Van Curious

Join us and see what the #vanlife is all about!

Upcoming Events

Get Involved!

Want to be a part of the ultimate vanlife experience?

Your van is more than just a vehicle; it's a vision. Share its magic at VanFest!

What VanFest is All AboutWhile our story started in 2016 when we stumbled upon Eamon & Beck's YouTube videos, it didn't really pick up speed until went to a Tiny Home festival on a whim. It changed everything.

It was the two dozen vans and buses that opened their doors and gave us an actual real-world, tangible feel for what a nomadic life must be like -- and how attainable it truly is.

Five years later, we've been on the road full-time for over three years, and traversed across the US at least five times. We've met so many amazing people in this truly unique and inspiring community, and we're working to make sure that VanFest can inspire others.Why Exhibit Your Van?Ever pulled up somewhere and had someone's eyes light up at the sight of your van? Maybe they’re curious about how you managed to fit a cozy bed, a kitchen, and all those clever storage solutions inside. Or perhaps they’re dreaming of hitting the open road themselves, taking photos of rigs and getting inspired for their own nomadic journey. VanFest provides the opportunity to give them a sneak peek into the world of vanlife and show them that it can be a reality for everyone.---FAQs for ExhibitorsWhat does exhibiting your rig entail?On the Saturday and Sunday of a VanFest event, we encourage everyone to open their doors to the public (as well as other nomads) during certain hours to make new friends and help others get a glimpse into what a nomadic life is all about. You’ll get to teach others about your rig, share stories from the road, and inspire the next generation of nomads and vanlifers. Exhibitors make VanFest the amazing event that it is, and we (literally) wouldn’t be here without amazing people like you!Do I HAVE to showcase/exhibit my rig?Well, no one's twisting your arm! But come on, where's the fun in keeping all that awesomeness to yourself? There's something magical about showing someone around your home-on-wheels for the first time. Plus, think back to before you started this journey. Remember the excitement, the intrigue, maybe even a touch of envy when you first peeked inside a lived-in van? That’s the magic of VanFest. And by sharing, you're not just flaunting design skills; you're giving back to a community that thrives on shared experiences and collective wisdom.Perks of Being an Exhibitor:- Prime Parking: First come, first parked – right at the heart of the action!
- Social Media Shoutout: Let's get you and your van in the spotlight.
- Raffle Ready: Bag yourself a free raffle ticket (one per rig) for some great items from our sponsors and vendors!
- Best in Show Contest: Think your rig's got what it takes? Join in and you might just drive away with a title!
- Photo-Op: Get professional pics of your rig – the high-res digital copies are yours to keep/use how you'd like
- Stay Ahead: Early bird registration for any future VanFest event.How to Exhibit at VanFest1. Grab Your Ticket: Secure your spot in the showcase by grabbing your ticket early. Spaces are limited!2. Prep Your Rig: This doesn’t mean a full makeover! Just ensure it’s tidy, safe, and ready to welcome guests.3. Arrive and Shine: Park in the designated exhibitor area, set up any displays or information you'd like to share, and get ready to be the talk of the festival!


Ready to Share Your Van's Story?Don't miss out on this unique opportunity. Secure your exhibitor spot now and let your van's journey inspire others at VanFest!

• Let's do it!

Become a key part of the ultimate vanlife experience!

Vanfest is going to be a blast, but it can’t happen without you! This event is a chance for vanlife veterans and newbies alike from all over to come together and learn from each other, and we couldn’t be more excited to see everyone there.With such a large undertaking for such an amazing community, we need help! For each event we have both paid and volunteer positions available, and occasionally we’ll have full- or part-time roles too — check ’em out below!

Per-event Job Openings:

Paid Roles

All paid roles are as a 1099 contractor. All roles are $12/hr unless otherwise stated, with between 8 and 32 hours total.

Tech & Stage Lead
^{10am to 6pm | Fri, Sat, & Sun}
  - Handle all things audio/visual and technical for the festival
  - Should have technical, A/V, and/or IT experience
  - Troubleshoot technical glitches during live performances
  - Collaborate with operations manager to ensure smooth performance transitionsTicket/Merch Lead
^{10am to 6pm | Sat, & Sun}
  - Oversee ticket & merch operations
  - Accountable for all cash and digital transactions
  - Assist attendees with questions, product inquiries, and purchasesSecurity Lead
^{10am to 6pm | Thurs, Fri, Sat, & Sun}
  - Ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all attendees
  - Train and brief security personnel on festival policies
  - Interface with medical personnel or police as requiredCommunications Lead
^{9a to 5p | Thurs, Fri, Sat, and Sun}
  - Maintain communication with other team leads
  - Update schedule, Whatsapp group, and text messages as neededPhotographer
^$500/event
  - Take quality, professional photos of the event
  - Capture certain moments and items as defined by VanFest
  - Must have own professional digital photography equipment
  - Editing of some photos is required post-eventVideographer / Drone
^$500/event
  - Take quality, professional video of the event
  - Capture certain moments and items as defined by VanFest
  - Must have own professional digital video equipment
  - Delivery of all RAW video data + one edited hype reel (~5 mins) required

Volunteer Roles

Unpaid, consists of two 5 hour shifts. Comes with all the perks outlined below.

