Have you ever been curious about the nomadic lifestyle? Attending van life meetups can provide you with a genuine taste of the culture and community that surround the world of nomadic travel.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior car camper or a family living full-time on the road in a converted school bus (“skoolie“), van life meetups offer an open invitation to all types of travelers. These gatherings aim to foster a sense of camaraderie and connection among individuals who share a passion for life on the road.
⬇️ JUMP TO DATES ⬇️
Table of Contents
Van life festivals encompass a wide spectrum of experiences, from casual van life meetups to immersive festivals. Some are sponsored and may require a registration fee, but all serve as platforms to learn, connect, and celebrate the nomadic lifestyle.
Typically, vendors showcase innovative gear and van builds, workshops are led by influential van life pros who offer valuable insights, and there’ll be everything from live music to yoga and breathwork sessions.
In short: anybody who enjoys life on the road! Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a full-time vanlifer, or a van life wannabe. There are van life meetups for everybody!
And you don’t have to be in a van either – maybe you’re a buslifer? Or you love overlanders? Perhaps you just dig a good rally in awesome company?
For folks who are just starting out, van life events offer a unique opportunity for collaboration and shared learning. Skilled builders offer their expertise for van projects, mechanics provide services, and community potlucks create a warm atmosphere of sharing and connection.
For experienced vanlifers, you might be all about the live music, local brews, and van build contests. Either way, everyone is welcome at these van life meetups!
Van Life Events Calendar
🗓️ Van Life Meetups 2023 – 2024
Are you ready to explore the world of van life gatherings? Our comprehensive list provides a diverse range of options through to 2024. While platforms like Sēkr and van life Facebook groups can help you discover even more events, our compilation highlights some of the most renowned and long-standing van life gatherings you won’t want to miss.
🌅 August 2023: Van Life Meetups
Immerse yourself in the van life community at meetups in August. These summer van life gatherings offer an oasis of camaraderie. From workshops to outdoor excursions, embrace the diverse activities that highlight the nomadic lifestyle. Engage in meaningful conversations, make new friends, and relish the sense of belonging that accompanies life on the road.
CampNation Expo Van Life Festival
🗓️ August 10 – 13, 2023
📍 Hollister, California
The Expo offers a comprehensive experience, combining informative workshops on van conversions and sustainable living with exhilarating outdoor activities that embrace the surrounding natural beauty. Hosted in Hollister, this is a popular event.
Vans & Coffee Van Life Festival
🗓️ August 13, 2023
📍 Boulder, Colorado
This van life event is a convergence of van enthusiasts and coffee lovers, creating a unique blend of automotive appreciation and caffeine-fueled camaraderie. Get customization advice from the team at BCV – Boulder Camper Vans - and fuel your adventures the best beans!
Overland Expo Mountain West Van Life Festival
🗓️ August 25 – 27, 2023
📍 Loveland, Colorado
The Overland Expo Mountain West encapsulates the essence of adventure, exploration, and self-sufficiency in the heart of the rugged outdoors.
🌻 September 2023: Van Life Meetups
Embrace the transition of seasons at van life meetups in September. As summer bids farewell and autumn beckons, these gatherings capture the beauty of change. Share stories of summer travels, engage in outdoor activities, and connect with fellow adventurers who appreciate the ebb and flow of life on wheels. Bask in the warmth of connections that mirror the hues of fall.
Descend on Bend Van Life Festival
🗓️ September 1 – 4, 2023
📍 Oregon Outback
Taking place over Labor Day weekend each year, Descend on Bend van life festival welcomes hundreds of visitors to a unique weekend of outdoor activities, workshops, communal meals and more.
Adventure Van Expo Van Life Festival
🗓️ September 2 – 3, 2023
📍 Ogden, Utah
Alongside an impressive showcase of van builds and products, the Adventure Van Expo Festival van life event promises live music, delectable food, and local brews throughout the entire weekend.
