Piste brings travelers to a secret location in the Moroccan desert to meet with likeminded fellow travelers touring North Africa. Organizer Mark White sends out exact GPS coordinates 24 hours before the event, allowing participants to navigate their way to the gathering spot. Pizzas are preordered with the choice of cheese, kefta, mergouz, and veggie options.
100dH (€10)/pizza | facebook.com
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