Are you looking for some fun and inspiring vanlife events to attend in 2023? Whether you want to meet other vanlifers, learn new skills, explore new places, or just have a good time, there's an event for you!
February 21st, 2023
Looking for some epic events to fill your 2023 vanlife calendar with? Look no further, as we've got you covered. Vanlife events are the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded people, learn new tips and tricks, and share your stories with others. Here are some of the best vanlife events coming up in 2023.
To make sure you don't miss any of these amazing gatherings, we've made a Google Calendar with all of them that you can easily import to your own calendar by clicking here.
When the weather outside is frightful, head south of the border for some delightful vanlife fun. From beach camping to snorkeling with whale sharks, there's plenty to enjoy at Escapar a la Baja.
When: February 1-6
Where: Playa El Tecolote, Baja California
Cost: FREE (RSVP required) If you're looking for some sun and sand in the winter, head south to Baja California for this free vanlife gathering. Escapar a la Baja is hosted by The Journey of Life Tribe (TJOLT), a group of nomads who travel together and share their experiences. This six-day event is open to all types of vehicles and travelers. You can camp on the beach, enjoy live music, yoga, workshops, bonfires, potlucks, and more. You'll also get to explore the beautiful surroundings of La Paz, such as snorkeling with whale sharks or visiting Isla Espiritu Santo. To join this event, you need to RSVP on their website and follow their rules and guidelines.
When: March 11-12
Where: Del Mar Fairgrounds – Del Mar, California
Cost: $20 weekend pass, $47-$87 VIP Tour pass, 15 and under Free
TinyFest hosts a series of events throughout the year and they're bringing TinyFest San Diego 2023 to the Del Mar Fairgrounds in California. This two-day gathering is perfect for anyone who values relationships, experiences, sustainability, and the freedom to pursue their passions. Attendees can look forward to home tours, live music, and more. And if you can't make it to San Diego, keep scrolling to see when and where you can catch TinyFest on tour in 2023.
When: March 17-19
Where: Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park – La Quinta, California
Cost: $100 per ticket
Calling all ladies who love van life! The Journal of Lost Time is hosting their first woman-only van life gathering in Southern California. With a ticket, you'll get a camping spot and access to toilets and showers at the park. This event has a capacity of 200, so act fast and grab your ticket before they're gone.
Spring is the perfect time to hit the slopes for some epic skiing and snowboarding. RendezVan at Mt. Bachelor has it all - live music, food trucks, contests, and more. Plus, you'll be surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery and fresh powder.
When: April 19-23
Where: Mt. Bachelor, OR
Cost: TBA
If you love skiing or snowboarding, don't miss this epic vanlife event at Mt. Bachelor ski resort. RendezVan is a five-day celebration of spring skiing and snowboarding with live music, food trucks, beer garden, games, contests, and more. You can camp at one of their designated parking lots with access to restrooms, showers, water fill-up stations, trash disposal, Wi-Fi, charging stations, and shuttle service. You'll also get discounted lift tickets if you book your camping spot online. To attend this event, you need to register on their website when tickets go on sale.
When: April 20-24
Where: Bisbee, AZ
Cost: $30 General Admission, $60 per camping spot
The Weird Wild West is back for its second annual gathering, and you're invited! Bisbee, AZ is the perfect backdrop for this creative and free-spirited event, which the hosts describe as "Mayberry on Acid." Join a bunch of fellow vanlifers for a wild ride that includes plenty of opportunities to get weird, let loose, and have fun. Get your tickets now and join in the madness!
When: April 29-30
Where: San Juan Capistrano, CA
Cost: $20 per day pass, $90 per weekend camping, kids get in free
Are you ready to start your vanlife adventure? Head to San Juan Capistrano for the first stop of the 2023 Adventure Van Expo series! Whether you're a pro or just starting out, you'll love the van tours, vendors, and overlanding products. And let's not forget about the live music and classes that will get you up to speed on all things vanlife. Don't forget to bring your furry friend along with their own pass!
