Whether you’re an experienced van dweller or just curious about the lifestyle, Adventure Van Expos are certainly worth knowing about. In 2020, many vanning festivals and events had to be canceled because of Covid-19. Understandably, the sense of in-person community amongst van lifers was challenged by the pandemic.
In 2021, you can get your dose of the outdoor adventurer community while nerding out about all things van life at a number of Adventure Van Expos happening across the country. From June to October, different places around the U.S. will play host to weekend-long gatherings where nomads can camp, enjoy the local scenery, and check out tons of van and adventure equipment and innovations.
Photography: @storytelleroverland
What are Adventure Van Expos?
These events have been hosted by Adventure Van Expos since 2018 in partnership with a variety of companies including Rec Van and La Mesa RV. They are held in beautiful locations that are natural hotspots for adventurers to visit as well as epicenters of vanning culture. The expos serve as places for people to learn more about van life and connect with each other. Entrance to each event is free and open to anyone (whether you have a rig or not), but you can also pay for tickets to van camp in most of the locations to get the full weekend vanning experience.
Photography: @winnebagorvs
What should I expect?
The offerings of each event vary, but expect plenty of vendors offering the latest adventure and van gear, tours of fully tricked-out vans to get inspired, and informative talks and demonstrations. After you’ve learned something new, kick back with a cold beer and some food to listen to live music or chat with other like-minded people. The socializing continues for those who park and camp at the event. If you’re looking to sell your rig, you can also pay $150 for a parking space in the venue to get more eyes on your van. There will also be fun activities like DIY build contests at certain expos. Lastly, you can use the event as a jumping-off point to explore and do activities in the surrounding areas of natural beauty.
Photography: Adventure Pro Expo
Where and When are the 2021 Adventure Van Expos?
Where: Hood River, Oregon
When: June 19 – 20, 2021
Sponsored by Rec Van and La Mesa RV
Where: Logan, Utah
When: July 31 – August 1, 2021
Sponsored by Rec Van and La Mesa RV
Where: Dillon, Colorado
When: August 21 – 22, 2021
Sponsored by Rec Van and La Mesa RV
OVERLAND EXPO
Where: Loveland, Colorado
When: August 27 – 29, 2021
Where: Bend, Oregon
When: September 4 – 5, 2021
Sponsored by Rec Van and La Mesa RV
Where: Lake Tahoe, California
When: September 18 – 19, 2021
Sponsored by Rec Van and La Mesa RV
Where: Flagstaff, Arizona
When: September 24-26
Rec Van will in the Storyteller display
Where: Chattanooga, Tennessee
When: October 2 – 3, 2021
Sponsored by Rec Van and La Mesa RV
Where: Big Bear, California
When: October 16 – 17, 2021
Sponsored by Rec Van and La Mesa RV
Photography: @storytelleroverland
General Information:
There are many ways to enjoy Adventure Van Expos. If you’re interested in joining the van life community, check out the event closest to you to learn more about the lifestyle and maybe even find your new home on wheels. If you’re already a van owner, you can make an expo your excuse—as if you need one—to travel to a particular state, or string together a few locations to become an expo regular. These events are a good place to meet new van life friends or reconnect with people you’ve already met on your travels. For more ways to meet people and build a van life community, check out our tips.
Visit the Adventure Van Expo website here for more information and to buy tickets. You can also stay tuned into their social media channels including Facebook and Instagram for updates and inspiration.
Have you been to an Adventure Van Expo? What was your experience like? Tell us more in the comments. To start browsing adventure vans today, visit Rec Van.