Ticket / Merch / Info
  - Greet campers and general admission attendees
  - Scan tickets, hand out welcome packets
  - Sell merch & raffle tickets
  - Answer questions from attendeesParking & Operations
  - Assist with parking logistics for campers & general admissions
  - Guide campers to the correct spot
  - Ensure distances between rigs / open areas are clear & alignedEvent Patrol
  - Patrol event, keeping an eye on everything
  - Pick up litter / help empty trash
  - Ensure event rules are observed, address / escalate issues as needed
  - Assist attendees with general inquiries and directions
  - Provide first point of contact for any safety concerns
  - Take photos/videos during patrol shift with equipment provided by VanFest

Benefits for All Roles

(both paid and volunteer)

  - FREE camping admission for 1 rig to LIFTOFF (reimbursed within 2 weeks of event)
  - An extra FREE night of camping before event for training
  - Free VanFest t-shirt
  - Free drink tickets (2 per volunteer)
  - 50% discount on any future VanFest event
  - Our eternal gratitude and undying love
  - You get to use a cool walkie-talkie during the event (but please give it back :)

Ready to get involved with the ultimate vanlife experience? Fill out the form below and lets go!!

Ready to get involved? We host events all throughout the US. Hit us up via email, or use the form below and let's work together to inspire the next generation of vanlifers and promote your brand!