When: May 13-14
Where: Sonoma, CA
Cost: $10 general admission pass, $90 weekend camping ticket, 18 and under Free
Get ready for a weekend of adventure in the stunning Sonoma County Fairgrounds! The Adventure Van Expo is coming back with more than 50 vendors, a DIY van competition, and a showcase of innovative conversion van products. Enjoy some delicious local brews, tasty food from food trucks, and some awesome live music. This is a family-friendly event that is perfect for all ages, so come for the day or camp out for the weekend. Camping passes will be announced soon, so don't miss out on the chance to stay right where the action is!
When: May 19-21
Where: Flagstaff, AZ
Cost: $20-$40 per day pass, $230-$490 per weekend pass + vehicle camping, $170 per weekend pass + moto camping
Overland Expo – West is one of the largest events in the overlanding industry, and kicks off in Flagstaff. With over 400 exhibitors representing all types of overlanding vehicles, from vans to multimillion dollar truck conversions, this event has everything you need to learn more about the overlanding community. Attendees can participate in a full list of classes and activities, and camping is encouraged so that you can truly immerse yourself in the experience.
When: May 26-29
Where: The Lost Sierra, California (exact location: 39°47’24.9″N 120°23’28.7″W)
Cost: $185.99 general admission (includes 3 nights private camp land access), free for attendees aged 15 and under
Experience the ultimate vanlife adventure at the Descend on Lost Sierra Meetup. This four-day event offers private land access for camping, live music, daily yoga sessions, and more. Attendees will also have access to porta potties and hand washing stations on site. Don't miss this amazing opportunity to connect with fellow vanlifers and enjoy the great outdoors. Learn more and register at the official event website: https://www.descendon.com/.
When: June 10-11
Where: Hayward, WI
Cost: $20 per day pass, $10 per dog pass
For the first time, the Adventure Van Expo series is coming to Wisconsin. Meet builders, network with vanlifers, and check out some fantastic rigs and products. Although the event will focus on 4×4 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter builds, expect to see a little bit of everything.
When: June 17-18
Where: Hood River, OR
Cost: $20 per day pass, $10 per dog pass, $90-$200 per weekend pass + camping
AVE Hood River features 50+ vendors, live music, local brews, and loads of vans. Camping is expected to sell out early, so be sure to get your tickets soon.
When: June 22-25
Where: Wind River, WY
Cost: TBA
The Wind River Rally is a four-day event in the heart of Wyoming that offers an exciting range of outdoor activities including climbing, hot air balloon rides, and live music. The Journal of Lost Time hosts the event, promising attendees an unforgettable experience with spectacular views of snowcapped mountains and the opportunity to meet new friends in wide open spaces. The event is open to all campers, from skoolies, vans, and trucks to tents. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to explore and connect with nature!
Summer is the season for adventure, and there's no better place to experience it than at Holy Toledo or Overland Expo. With hundreds of exhibitors, workshops, and entertainment, this event is a must-see for overlanding enthusiasts and vanlifers alike.
When: July 7-9
Where: Redmond, OR
Cost: $25-$350
Overland Expo is one of the largest events for overlanding enthusiasts who travel by land, sea, or air. This event features hundreds of exhibitors, vendors, and experts who showcase their products, services, and skills related to overlanding. You can also attend various classes, workshops, demonstrations, and roundtables on topics such as vehicle preparation, navigation, camping gear, cooking, photography, and more. You can camp on-site or nearby with access to amenities such as restrooms, showers, water, trash disposal, and Wi-Fi. You'll also get to enjoy live entertainment, raffles, contests, and social gatherings.
When: July 13-16
Where: Toledo, Oregon
Cost: TBA
The Holy Toledo is a three-day van life gathering that takes place on the beautiful Yaquina River in Toledo, Oregon. Whether you're a seasoned vanlifer or just starting out, this event provides a great opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and soak up the beautiful Oregon scenery. Stay tuned for updated information about the cost and other details of the event.
When: July 29-30
Where: Topsfield, Massachusetts
Cost: $10 general admission pass, $40 one night camping pass, 18 and under Free
Adventure Van Expo is the new gathering for the Northeast's van life community, following its successful inaugural event in New Hampshire. This year, it will take place at the Topsfield Fairgrounds in Massachusetts. The expo brings together van builders, van lifers, and adventure enthusiasts for a weekend of showcasing and exploring the latest in outdoor vehicle living. Camping passes are available for those who want to stay overnight and continue the fun. Don't miss the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and experience the adventure van lifestyle firsthand.
