Get ready to connect, celebrate, and embrace the nomadic spirit.
Van life has become a popular lifestyle choice for many adventure enthusiasts and freedom-seekers. Living and traveling in a van provides the freedom to explore new places, connect with nature, and experience life on the road.
But van life is not just about solitary journeys; it’s also about building a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for this unique lifestyle. One of the best ways to connect with fellow van lifers and exchange stories, tips, and experiences is through van life meetups and events.
📑 Table of Contents
🚌 Van Life Community and Inclusivity
Van Life Community Building
Types of Van Life Events
Features of Van Life Events
🤔 How to Choose a Van Life Event to Attend
How to Rent a Van to Attend an Event
Additional Resources for Finding Van Life Gatherings, Festivals, or Events
🗓️ Ultimate List of Van Life Events, June – December 2023
June 2023 Van Life Events
July 2023 Van Life Events
August 2023 Van Life Events
September 2023 Van Life Events
October 2023 Van Life Events
November & December 2023 Van Life Events
🔎Tips for Attending Van Life Events
What to Bring to a Van Life Event
Safety Considerations for Van Life Events
Benefits of Attending Van Life Events
🔑 Additional Resources for Finding Van Life Festivals
Online Van Life Communities
Van Life Magazines and Blogs
Van Life Organizations and Websites
Local Tourism Boards
📚Key Takeaways
💬FAQs
🚌 Van Life Community and Inclusivity
The van life community is known for its inclusivity and welcoming spirit. Regardless of age, background, or level of experience, anyone can join and find their place within this community.
Van life events foster an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. It’s a space where you can connect with people who understand your nomadic lifestyle, share your enthusiasm for van conversions, and appreciate the freedom of life on the road.
Van Life Community Building
Van life events play a crucial role in building and strengthening the van life community. These events bring together van dwellers, van owners, van builders, and van life enthusiasts from all walks of life.
By gathering in one place, they create a sense of camaraderie and belonging. Whether you’re a seasoned van lifer or just starting your journey, attending these events offers an opportunity to connect with a diverse network of people who share your passion for the open road.
Types of Van Life Events
Van life events come in various forms, including meetups, gatherings, and festivals. Each type has its own unique atmosphere and purpose. Meetups are typically smaller, informal gatherings where van lifers come together for a day or a weekend.
Gatherings are larger and more structured, often spanning several days and featuring a range of activities. Festivals are the grandest of them all, attracting van life enthusiasts from far and wide, with live music, workshops, and a carnival-like atmosphere.
Features of Van Life Events
Van life events offer a diverse range of features and attractions that make them exciting and memorable experiences. Vendor booths showcase a wide array of products and services tailored to the van life lifestyle, including camping gear, van accessories, and sustainable products.
Van builds provide inspiration and ideas for those looking to embark on their own conversion projects. Food stalls offer delicious meals and snacks, while live music creates a lively ambiance. Workshops cover a variety of topics, such as solar power installation, van maintenance, and off-grid living.
🤔 How to Choose a Van Life Event to Attend
With so many van life events to choose from, it’s important to find the ones that align with your interests and preferences.
Consider factors such as location, duration, activities, and the overall vibe of the event. Are you looking for a small, intimate gathering or a large-scale festival? Do you prefer events with a focus on education and skill-building, or are you more interested in events that emphasize entertainment and socializing?
Research each event’s schedule, lineup of speakers or performers, and workshop offerings to determine if they align with your goals and areas of interest within the van life community.
Additionally, consider the location and logistics of the event, such as camping facilities, parking availability, and nearby attractions. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose a van life event that suits your preferences and ensures a fulfilling experience.
How to Rent a Van to Attend an Event
If you don’t own a van but still want to participate in van life events, renting a van is a viable option. Many rental companies now offer camper vans or converted vans specifically designed for the van life experience.
Start by researching rental companies that operate in the area where the event is taking place. Compare their offerings, including vehicle types, amenities, rental rates, and any additional services provided.
Make sure to book your rental well in advance, as van life events often attract a large number of attendees, and availability may be limited.
When renting a van, consider factors such as size, sleeping arrangements, kitchen facilities, and storage space to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout the event.
Here are some campervan companies in the USA that you can consider:
Remember to check each company’s website for rental availability, rates, and specific locations to find the one that suits your needs and desired travel destinations.
🗓️ Ultimate List of Van Life Events, Gatherings, and Festivals
Here is an ultimate list of van life events, gatherings, and festivals happening from June – December 2023:
This comprehensive list ensures you won’t miss any opportunity to connect with the van life community throughout the year.