New England Overland Rally Van Life Festival
🗓️ September 9 – 10, 2023
📍 Thompson, Connecticut
Prepare for the eagerly anticipated 2nd annual rally! Discover vanlife vendors, captivating live music performances, delectable food vendors, enlightening educational segments, and enhancements to the off-road course
VanWILDVan LifeGathering
🗓️ September 14 – 17, 2023
📍 Montrose, Colorado
Bid farewell to typical parking lot expos and mere vendor showcases – VanWILD transcends into a dynamic realm of camping, exploration, and shared experiences. VanWILD guarantees an experience tailored to you.
Adventure Van Expo Van Life Festival
🗓️ September 16 – 17, 2023
📍 North Lake Tahoe, California
Looking for some awesomne inspo for your next rig? Check out the meticulously crafted rigs in the DIY Contest. Evaluated by esteemed van build experts, this is an awesome festival if you want ideas. You'll also find some of the finest van life gear for sale.
VanquinoxVan Life Festival
🗓️ September 21 – 24, 2023
📍 Grandjean, Idaho
Celebrating the autumn equinox, Vanquinox is an informal van life gathering so there’s not a formal agenda, as such. Just rock up and enjoy live music, natural hot springs, and breathtaking trails, all at the gateway to the majestic Sawtooth Mountains.
Northwest NomadsVan LifeFestival
🗓️ September 21 – 25, 2023
📍 La Pine, Oregon
A jam packed camp-out, this annual camping event promises live music, informative workshops, raffles, community pot lucks and a ton MORE! Enjoy a safe and welcoming atmosphere – loved by everyone.
Revel-Mode Van/Rocky Mountain Adventure Rally
🗓️ September 22 – 24, 2023
📍 Grand Junction, Colorado
Bringing together Van Life, Overland Life, Adventure Motorcycling, and World-Class Mountain Biking all in one place, this weekend is sure to be one to remember. Pack up your rig and head out to Grand Junction, Colorado
Big Iron Overland Rally Van Life Festival
🗓️ September 29 – 30, 2023
📍 West Mineral, Kansas
Big Iron is a weekend camp out and concert experience at the Big Brutus historic landmark. Expect display rigs, build contests, great music and guest speakers, and an epic atmosphere around the campfire.
Adventure Van ExpoVan Life Festival
🗓️ September 30 – October 1, 2023
📍 Bend, Oregon (Redmond Expo)
A popular date in the van life calendar, attend to check out over 50 van vendors, get your fill of live music, great food and local brews. Inspo-wise, there will be everything from niche rigs and custom crafted vans, to production models.
🍂 October 2023: Van Life Meetups
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of van life meet-ups in October. As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, these gatherings mirror the rich tapestry of fall. Join the community for workshops, outdoor adventures, and cozy campfire conversations. Celebrate the spirit of togetherness and the joys of autumn while embracing the nomadic lifestyle.
The Pilgrimage
🗓️ October 5 – 8, 2023
📍 South Royalton, Vermont
Attendees from across the US gather for this awesome van life event, showcasing an eclectic array of vehicles – from state-of-the-art brand new Defenders to classic American 4x4s. This is a must-go for off-road and overland enthusiasts.
Overland Expo East
🗓️ October 6 – 8, 2023
📍 Arrington, Virginia
This is an epic event if you're looking to take your van life to the next level. Choose from over 150 distinct classes and demos, all curated by a diverse roster of 100+ instructors and presenters spanning the globe.
Adventure VanExpo Van LifeFestival
🗓️ October 7 – 8, 2023
📍 Chattanooga, Tennesse
Immerse yourself in a weekend of adventure, in the vibrant Chattanooga, Tennessee! In addition to all of the great van builds the event will feature live music, food, and local brews all weekend long.
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
🗓️ October 7 – 15, 2023
📍 Albuquerque, New Mexico
Enjoy balloon rodeos, twilight balloon glows, and vibrant balloon-filled skies from your cozy home-on-wheels. Going beyond the balloons, there's everything from a drone show to chainsaw carving exhibitions.
Moonlanding Van Life & Overlanding Event
🗓️ October 12 – 15, 2023
📍 Sky View, New Mexico
This is a unique nomad, overlanding, van life, and Solar Eclipse festival featuring everything from a DIY Repair outpost to a healing sanctuary, van olympics to navigation workshops, and star gazing to panel discussions. Guaranteed to be out of this world!