When: August 2-4
Where: Bend, OR
Cost: TBA
Descend on Bend is an annual gathering of hundreds of vanlifers and overlanders in Oregon. The event focuses on building community and fostering connections among the participants, many of whom are living a nomadic lifestyle. Attendees can expect to make new friends, share stories and ideas, and learn from others about the joys and challenges of life on the road. Camping and other activities are available during the event, with more details about costs and programming to be announced closer to the date.
When: August 10-13
Where: Hollister, CA
Cost: $7.50 early bird pass, $10 at the door (cash only)
The CampNation Expo is a camping event open to all, no matter what kind of camping gear you have. The event welcomes RVs, trailers, tents, and even adventure vans. Join other camping enthusiasts for a weekend of learning, sharing, and outdoor fun. There will be workshops, vendors, and even a swap meet for recycled gear, all in the beautiful location of Hollister, CA.
When: August 14-17
Where: Montrose, CO
Cost: $500 for 4 nights
Adrenaline Vans is hosting a four-day, three-night campout in Montrose, CO. This event promises to be an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Participants can enjoy activities such as wine tasting, river surfing, kayaking, a 4x4 overland driving clinic, fly fishing, and mountain biking excursions. Adrenaline Vans will also host a shop tour on Friday to answer all of your van build questions. Join like-minded individuals for an unforgettable adventure!
When: August 22-24
Where: Grand Junction, CO
Cost: $250-$350 per vehicle
You might have heard of the Revel Van Rally. The now renamed Rocky Mountain Adventure Rally is a gathering of vanlife, overlanding, adventure motorcycling, and mountain biking communities. Attendees can participate in community workshops and professional training sessions focused on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, as well as visit vendor booths and share stories around the fire. Bring your vehicle and join the adventure in Grand Junction, CO.
As the leaves start to turn and the air gets crisp, head to Utah for the newest chapter of the Adventure Van Expo saga. This event is a vendor-focused gathering with a DIY showcase area where you can show off your van build skills. You'll also have the chance to attend free seminars and workshops to learn new vanlife tips and tricks.
When: September 2-3
Where: Golden Spike Event Center- Ogden, Utah
Cost: $10 general admission pass, $50 weekend camping ticket, 18 and under Free
Adventure Van Expo is introducing a new gathering for van life enthusiasts in Ogden, Utah at the Golden Spike Event Center. This two-day event will feature a variety of vendors, workshops, and activities to inspire and educate attendees on all aspects of van life. Camping is available on site for those who want the full experience.
For general admission, tickets are only $10, and weekend camping tickets are $50. Children aged 18 and under can attend for free. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to connect with fellow van life enthusiasts and learn about the latest trends and products in the industry.
When: September 14-17
Where: Montrose, Colorado
Cost: $500
VanWILD Colorado is a three-day immersive experience that brings together the amazing van community for a weekend of outdoor action centered around using your van. This event features fly fishing, enduro moto rides, mountain biking, river surfing, and more. Come join the community and celebrate the love for van life in the beautiful setting of Montrose, Colorado.
When: September 22-24
Where: Moab, Utah
Cost: $250-$350 per vehicle registration
The Rocky Mountain Adventure Rally, previously known as the Revel-Mode Van Rally, is a van life gathering taking place in Moab, Utah. More information about the event is yet to be released. This event is an opportunity for van life enthusiasts to gather, share experiences, and participate in activities. Registering a vehicle for the event costs between $250 and $350.
When: September 17-18
Where: Olympic Valley, CA
Cost: $10
The Adventure Van Expo is coming to Tahoe for two days of adventure and van life. This event will feature van builders, conversion van products, a DIY van competition, food trucks, local brews, and live music. Whether you're looking to network with other vanlifers or just enjoy a fun day out with the family, the Adventure Van Expo has something for everyone. Don't miss this chance to explore the beautiful Olympic Valley and check out some amazing vans.