June 2023 Van Life Events
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- Features built-out Mercedes Sprinters (mostly) 4×4 rigs, accessories, and more
- Opportunity to meet builders and network with vanlifers
- Explore unique workmanship and discover new things
- June 15-18: Wind River Rally in Hudson, Wyoming
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- Vanlife and overlanding gathering organized by The Journal of Lost Time
- Location: Hudson, Wyoming, in beautiful Wind River country
- Event dates: June 15th-18th, 2023
- Gates open at 3 PM
- June 17-18: Adventure Van Expo in Hood River, OR
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- Showcasing custom built-out Adventure Vans, often on the Mercedes Benz Sprinter platform
- Includes production models like the Winnebago Revel
- Family-friendly weekend with van community activities for all ages
July 2023 Van Life Events
July 5-9: 50th Annual National Truck-In in Sterling, Colorado
Judged van shows, games, activities, live music, seminars, vendors, and more
Vanners camping in vans, camp trailers, and tents
July 7-9: Overland Expo PNW in Redmond, OR
Leading experts, a professional-level trade show for outfitting
July 8-9: Adventure Van Expo in Evergreen, CO
Open house vans, DIY contest, live music, food trucks, camping
Family-friendly weekend for all ages, with 50+ van vendors
July 20-23: Holy Toledo in Toledo, Oregon
Vanlife and overlanding rendezvous on the Yaquina River & Bay
July 29-30: Adventure Van Expo in Topsfield, MA
Family-friendly weekend for all ages, van life community celebration
The array of van vendors and overland products
August 2023 Van Life Events
August 10 – 13: CampNation Expo / Hollister, CA
The ultimate gathering for camping and travel enthusiasts
Open to all types of vehicles
August 25 – 27: Overland Expo Mountain West / Loveland, CO
300+ session hours of programs
Overland legends, authors, and experts in attendance
150+ different classes, slideshows, demonstrations, and activities
Global instructors and presenters
August 25 – 27: Badlands VanFest / Drumheller, Canada
Celebrating the outdoors and a spirit of adventure
September 2023 Van Life Events
September 1-4: Descend on Bend / Oregon Outback
Location: 43.3937281,-121.2112945
Ultimate van life gathering
September 2-3: Adventure Van Expo / Ogden, Utah
Family-friendly weekend event
Open to all ages
Van vendors and overland products
Live music, food, and local brews
September 9-10: New England Overland Rally / Thompson, CT
2nd annual rally
Vendors, live music acts, food vendors
Educational components and off-road course updates
September 14-17: Van Wild Colorado / Montrose, Colorado
Three-day immersive experience
Outdoor activities: fly fishing, enduro moto rides, mountain biking, river surfing, and more
September 16-17: Adventure Van Expo / North Lake Tahoe, CA
DIY Contest for custom builds
Roof racks, bumpers, solar panels, and more for sale
Coffee cups, t-shirts, and merchandise
September 22-24: Revel-Mode Van/Rocky Mountain Adventure Rally / Moab, Utah
Van life gathering in Moab, Utah
More information to be released
September 29-30: Big Iron Overland Rally / West Mineral, KS
3-day campout and concert experience
Located at Big Brutus historic landmark
September 30 – October 1: Adventure Van Expo / Bend, OR (Redmond Expo)
Adventure Van Expo in Bend, Oregon
Niche rigs, custom-crafted vans, and production models
Family-friendly and open to all ages
October 2023 Van Life Events
October 5-8: The Pilgrimage / South Royalton, VT
Large gathering of off-road and overland enthusiasts in the Northeast.
October 6-8: Overland Expo East / Arrington, VA
150+ classes, demos, and activities by instructors from around the world.
October 7-8: Adventure Van Expo / Chattanooga, TN
Base camp in Chattanooga, TN for a weekend of exploration.
October 12-15: Moonlanding 1 / Sky View, NM
Vanlife and overlanding gathering at Sky View Park & Campground.
October 14-15: Adventure Van Expo / Big Bear Lake, CA
Family-friendly weekend celebrating van life with vendors and products.
October 27-30: C.H.A.S.M. Fest ’23 / Lake Havasu, AZ
Destination festival for active and creative modern nomads.
November & December 2023 Van Life Events
No December or November events listed for van life events in 2023
🔎 Tips for Attending Van Life Events in 2023
- Research the event details, schedule, and rules beforehand.
- Plan your trip and accommodations ahead of time.
- Pack essential items and be prepared for various activities.
- Connect with like-minded individuals and engage in community experiences.
- Prioritize safety and respect the environment.
- Immerse yourself in the event and embrace unique experiences.