OCRV & Van Lifestyle Show
🗓️ October 12 – 15, 2023
📍 Ocean City, Maryland
Unveil the latest in cutting-edge RV technology for both RVs and trucks, leaving you awestruck. Immerse yourself in engaging workshops on optimizing outdoor spaces, mastering RV maintenance, and embracing the art of vacation mode.
Adventure VanExpo Van LifeFestival
🗓️ October 14 – 15, 2023
📍 Big Bear Lake, California
Discover a captivating showcase of custom-built Adventure Vans, ranging from iconic Mercedes Benz Sprinters to innovative Winnebago Revel models. Expect open house tours, DIY contests, live music, food trucks, and an array of van vendors.
7th Annual James River Roof Top Tent Rally
🗓️ October 20 – 22, 2023
📍 Gladstone, Virginia
Nestled in the captivating surroundings of Gladstone, Virginia, this meet-up is a haven for rooftop tent enthusiasts and outdoor aficionados. This rally offers a platform to hone your skills, learn from the best, and immerse yourself in the world of rooftop camping.
C.H.A.S.M. Fest ’23
🗓️ October 27 – 30, 2023
📍 Lake Havasu, Arizona
Located in the scenic expanse of Lake Havasu, AZ, this festival is a convergence of like-minded nomads and explorers seeking the perfect blend of Camping, Health, Arts, Sports, and Music.
VanFest
🗓️ October 28 – 29, 2023
📍 Hurricane, Utah
VanFest brings together the absolute best of van life culture - with a fun, spooky twist for Halloween! There will be live music, amazing food, contests, and giveaways at this family-friendly event.
Xscapers Las Vegas Halloween 2023 Convergence
🗓️ October 29 - November 4, 2023
📍 Las Vegas, Nevada
Embrace the spirit of Halloween like never before at the Xscapers Las Vegas Halloween 2023 Convergence. Join a community of adventurous souls for a spooktacular gathering in the vibrant city of Las Vegas.
🍁 November 2023: Van Life Meetups
Find warmth in the heart of community at van life meet-ups in November. As the year winds down, there may be less gatherings, but there’s still an opportunity for companionship and connection. Gather with fellow van dwellers to share gratitude and roadtrip intel, finding solace in the warmth of shared experiences.
Celebrate the season of giving and reflect on the incredible journey that is van life.
Xscapers Joshua Tree Friendsgiving Convergence
🗓️ November 18 - 26
📍 Twentynine Palms, California
Experience a one-of-a-kind Thanksgiving celebration amidst the enchanting landscapes of Xscapers Joshua Tree Friendsgiving Convergence. Join fellow travelers and nomads for a heartfelt gathering filled with camaraderie, delicious feasts, and unforgettable moments.
VanarkyAnnual FallCampout
🗓️ POSTPONED, DUE BACK IN 2024
📍 Ozark, Arkansas
Immerse yourself in a weekend of camaraderie, campfires, and outdoor activities, celebrating the essence of van life in all its glory. Whether you're a seasoned nomad or new to the community, the Vanarky Annual Fall Campout promises to capture the heart of van life culture.
🧑🎄 December 2023: Van Life Meetups
As we hit the the holiday season, van life meet-ups wind down, and it’s time to start planning ahead, with TinyFest becoming the highlight of the month. If you’re at all intrigued by tiny living and want to live life to the max in minimum space, or are looking to build your vanlife community, December is the month for you!
Xscapers New Year's Eve Meetup 2024
🗓️ December 29 - January 1, 2024
📍 Quartzite, Arizona
This van life gathering has all our favorite 'Fs' at its heart: Fun, Festive, and Free. There'll be live music, group potlucks, bonfires, and a thrilling DJ-led dance party at midnight!
Tiny Home & Nomad Living Festival
🗓️ 3 - 4 December, 2024
📍 Scottsdale, Arizona
Dream big, live small! Meet tiny home builders, van & bus upfitters, and folks who have “gone tiny”. Listen to expert speakers, and check out the live music, entertainment, and awesome vibe.
🏄♀️ January 2024: Van Life Meetups
Experience the camaraderie of van life meetups in January. As the new year begins, these gatherings offer a fresh start for like-minded adventurers. Leave the winter behind and connect with fellow nomads on the beach or in the ‘Sunshine State’. Kick off 2024 with new friendships and memorable experiences.
