Got Nothing Going On This Weekend? Overland Expo Pacific Northwest Is Happening in Redmond

 5 min read

So Where the Heck Is It?

If you are looking for something to do this weekend, there is the Overland Expo up in Washington or Oregon, wherever the hell it is at. Turns out it is Oregon. Specifically, the Overland Expo Pacific Northwest lands at the Deschutes County Expo Center in Redmond, north of Bend, from June 26 through June 28.

For anyone who has not been, this is the regional version of the biggest overlanding event series in the world. The format is part trade show, part trail school, and part summer camp for people who like sleeping next to their rigs. You wander a field full of trucks, tents, and gear, then sit in on classes taught by people who live out of their vehicles full time.

I run a 2025 Chevy Colorado ZR2 and have rented a few Bronco Badlands for Big Bear trips, so events like this are where I end up comparing notes on builds and finding the next thing to bolt on. Whether you drive a built Tacoma, a stock 4Runner, or a sprinter van, you will find your people here.

The Gear Floor: 300+ Exhibitors

The main draw for most folks is the exhibitor floor. More than 300 brands set up booths covering overland, adventure travel, outdoor, camping, and motorcycle gear. You see rooftop tents, awnings, fridges, recovery kits, suspension, tires, and trailers, all in one place where you touch the product before you buy.

Big names anchor the event. Subaru and Toyota both run activations on the grounds, while Hankook and Maxxis bring tires, and brands like AEV, Four Wheel Campers, Dometic, and Pelican fill out the lineup. Several exhibitors run show-only discounts and hourly raffles, so it pays to walk the whole field instead of stopping at the first booth.

One tip from experience: take photos of price tags and model numbers as you go. By the second lap, every fridge and tent starts to blur together. A quick phone note saves you from buyer’s remorse later.

Classes and Behind-the-Wheel Training

Training is the part people skip and then regret skipping. Overland Expo built its whole reputation on education, and the Pacific Northwest show carries more than 175 classes, slideshows, and demos from over 120 instructors. Sessions cover navigation, recovery, vehicle maintenance, trip planning, and remote-area first aid.

This year the show adds vehicle-based, hands-on experiences for the first time. You choose between two types of premium Overland Expo Training or a Trail Course Experience, all run from behind the wheel of your own rig. For anyone nervous about their first real off-road trip, a few hours with a pro instructor beats a year of YouTube videos.

Plan your classes before you arrive. Popular sessions fill fast, and walking the gear floor eats more time than you expect. Map out two or three must-attend classes, then leave the rest of the day open.

Camping, Happy Hours, and the Film Festival

The weekend does not end when the show floor closes at 5. On-site camping puts you in a grassy field in a festival-style setup, which means you stay for the evening programming instead of driving back to a hotel. For a lot of attendees, the after-hours scene is the real reason they come.

Each night brings something. Friday runs a happy hour, a Women Who Wander networking event, a Toyota game night, and the Overland Expo Film Festival. Saturday adds Camp Subaru LIVE and the Overland Expo Foundation charity raffle. These are where you swap trail stories and meet people building rigs like yours.

Redmond sits in high desert, so nights get cool even in late June. Bring a real sleeping bag and a warm layer, because the camping is rustic with no hookups. A good night of sleep makes the second day far more useful.

Getting There and Planning Your Day

Redmond sits about three hours from Portland and roughly six from Seattle, so a big chunk of the Pacific Northwest reaches it in a half-day drive. The Deschutes County Expo Center has plenty of parking, and Bend offers food, breweries, and lodging a few minutes south if camping is not your thing.

Show hours run Friday and Saturday from 9 to 5, then Sunday from 9 to 3. If you only have one day, Saturday packs the most programming, but it also draws the biggest crowds. Sunday runs quieter and works well for a focused gear-buying run before the booths pack up.

Buy your ticket online before you leave. Walking up works, but the line moves slower and some class packages sell out. A little planning turns a chaotic field into a smooth weekend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Overland Expo Pacific Northwest held?

The event runs at the Deschutes County Expo Center in Redmond, Oregon, about a 20-minute drive north of Bend. It is not in Washington, despite the regional name.

When does Overland Expo PNW 2026 take place?

The show runs June 26 through June 28, 2026. Hours are 9 to 5 on Friday and Saturday, then 9 to 3 on Sunday.

Do I need an off-road vehicle to go?

No. Plenty of attendees come in daily drivers to shop gear, take classes, and hang out. You only need a capable rig if you sign up for the behind-the-wheel Trail Course Experience or hands-on training.

Is camping available at the event?

Yes. On-site rustic camping is available in a festival-style field with no hookups. Camping keeps you close to the nightly film festival, happy hours, and raffles.

How much does an Overland Expo Pacific Northwest ticket cost?

Pricing varies by pass type, from single-day general admission to full-weekend class packages. Check the official Overland Expo site for current rates and any show specials before you go.