What to Bring to a Van Life Event in 2023?
- Camping gear, clothing suitable for the weather, and cooking utensils.
- Sufficient food, water, and personal hygiene products.
- A first aid kit and portable power source if needed.
- Outdoor gear based on event activities.
- Personal items, entertainment, and van essentials.
Safety Considerations for Van Life Events in 2023
- Plan your route and share your itinerary with someone trusted.
- Camp in designated areas and secure your van.
- Stay aware of your surroundings and follow fire safety protocols.
- Take care of your physical well-being and be prepared for emergencies.
- Observe weather conditions and trust your instincts for your safety.
Benefits of Attending Van Life Events in 2023
- Community and camaraderie with like-minded individuals.
- Knowledge sharing and practical tips on van life.
- Inspiration, motivation, and personal growth opportunities.
- New experiences, adventures, and exploration.
- Discovering van life resources and connecting with vendors.
- Validation, support, and memorable exchanges.
- Embrace connections, learning, and personal growth in the van life community.
Van life events, gatherings, and festivals provide a vibrant platform for van dwellers to come together, share their experiences, and celebrate the van life lifestyle. These events foster a sense of community, inclusivity, and camaraderie among like-minded individuals who have chosen an alternative way of living.
From workshops and vendor booths to music, food, and outdoor activities, van life events offer a range of experiences that cater to the diverse interests and needs of the van life community. By attending these events, you can connect with fellow van dwellers, learn from experts, gain inspiration, and create lasting memories.
As you navigate the world of van life events, remember to research and choose events that align with your interests, plan your accommodations and transportation in advance, and pack essential items to ensure your comfort and enjoyment. Adhere to event etiquette, prioritize safety, and embrace the sense of community that these events provide.
Van life events are not just about the physical gathering but also about the intangible connections and experiences that emerge from being part of a vibrant and supportive community. So, pack your van, hit the road, and embark on a journey of adventure, learning, and connection at a van life event near you.
🔑 Additional Resources for Finding Van Life Festivals
In addition to the comprehensive list provided earlier, there are several resources available to help you find van life gatherings, festivals, or events:
1. Online Van Life Communities
Join online forums, social media groups, and van life-specific platforms where members often share information about upcoming events. Engaging with these communities can provide valuable firsthand experiences and recommendations.
2. Van Life Magazines and Blogs
Stay updated with the latest news and trends in the van life community by following van life magazines and blogs. These publications often feature event listings and firsthand accounts from attendees.
3. Van Life Organizations and Websites
Many organizations dedicated to promoting and supporting the van life lifestyle maintain event calendars on their websites. These resources can be a great starting point for finding upcoming gatherings or festivals.
4. Local Tourism Boards
Check with local tourism boards or visitor centers in areas known for van life activities. They may have information about regional events that cater specifically to van lifers.
Remember to cross-reference information from multiple sources and verify event details, such as dates and locations, as they may change or be subject to unforeseen circumstances.
📚 Key Takeaways
- Van life events are gatherings that bring together van dwellers to celebrate the van life lifestyle and foster a sense of community.
- These events offer a wide range of activities, including workshops, vendor booths, live music, food, and outdoor adventures.
- Van life events promote inclusivity, camaraderie, and the exchange of knowledge and experiences among like-minded individuals.
- When attending van life events, research the event, plan ahead, pack essential items, and connect with others in the community.
- Prioritize safety by following event guidelines, being aware of your surroundings, and preparing for emergencies.
- Van life events provide numerous benefits, such as community connections, inspiration, personal growth, and the discovery of van life resources.
- By attending these events, you become part of a supportive community, share stories, and create lifelong memories.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Van Life Events
No, van life events are open to everyone, regardless of their van life status. Whether you’re a full-time van dweller, part-time traveler, or simply curious about the lifestyle, you’re welcome to attend van life events and connect with the community.
The pet policy may vary depending on the event. Some events are pet-friendly, while others may have restrictions or specific guidelines regarding pets. It’s essential to check the event’s details and guidelines to determine if pets are allowed and if there are any requirements or limitations.
Absolutely! Van life events are not exclusive to van owners. If you’re interested in van life, want to learn more, or simply enjoy the sense of community, you’re welcome to attend van life events even if you don’t own a van. It’s an opportunity to connect with others, gain insights, and explore the van life lifestyle.
Yes, many van lifers organize their own van life events and gatherings. If you have a passion for van life and want to create a space for like-minded individuals to connect, share experiences, and learn from each other, you can consider organizing your own event. You can collaborate with fellow van dwellers, choose a location, plan activities, and spread the word online.