The Xscapers Annual Bash
🗓️ January 13 - 21 2024
📍 Lake Havasu City, Arizona
"This ain’t your grandma’s RV rally!" Energize your mornings with yoga, fitness, or sports, followed by engaging seminars led by community experts. Dive into RV life topics like boondocking, solar power, and remote work. As night falls, the party ignites...!
VanFest2024
🗓️ January 26 - 29 2024
📍 Viera, Florida
Escape the winter cold in Viera, Florida's Surf Capital! Connect with nomads, explore diverse builds, and join workshops on sustainability, vehicle care, and health. Dance the night away and experience the magic of VanFest where sun, sand, and vans unite! 🚐🌞🌊
Escapar
🗓️ January 31 - February 5, 2024
📍 Baja, California
Experience a one-of-a-kind Thanksgiving celebration amidst the enchanting landscapes of Xscapers Joshua Tree Friendsgiving Convergence. Join fellow travelers and nomads for a heartfelt gathering filled with camaraderie, delicious feasts, and unforgettable moments.
🍻 February 2024: Van Life Meetups
Engage in heartwarming connections at van life meet-ups in February. While winter still holds its grip in many states, van life gatherings in the ‘sunshine state’ offer a haven of warmth and companionship, and the van life calendar never sleeps! We’ve got van life events for skoolies, trucks, and – most importantly – peace and love!
Truck Camper Adventure Quartzsite Rally
🗓️ February 14- 18, 2024
📍 Quartzsite, Arizona
In 2023 this epic rally attracted over 400 truck campers! this is the largest and probably the best truck camper rally in America. The itinerary will consist of workshops and classes, contests, live music, a sponsored raffle, campfire socials, vendors, and a truck camper “open house.”
Peace, Love & Vans Florida Vanlife Gathering
🗓️ January 26 - 29 2024
📍 Viera, Florida
Whether you’re a vanlifer or just van-curious this is a truly unique event with hundreds of camper vans and awesome people coming together featuring live music, workshops, van tours and DIY build contest and much more! Described as a 'tiny village', this vanlife festival is one of the best in the vanlife calendar.
7th Annual Skoolie Swarm
🗓️ February 16 - 25, 2024
📍 Melrose, Florida
This is not a festival, but it is a chance to come and relax with the skoolie community! - you don't even have to have a bus to join the 'Skoolie Swarm' - you just have to have the skoolie spirit! In 2023 this gathering welcomed over 240 skoolies, vans, box trucks, tent campers, vintage rv's, campers and more.
🌿 March 2024: Van Life Meetups
Embrace the spirit of adventure at van life meet-ups in March. As the days lengthen and the promise of spring beckons, these gatherings offer the perfect opportunity to ignite your wanderlust. Connect with fellow nomads, swap travel tips, and revel in the anticipation of the upcoming travel season as you explore the boundless possibilities of life on the road.
Southeast Adventure Vehicle Expo
🗓️ March 1 - 3, 2024
📍 Starke, Florida
Explore the Southeast Adventure Vehicle Expo, an awesome hub for off-road and adventure enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in workshops, demos, and gear showcases. Connect with like-minded explorers and test your skills on the epic obstacle course or challenging off-road trail.
TinyFestCalifornia 2024
🗓️ March 16 & 17, 2024
📍 Del Mar Fairgrounds, California
Experience the charm of tiny living at TinyFest California 2024. Delve into innovative tiny homes, connect with talented builders, and gain insights into how to live life to the max - with minimal space! Discover how to embrace simplicity and sustainable living while exploring tiny house possibilities.
A Roam of Our Own
🗓️ March 21 - 24, 2024
📍 Palm Springs, California
Empowerment and camaraderie await at "A Roam of Our Own." Exclusively for women, this vanlife gathering in California's picturesque setting offers a space to connect, learn, and thrive. Join fellow female nomads, share stories, and explore the freedom of the open road together.
