August in Loveland means one thing for the overlanding community: it’s time to roll into the Sweetheart City. Overland Expo Mountain West returns to The Ranch events complex August 21–23, 2026, bringing together thousands of adventure travelers, top gear brands and world-class instructors for one of the premier outdoor events in the country. But the expo is just the beginning.
With the Loveland Corn Roast Festival happening the same weekend downtown, plus trail-ready terrain and a thriving local food and drink scene, there’s never been a better reason to make this a full weekend getaway.
What is Overland Expo Mountain West?
Overlanding is a style of travel that blends off-road driving with self-reliant camping. Think rugged vehicles kitted out with rooftop tents, recovery gear and off-grid essentials. For overlanders, it’s less about the destination and more about the journey itself: exploring remote places, living out of your rig and being fully self-sufficient along the way.
Overland Expo Mountain West is the premier event of its kind in the Rocky Mountain region. With more than 350 exhibitors and over 175 hours of programming across the three-day event, it draws enthusiasts from across North America for a weekend of hands-on education, community connection and gear discovery. Classes cover everything from wilderness first aid and off-road driving technique to backcountry cooking, photography and route planning, there’s genuinely something for every skill level.
Located just north of Denver, Loveland sits at the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and the Colorado Front Range, making it a natural basecamp for the overlanding lifestyle. The Ranch Events Complex offers on-site camping so you can set up your rig just steps from the action and stay fully immersed all weekend.
Expo highlights to put on your radar
Between sessions and the exhibitor floor, a handful of events make the weekend especially memorable:
- RAM Ride & Drive (all weekend): Experience the off-road capability of RAM trucks on a dedicated course, with expert guides walking you through the technology behind the trucks.
- Moto Party + Raffle (Friday evening): Sponsored by Rider Justice, this is a beloved community gathering for moto adventurers – prizes, drinks, and good stories.
- Happy Hours (Friday & Saturday evenings): Kick back with fellow attendees and exhibitors. Friday’s is hosted by Bowen Customs; Saturday’s by Kaymar.
- Camp Subaru LIVE! (Saturday afternoon): Live music, great food and a look at Subaru’s Wilderness lineup in a relaxed outdoor setting.
- Women Who Wander Fireside Chat (Saturday evening): A dedicated space for female overlanders to connect, share experiences and inspire each other around the campfire.
Where to stay
Camping on-site at The Ranch is the full-immersion option: wake up surrounded by the community, grab coffee and walk straight to your first session. It’s the most popular choice for a reason.
Prefer a bed? Loveland has a solid range of hotels just minutes from The Ranch and staying in town puts you closer to the restaurants, breweries and events happening downtown. Check out the full list of accommodations.
For those who want to extend the adventure, Carter Lake Campground and Boyd Lake State Park both offer full hook-up sites with stunning Colorado scenery, ideal for overlanders who want to set up camp and explore the area before or after the expo. For something more off-the-beaten-path, dispersed camping in Roosevelt National Forest is just west of town: no hookups, no crowds, just pines and stars.
Hit the trails before or after the Expo
If you’re here for overlanding, you already know Loveland is surrounded by world-class terrain. Make the most of the weekend with some time on these local favorites:
- Kelly Flats (10.5 miles | Difficult): One of Northern Colorado’s most legendary 4×4 routes. Steep climbs, big boulders and the infamous “Heart Attack Hill.” This one earns bragging rights.
- Seven Mile Creek (7 miles | Moderate): Creek crossings, open valleys and mountain scenery – a well-rounded trail with plenty of scenic stops.
- Deadman Lookout (14 miles | Easy): A family-friendly gravel road leading to a historic fire lookout at 10,700 feet with panoramic views from Wyoming to Colorado’s highest peaks. Open to passenger cars when dry; staffed on summer weekends.
Don’t miss: The Loveland Corn Roast Festival
While you’re in town, the Loveland Corn Roast Festival is happening the same weekend at Fairgrounds Park, and it’s worth swinging by, especially on Saturday. One of northern Colorado’s most beloved community events, the Corn Roast Festival has been going strong for over 130 years and draws more than 10,000 attendees with live music, roasted corn, food trucks, a community parade and a lot of hometown energy.
It’s a great way to experience Loveland like a local. Catch the parade Saturday morning, grab some corn and a beer and head back to The Ranch refreshed.
Fuel up: Where to eat and drink
After a day on the trail or the expo floor, Loveland’s food and drink scene is ready to deliver. The city has a robust lineup of craft breweries. Highlights include Grimm Brothers Brewhouse (known for German-style lagers), Verboten Brewing, Loveland Aleworks and Big Thompson Brewery. For spirits, 477 Distilling is worth a stop and for wine, Sweet Heart Winery leans into the city’s Valentine’s Day heritage with incredible Rocky Mountain views along the Big Thompson River.
For a full rundown of where to eat, from chef-driven spots to local food trucks, check out VisitLoveland.com/restaurants.
Plan your trip
Whether you’re camping on-site all weekend or staying in town and heading out to the trails, Loveland is the kind of place that rewards those who stick around. The Expo runs August 21-23, 2026, at The Ranch and definitely justifies a weekend trip, or longer, to the Sweetheart City.