Another way to look at the Overland Expo series is to think of shows like SEMA and CES but for outdoorsy folk. Like the other Overland Expos, this event allowed camping near the exhibition space and hosted over 250 exhibitors with over 100 hours of educational programming. There were a variety of DIY showcases, including camping, survival, culinary, and a multitude of upfitters. That’s in conjunction with OEMs like tire, suspension, electronic (batteries, lights, etc.), and automotive exhibitions – among many others. Each day also features large scavenger hunts for the kids. A one-day pass runs $25, and parking is $15 per day. Kids age 14 and under are free with a paying adult.
My experience at 2025 Overland Expo SoCal
Prepare for a lot of walking, so bring comfortable shoes, protect your head, and bring something to pack a lot of swag in. It’s just like going to the county fair or a large expo. Since a majority of the event is outdoors, it is totally dog-friendly, and Subaru even hosted a puppy adoption event on the premises. Bathroom facilities and seating locations were aplenty, and shade is mostly only available in the large pavilions. There are a few hydration stations with free water at the main gate, but it would be wise to bring your own water bottle and maybe some food. There is an abundant amount of food stations, trucks, and vendors throughout the event. However, their pricing can be steep.
Overland Expo locations Overland Expo
I got a lot of hands-on time with a variety of vendors showing off tons of equipment. There were several RVs on site, including trailers, campers, toppers, and slide-ins, among others. For the most part, these vendors would showcase a slick-looking build displaying their goods, which helps lure in potential customers. There was a ton of free swag, drawings, and games, too. To say that many of the vendors were friendly would be an understatement. The entire vibe was downright pleasant, and people looked like they were genuinely having a great time. It probably helped that the weather was cool, clear, and breezy.
That said, though, Overland Expos are rain-or-shine events, and some take place in muddy or grassy areas. If the rain is harsh, those locations can become rather difficult to walk through. I once saw a journalist lose an entire boot in Flagstaff, AZ, during the Overland Expo West event last year.
