What Makes Amazing Overlanding Events? (Overland Bonfire Podcast)
In this episode of the Overland Bonfire podcast by Blue Ridge Overland Gear we talk all things overland events! With the final 2024 overland event of our own on the books, we decided to discuss what makes amazing overlanding events different from mediocre ones?
For almost a decade we've hosted our annual Overlander Flea Market - which has always been a great place to off-load used gear that you no longer need, and find great deals on used gear. Now we expanded the flea market into the Outdoor Adventure Rendezvous (OAR). In this roundtable discussion we unpack what we liked about OAR this year, where it may be headed, and why it is an example of everything we love about overlanding events.
We talk about the importance of cultivating community and connection at overlanding events and why vendors and cool gear are not enough to make it amazing.
In this episode we also mention the following overlanding and outdoor lifestyle events that will be taking place in 2025:
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Moore Expo (Midwest Overland Offroad Expo)
When and Where:
April 25-26, 2025, Ozark Empire Fairgrounds – Springfield, MO
Event Summary:
"The Midwest’s #1 adventure travel show and only indoor event for adventure travel enthusiasts. Vendors ranging from premium overland camping and adventure motorcycling, off-road vehicle parts, power sports equipment, competitive outdoor sports equipment, kayaking, hiking, survival amenities, live product demonstrations, truck accessories, and much much MOORE."
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When and Where:
- Overland Run (running) – August 23rd, 2025
Ascutney Outdoors, Ski Tow Road, West Windsor, Vermont
- Overland Bike (cycling) – August 24th, 2025
Ascutney Outdoors, Ski Tow Road, West Windsor, Vermont
Event Summary:
"Vermont Overland’s mission is to promote adventure travel. That comes in the form of gravel races, adventure and gravel road cycling routes, and instructional video content.
Founded by Peter Vollers in 2009 with the goal of sharing Vermont’s incredible network of old town towns with others who wanted a bit of adventure in their life. In the beginning it was all about old Land Rovers and bringing the charm and spirit of European overlanding to the Green Mountain State. With Peter’s background as a former pro cyclist, and as the road racing landscape in the US started to shift, he had the idea of combining his passion for old-school bike racing, 4x4’s, and ancient roads into an event: The Overland. At first it was just a weird, fun, goofy, and crazy challenging alternative to your typical New England bike race. Peter had no idea it would turn into one of the biggest and most renowned gravel events in the US.
Today Vermont Overland still hosts its flagship event, The Overland, along with many other smaller events with the goal of sharing the spirit of adventure while also supporting the local communities of Vermont that make these events possible."
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When and Where:
September 2025 (date: TBA) - Circleville, West Virginia
Event Summary:
"Adventure X Fest (AXF) presented by Mountain State Overland is a adventure basecamp festival. We provide the space for you to camp and celebrate the adventures you take while exploring the natural spaces that surround the event. AXF hosts music, food, beverages and a whole lot of good vibes."
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When and Where:
- Overland Expo Socal - March 15-16, 2025
OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa, CA
- Overland Expo West - May 16-18, 2025
Ft. Tuthill County Park, Flagstaff, AZ
- Overland Expo PNW - June 27-29, 2025
Deschutes County Expo Center, Redmond, OR
- Overland Expo Mtn West - August 22-24, 2025
The Ranch, Loveland, CO
- Overland Expo East - October 3-5, 2025
Oak Ridge Estate, Arrington, VA
Event Summary:
"Overland Expo® is the world’s premier event series for do-it-yourself adventure travel enthusiasts, with hundreds of session-hours of classes for 4-wheel-drive enthusiasts and adventure motorcyclists, inspirational programs, speakers & trainers from all over the world, the Overland Film Festival, roundtable discussions, demonstrations, food, and a large expo featuring several hundred vendors of adventure travel equipment, camping gear, bikes, vehicles, and services."