🍃 April 2024: Van Life Meetups
Revel in the blossoming community of van life meetups in April. As nature awakens from its slumber, so does the nomadic spirit. Join like-minded individuals in celebrating the renewal of life on the road. From outdoor workshops to communal potlucks, these gatherings provide a vibrant platform for sharing your journey and making connections that flourish alongside the blooming landscapes.
Moore Overlanding & Off-Road Expo
🗓️ April 19 - 20, 2024
📍 Springfield, Missouri
Experience the ultimate adventure at Moore Overlanding & Off-Road Expo. Discover off-road equipment, learn essential skills, and meet fellow enthusiasts. Join the excitement of this expo, perfect for those passionate about overlanding and exploring rugged terrains.
Weird Wild West Vanlife Gathering
🗓️ April 18 - 22 2024
📍 Bisbee, Arizona
Hosted in Bisbee, Arizona - aka “Mayberry on Acid” - this gathering bought to you by the van life event pros at The Journal of Lost Time is one not to be missed! Strap in for the Mile High Music Festival, Burnarella, Alice in Bisbeeland, and a plethora of weird and awesome things to do.
🌤️ May 2024: Van Life Meetups
Embrace the great outdoors at van life meetups in May. With the arrival of warmer weather, these gatherings offer a chance to bask in nature’s beauty. Trade tales of spring adventures, engage in outdoor activities, and form lasting connections under the open skies. Explore the balance between community and wilderness, all while cherishing the van life lifestyle.
NEW DATES COMING SOON!
🚐 June 2024: Van Life Meetups
Dive into the heart of van life culture at meetups in June. With summer’s approach, these gatherings provide an immersive experience of the nomadic lifestyle. Connect with van dwellers from all walks of life, engage in workshops, and partake in communal activities that capture the essence of life on the road. Forge bonds that thrive amidst the backdrop of the sun-soaked season.
Wind River Rally
🗓️ June 20 - 24, 2024
📍 Wind River Country, Wyoming
The Journal of Lost Time presents Wind River Rally 2024 - a joyous celebration of nomadic living and life on the road with live music and workshops, and shenanigans woven throughout the towns of Hudson and Lander in the heart of the Wind River region.
⛱️ July 2024: Van Life Meetups
Celebrate the freedom of the open road at van life meetups in July. With summer in full swing, these gatherings become a vibrant tapestry of adventure and exploration. Bask in the sun, partake in outdoor festivities, and connect with fellow van enthusiasts who embody the spirit of wanderlust. Ignite your passion for travel as you share stories and create memories that will endure.
Holy Toledo!
🗓️ July 18 - 22, 2024
📍 Toledo, Oregon
With creativity and authenticity at its heart, this event is very much what the vanlife community makes of it! Book tickets and you can apply to host a happy hour, a volleyball tournament, or your very own workshop on solar configurations (no really). This is where nomads and sustainable food producers gather in celebration of the Oregon Coast.
🌠 Discovering The Best Van Life Events
Whether you’re a seasoned nomad or a curious explorer, van life events an van life meetups offer a chance to connect, learn, and celebrate the freedom of life on the road.
We hope this curated list has sparked your interest and inspired you to embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the nomadic lifestyle! The van life calendar is a busy one and choosing the right van life event for you depends on your preferences and goals.
👉 Consider the following factors when selecting the best van life event for you:
🧭 Stage of Van Journey
Are you still building your van, or do you have a fully-equipped mobile home? Opt for events that align with your current stage. Events showcasing finished builds offer insights from builders, while informal gatherings provide inspiration and connections during the building process.
💸 Business Opportunities
If you have a business related to the van life community, seek out events that accommodate vendors. Formal expos can be ideal platforms for promoting your products or services to a receptive audience.
🔗 Making Connections
To forge meaningful connections, smaller, casual gatherings and festivals can be more conducive. Check out van life events that match your interests – whether that be health & wellbeing, music, contests, food and drink, van building… there are van life meetups and van life festivals for just about everything! Choose one with things you love, and you’ll meet other folks who love that stuff too!
🚐 No Van? No Problem! Rent a Van!
Participating in a van life event doesn’t require owning a van. Many events warmly welcome all attendees, regardless of their mode of transportation. If you’re eager to experience an event from a van’s perspective, consider renting one.
