Overlanding season is here, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve had routes half-planned since January. 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for events — the kind that remind you why you got into this in the first place.
Why You Should Actually Go to These Things
I get it. Events can feel like a lot — crowds, parking, spending money on admission when you could be on a trail. But here’s the thing: there’s no substitute for walking the floor of a good overland expo. You get to put your hands on gear before you buy it. You meet people who’ve run the same trails you’ve been eyeing. You pick up ideas you didn’t know you needed. And honestly? You come home fired up in a way that a YouTube rabbit hole just can’t replicate.
The overlanding community is one of the most genuine groups of people I’ve ever been around. These events are where that community lives. Go find your people.
Events Worth Marking on Your Calendar
MOORE Overlanding & Off-Road Expo
April 17–18, 2026 | Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, Springfield, MO
This one’s right in our backyard — about 30 minutes from Ozark — and it’s become the flagship overland expo for the Midwest. We’re talking 200+ exhibitors spread across 375,000 square feet of floor space. That’s not a small show. If you’ve never been, this is the one to start with. If you’re anywhere near the Ozarks this weekend, go. We might see you there.
Austin Overland Adventure & Power Sports Show
May 2–3, 2026 | Palmer Events Center, Austin, TX
Texas has a serious overlanding scene, and this show is growing fast. Think Overland Expo-style energy with a Texas-sized crowd. If you’re in the south-central part of the country and can’t make it out west, this is your shot at a legit overland event without the cross-country haul. Worth the drive.
Overland Expo West
May 15–17, 2026 | Ft. Tuthill County Park, Flagstaff, AZ
If you’ve never been to Overland Expo West, put it on the bucket list. It’s the biggest overlanding event in North America — 300+ exhibitors, over 10,000 attendees, and Flagstaff as the backdrop. Rooftop tents are front and center here, which is obviously close to my heart. The classes, the build showcases, the conversations you have in the vendor lanes — there’s nothing else like it.
Overland of America
September 18–20, 2026 | America’s Outdoor Adventure Park, Jay, OK
About five hours from Ozark, Overland of America is Mid-America’s premiere overland event — and it hits different because it’s not just a show floor. You’ve got vendors, yes, but also actual trails, camping on-site, and a family-friendly vibe that makes it easy to bring the whole crew. If you want an event that feels like an adventure and not just a convention, this is it.
Overland Expo East
October 23–25, 2026 | Oak Ridge Estate, Arrington, VA
Cap off the season on the East Coast. Overland Expo East brings the same energy as its western counterpart — 300+ exhibitors, world-class speakers, hands-on training — set against the Blue Ridge Mountains in fall. If that doesn’t sound like a perfect end to the overlanding year, I don’t know what does.
Come Find Us
We’re a small operation out of Ozark, Missouri, and we’re working on getting Twain Trailers out to more of these events as the year goes on. In the meantime, follow along on YouTube — we document the builds, the trips, and the gear decisions in real time. If you’re heading to any of these shows, let us know in the comments. And if you see something cool on the floor, share it. That’s what this community is all about.