MUST-ATTEND EVENTS OF 2025
One of the best things about vehicle-based adventures is gearing up and personalizing your ride. As there is no try-before-you-buy option, a good alternative is to go to shows or events where you can see the latest gear innovations or how others have rigged up their rides. You can chat with gear manufacturers about your needs or sit around a campfire with adventurers and ask for their advice. We’ve scoured the globe to identify which events you should attend for inspiration before buying your next bits of overland gear.
SOUTH AFRICA
NAMPO
While the NAMPO agricultural shows are usually the best place to see livestock and farming equipment, they are also great for checking out the newest and best off-road vehicles, camping equipment, and overland gear. There are two NAMPO shows to choose from: Bothaville (close to the Free State/North West border) and Bredasdorp (only a few miles from the most southern point of Africa). Take your pick! South African farmers love to camp and explore, so you will be impressed by what you see.
Bothaville 13-16 May 2025 and Bredasdorp 10-13 September 2025.
Suzuki Jimny Gathering
The diminutive Suzuki Jimny is without a doubt one of the most popular affordable off-roaders in South Africa. This is why they have the very well-attended Suzuki Jimny Gathering for these often-underrated 4x4s. In 2025, it will take place on the Louvain Guest Farm in the southern Cape, a venue renowned for its rugged off-road trails. It will surely give Jimny owners an excellent opportunity to show off their driving skills.
25-28 September 2025
AMERICA
Overland Expo
If you only have the time to attend one event in the USA, then this must be it. Overland Expo hosts four events at four locations throughout the year, but the biggest one is Expo West in Flagstaff, Arizona. Here, you’ll see the best products from the biggest overland market in the world. Overland Expo also runs a series of educational overland classes throughout the course of the show, covering interesting topics such as vehicle recovery and how to pack.
16–18 May 2025
Overland of America
2024 saw the successful inaugural event held in Jay, Oklahoma, and today, attendees are talking about it as one of the must-attend events for 2025. If you’re looking for a family-friendly show with lots of fun activities, then Overland of America is the one to go to. We predict that it will just get bigger and better every year.
September 12-14, 2025
Los Angeles Auto Show
The LA Auto Show was first held in 1907, and today, it’s one of the world’s most influential and well-attended auto shows. Unlike an event like SEMA, the LA Auto Show does open its doors to the public for the whole duration of the 10-day event. While it’s a great place to experience the newest vehicle technologies or look at the latest models, the overland section of this show has grown significantly over the last few years. The LA Auto Show has quickly become a great place for overland inspiration.
Overland of America
2024 saw the successful inaugural event held in Jay, Oklahoma, and today, attendees are talking about it as one of the must-attend events for 2025. If you’re looking for a family-friendly show with lots of fun activities, then Overland of America is the one to go to. We predict that it will just get bigger and better every year.
September 12-14, 2025
Off Road Expo (California)
California’s Off-Road Expo is one of the most significant gatherings in the USA of off-road companies, makers of overland gear, and adventure travel enthusiasts. The Pamona Fairgrounds is the perfect place for manufacturers to show off their newest gear and innovations. All off-roaders are well represented, from rock crawling to the racers who like to jump and fly over stuff. Front Runner fans should check out the Overland Experience section.
AUSTRALIA
The National 4x4 Outdoors Show is one of Australia’s longest-running events of this kind, and you can experience it in three major cities: Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney, of course. Meet Australia’s 4x4 YouTube stars at the Outback Stage. If your vehicle might attract interest, why not sign up for the Show N’ Shine? When you’re tired of looking at all the fantastic gear on display, plonk yourself in a camping chair and watch a recovery or driving demo. It’s like being in the Outback.
EUROPE
Abenteur & Allrad, Germany
As the largest overland show in Europe, plan to spend at least a day or two exploring the hilltop show site with its hundreds of exhibitors. Personal vehicles aren’t allowed on-site, so you'll need to take a bus to reach the venue. The campsite extends across several private fields in the town, and one of the best parts of the show is wandering through these fields and admiring the impressive rigs on display.
19-22 June 2025
Valloire 4x4 Fair, France
It is one of the most unique shows you will ever attend, as it takes place along the streets of a French Alps ski village! Traders set up on the pavements, and you get to walk through the streets of this Alpine attraction while looking at overlanding and 4x4 gear. Can life get any better? Why not try one of their tag-along drives as then you can take your own vehicle through this piece of paradise.
UNITED KINGDOM
Kendal Mountain Festival
This fabulous four-day festival in the fall has been going on for over 40 years now, and it has everything! Set in England’s postcard-pretty Lake District, it celebrates adventure, culture, nature, and exploration. Take your pick from 200 plus live sessions, over 180 films, and more than 300 guest speakers, and enjoy mingling with the over 30,000 other festivalgoers. Pack a poncho and awning, as it might rain.
November 2025
www.kendalmountainfestival.com