When: October TBD
Where: Somewhere in the Southwest
Cost: $59 per day pass, $229-$529 per week pass + camping
Gutted is a six-day build competition, reality show, and festival all wrapped into one. The event brings together three teams of experts, builders, creators, and influencers to build out an RV, a skoolie, and a van in just five days. Attendees can enjoy workshops and painting classes, and rub elbows with the cast and crew as they watch the live filming of vanlife's only competition reality show. It's an exciting and unique event that's definitely worth experiencing if you're interested in the world of vanlife and DIY builds.
When: October 6-8
Where: Arrington, VA
Cost: $25-$38 per day pass, $195-$405 per weekend pass + vehicle camping, $170 per weekend pass + moto camping
Join thousands of overlanding enthusiasts and hundreds of vendors at Overland Expo East this fall in Virginia. If you want to explore everything related to adventure vehicles, the Overland Expo series is the perfect place to be.
When: October 7-8
Where: Chattanooga, TN
Cost: $10 per day pass, $90-$150 per weekend pass + camping
Adventure Van Expo is heading to Chattanooga for a weekend of van life festivities. Check out the latest van models, meet other vanlifers, and browse vendor offerings. Don't forget to bring your camping gear, as camping is encouraged and included with weekend passes.
When: October 1-9
Where: Albuquerque, NM
Cost: $10-$45
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest hot-air balloon festival in the world. The event features hundreds of hot air balloons from all over the world that launch at dawn and dusk. You can watch the colorful balloons float above the Rio Grande Valley while enjoying live music, food, and drinks. You can also take part in various activities such as balloon rides, chainsaw carving, and laser light shows.
When: October 12-15
Where: Sky View, NM
Cost: TBA
Join The Journal of Lost Time for their final event of the season, Moonlanding. The event promises a variety of activities including the Van Olympics, dog-friendly yoga, dancing, drop-in tattoos, vegan cook-offs, local Navajo talks, pottery lessons and more. Spend a weekend with like-minded travelers and expand your horizons.
When: October 14-15
Where: Big Bear Lake, CA
Cost: Free (RSVP required)
The Adventure Van Expo 2023 tour concludes in Big Bear, California, where you can experience the vanlife and overlanding communities for free. More than 50 vendors and brands will be on hand to showcase the latest in camper van products, and you can talk to builders and vanlifers to get your questions answered. There will also be live music and local beer to enjoy. Don't miss this opportunity to roll into the good times!
When: November 2-5
Where: Byrd’s Adventure Center- Ozark, Arkansas
Cost: TBA (2022 prices: $130-$220 camping pass, 12 and under Free)
The Vanarky Annual Fall Campout is a must-attend event for anyone interested in the van life community. Held at Byrd’s Adventure Center in Ozark, Arkansas, this campout is open to all types of campers, including those who prefer to sleep in tents. Attendees can expect a fun-filled weekend of live music, workshops, and community events, including a chili dinner. Make sure to check the website for updates on ticket prices and availability.
When: December 3-4
Where: WestWorld – Scottsdale, Arizona
Cost: $20 weekend pass (advanced purchase), $15 single day ticket (advance purchase), 12 and under Free
TinyFest is a two-day festival that celebrates tiny living, with a vision to create inspiring and educational gatherings that provide opportunities for meaningful connections for those who value relationships, experiences, sustainability, and the freedom to pursue their passions. The festival will take place at WestWorld of Scottsdale, Arizona. Attendees can enjoy touring tiny houses, attending educational seminars, and participating in workshops. There will be vendors selling a variety of goods and services related to the tiny living lifestyle.
Once again, you don't have to remember these, just click here to import our Vanly Calendar 2023 with all of these events into your Google Calendar!
There you have it, folks! Some of the best vanlife events coming up in 2023. Whether you're into beach camping, skiing, overlanding, or van building, there's an event for everyone. These events are the perfect opportunity to meet new friends, learn new skills, and have some fun on the road.
If you're planning to attend one of these events or any other vanlife adventure, make sure to download the Vanly app, the premier online marketplace for finding and renting safe overnight parking and amenities from private property owners across the United States. Vanly offers a wide range of parking options, from driveways and farms to vineyards and ranches, so you can find the perfect spot to park your van or RV. Plus, you'll have access to a host of amenities, such as water, electricity, Wi-Fi, showers, and more, making your vanlife experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
So, pack your bags, fuel up your van, and hit the road for an unforgettable vanlife adventure in 2023. See you there!
