Auto Show
2027 Overland Expo SoCal
Why You Should Go
A full weekend of overland classes and demos, with your own rig camped on the fairgrounds
Format
Two Day Show
Crowd
19,000+ attendees in 2026 (organiser figure)
Vibe
Gear shopping, classes and camping in your rig
About This Event
Overland Expo SoCal puts more than 400 overland, camping and adventure motorcycle exhibitors on one fairground, and you can camp in your own rig on site from Friday to Monday morning. It runs at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, with owner built trucks, vans and bikes in the DIY area and classes, demos and roundtables going all weekend beside the exhibitor midway.
1What to Expect
The show is open Saturday 13 March 2027 from 9am to 5pm and Sunday 14 March from 9am to 4pm.
There are more than 100 hours of seminars, roundtables, slideshows and demos from over 50 instructors and presenters, and a day pass covers 120+ general activities.
The grounds split into the Backcountry and Culinary Pavilion, the Women Who Wander Pavilion, the Overland Essentials Area, The Learning Lab, the DIY and Showcase Area where owners show their own vehicle and moto builds, and a Kids Adventure Area with a 1/24 scale RC driving course.
March in Costa Mesa averages 67°F (19°C) by day, sunny but mildly cool, and 53°F (12°C) at night, per the organiser.
2Best Way to Experience It
- Saturday has a community happy hour from 5pm to 7pm after the show closes, with the Overland Expo Foundation charity raffle from 5:30pm.
- Sunday has a brunch at 11am followed by a Women Who Wander networking event at the Oasis Bar & Food Court.
- Seminars, roundtables, slideshows and exhibitor demos are booked ahead through the education page, and the event schedule lists the product demo times.
- The Weekend Pass is US$28 (2027) against US$15 for each single day.
- The Vehicle General Weekend Pass with Camping (US$200, 2027) covers one vehicle, one adult and three nights on the grounds, Friday to Monday morning. Passengers add an US$80 camping passenger ticket.
About the Venue
3Nearby Accommodation
While you're in the area
Experiences near OC Fair & Event Center
4Logistics
Getting thereDriving, Public transport, Rideshare and taxis, Best value route
Driving
- OC Fair & Event Center is at 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa.
- The venue sends drivers via the 405 South to the Harbor Boulevard or Fairview Drive exits, or the 5 South to the 55 South and the Del Mar/Fair Drive exit, and the organiser lists Los Angeles at about 1 hour via the I-405.
- Parking is US$15 per car each day (2027), paid to the venue on arrival, with no overnight parking on a day or weekend pass and no shuttle from the car parks to the gates.
Public transport
- OCTA bus routes 47, 55, 71 and 178 serve the OC Fair & Event Center.
Rideshare and taxis
- Uber and Lyft both run in Orange County.
- Rideshare drop off and pick up is at Gate 1 off Fair Drive, and John Wayne Airport (SNA) is a 5 minute drive from the venue, per the organiser.
Best value route
- Parking is charged per car, not per person, so a full car is the cheapest way in by road.
- Without a car, the OCTA bus or a rideshare to Gate 1 skips the parking charge.
Tickets and entryTickets, Bringing things in
Tickets
- From US$15 (2027) for a Day Pass at overlandexpo.com.
- Everyone 16 years of age and over needs a ticket, and active military, veterans and retirees can apply for 20% off any pass.
Bringing things in
- No alcohol, no glass bottles and no hard sided coolers.
On the dayFood and drink
Food and drink
- Food, drink and coffee trucks are at the Oasis Bar & Food Court, alcohol is sold only by the venue's food service, and there are ATMs on site.
Staying overCamping
Camping
- Check in is Friday 12 March 2027 from 9am to 6pm with no late arrivals, and everyone is off the grounds by 11am Monday.
- There is no power, no hookups and no water fill, so tanks need to be full on arrival.
- Propane units with an on and off switch only (no wood or charcoal fires), and generators off by 10pm.
5Frequently Asked Questions
?Suitable for kids?
Tickets are only required from 16 years of age, the Kids Adventure Area has a 1/24 scale RC driving course, and the main registrant's waiver covers every child in the group.
?Bringing the dog?
Friendly dogs on a leash are welcome, and 703 dogs were registered at the 2026 show.
?Want to camp in your RV?
On site camping takes overland vehicles, tents, motorcycles and small trailers up to 13 ft. RVs, travel trailers and Class A or C motorhomes are not allowed, and the organiser lists RV parks nearby, including Newport Dunes and Huntington Beach RV Campground. Camping spots are limited.
?Worried about rain?
It is an outdoor show that runs rain or shine, with no refunds for weather. Tickets can be refunded or moved to another Overland Expo up to 60 days before opening day.
?Limited mobility?
There is designated parking for limited mobility, and staff with carts help people to and from their vehicles and campsites. There are no carts or wheelchairs for hire.
6Cost Breakdown
| 2027 prices | Price |
|---|---|
| Saturday or Sunday Day Pass | US$15 |
| Weekend Pass | US$28 |
| Vehicle General Weekend Pass with Camping | US$200 |
| Camping passenger ticket | US$80 |
| Parking | US$15 per car per day |
Last verified: 20 October 2026Official link: overlandexpo.com
Tags
Off Road and 4x4Car DisplaysCampingMulti Day EventPublic TransportAuto ShowShoppingFood and DrinkMotorbikesFamilies
Save this event to your automotive bucket list
Create a free profile and keep every tour, event and experience you want to see, all in one place.
Tickets
From US$15