How can I contact you?You can email us at hello@vanfestusa.com or call 805.826.3378. The Instagram for VanFest is @vanfestusa, and the official hashtag for VanFest is simply #vanfestusa.Who/what is VanFest?VanFest is run by Lance and Jess – a couple who are full-time vanlifers themselves and wanted to create a distinctive gathering spot for the nomadic at heart. It’s a celebration of the vanlife community, a testament to the spirit of adventure, and a hub of inspiration for those planning their own journey into this unique lifestyle. At each event, hundreds of converted vans, buses, and other vehicles converge and open up for tours, providing a real-world source of awe and inspiration for attendees. From seasoned vanlifers to those who’ve only seen the beautiful builds on social media, everyone is welcomed to explore, learn, and connect at VanFest!Do I need a van to attend VanFest?Definitely not! All types of rigs are welcome, and all we ask is that you have the vanlife spirit. We’ve seen people in cars/SUVs, minivans, buses, box trucks, ambulances, and everything in-between. We’ll also have a few spots available for tent camping, however some events may be held on harder ground so plan accordingly.Day-use General Admission tickets are available for those that want to attend on Saturday and/or Sunday to be part of the fun, check out the van builds and get inspired!Is this a family-friendly event?Yes! VanFest is suitable for people of all ages! While some of the music performances may contain lyrics/language that is PG13, we work with artists to minimize this.What happens if an event is canceled?If our event is canceled for any reason, including COVID-19, you will receive either a free spot at a rescheduled or different VanFest event, or a full refund for your tickets. We will not issue refunds if you cannot make an event due to personal circumstances. VanFest is a rain-or-shine event, and we don’t foresee any reason to cancel an event.What type of ticket should I purchase?If you plan on staying at an event overnight, you will need a Camping Pass. The Camping Pass gets you one spot for a vehicle up to 45′ in length (specified during ticket checkout). Campers who are exhibiting will be parked on a first come, first served basis closest to the action of the event. Those campers who are not exhibiting (are you SURE you don’t want to? It’s a great experience with tons of perks!) will be parked in a separate area.If you intend on selling products or services out of your van, you will need to purchase a Camping + Selling pass — this helps us to offset the cost of additional permits and paperwork. To sell from a dedicated vendor tent instead of from your van, sign up as a vendor and get a vendor space right in the center of the action.If you only want to join us for the day, you should purchase a General Admission ticket. GA tickets are good for daytime entry (generally 11am to 5pm, but may vary per event) to VanFest, and one ticket is good for all open-to-the-public days for each event!Can I sell something at VanFest?Yes – if you’re camping and wish to sell a product or service, you can do so at your camping spot. To sell from a dedicated vendor tent instead of from your rig, sign up as a vendor and get a vendor space right in the center of the action!Do I have to camp at the event?
Nope! You can purchase a general attendee ticket. GA ticket holders must exit the venue by a certain time, generally 5pm but the specific time may vary per event. See each event page for specifics.Tell me all about camping at VanFest!Camping at VanFest? SWEET! When you arrive you’ll need to show the entrance tent your ticket (digital or printed), which will get you into the event grounds. You’ll also be issued wristbands (which must be worn at all times), an exhibiting pass, raffle tickets, and a site map.Each VanFest event location is different, but generally they’ll all be large, open areas with minimal shade. Hook ups are generally not available at VanFest events, so you must be self-contained.In order to maximize space, we generally arrange rigs into rows and parking everyone so that the passenger/slider door faces outwards, with about 20’ in between for your outside setups and a walking area between them. The driver side of your van will be parked relatively close to your neighbor. You will not be assigned specific spots. If you would like to park near/next to friends, we recommend that you meet up outside of the event and enter together so that you end up being parked next to each other.What camping spot am I assigned?You will not be assigned specific spots. If you would like to park near/next to friends, we recommend that you meet up outside of the event and enter together so that you end up being parked next to each other.What does exhibiting your rig entail?On the Saturday and Sunday of a VanFest event, we encourage everyone to open their doors to the public (as well as other nomads) during certain hours to make new friends and help others get a glimpse into what a nomadic life is all about. You’ll get to teach others about your rig, share stories from the road, and inspire the next generation of nomads and vanlifers.Exhibitors make VanFest the amazing event that it is, and we wouldn’t be here without you!Do I HAVE to showcase/exhibit my rig?Nope! Exhibiting your rig at VanFest event is completely optional, but please consider it! One of the best sources of ideas and inspiration for us during our pre-vanlife journey was attending a nomadic event and touring all the rigs; it’s what makes VanFest so amazing for the nomadic-at-heart! By exhibiting and opening your van/rig for tours, you get:– First come, first placed parking closest to the action
– Shoutouts on social media
– Free raffle ticket (one per rig) for various vanlife-related prizes from our sponsors and vendors
– Option to enter into Best in Show contest (multiple categories)
– Professional photos (digital copies) of your/rig van for your own use
– Early bird registration for future VanFest events!Non-exhibitors will not be able to enter Best in Show contests and will be parked farther away from the main event area.What should I bring to VanFest?Along with the stuff you normally camp within your rig, we recommend bringing the following:– Camping chairs and/or a blanket. Many activities will be outside, so you’ll want to have a nice place to sit.
– Insect spray or other insect repellants (no “bug bombs” please).
– Flashlights. We’ll have lighting as needed, but it’s always good to have a flashlight when outside at night.
– Food and beverage for the length of the event. We’ll have food trucks and beverages on site, but you’re welcome to bring anything you wish to enjoy during the gathering and with all that we have planned, you probably won’t want to leave to go shopping!
– Your own plates/silverware/cups. We want to reduce single-use waste as much as possible.
– Sunblock, hats, sunglasses and other forms of sun protection.
– Hiking gear or a bike if you want to explore before/after the event.Will there be bathrooms/showers?Bathrooms – yes. Usually there are flush toilets available, but this varies per event. Porta-potties will be available either way.Showers – no. We may look into a portable shower truck for future events though!Who needs to have tickets?A camping ticket admits you and whoever is traveling with you!For general admission, anyone 13 or over must have a ticket. Children under 13 are free. Campers, vendors, and sponsors, all come with various levels of GA access. Wristbands will be given upon check-in, and must be worn at all times during the event.Where’s the nearest gas station / grocery store / water fill / RV dump / restaurant?Great questions! Because the answers vary per event, you should check the specific event page for all these details. That being said, make sure to stock up on EVERYTHING that you’ll need – water, gas, food, etc.Can I help out at VanFest?Absolutely! We have open roles at every event -- vounteers and a small number of paid positions available that involve working two or three 8-hour shifts. You’ll receive an hourly wage (paid as a 1099 contractor), a free t-shirt and other swag, a free camping spot (and a discount to another VanFest event), and one extra free night of camping before the event for training. Paid positions include: A/V & Tech, Merch Booth, Security lead, and a couple others. Check out each event page for details!How long is the event?Generally, a VanFest event is a three-day weekend affair, with the format of Fridays being arrival and a “vanlife only” day/evening, and Saturday and Sunday being open to the public for tours, vendors/sponsors, music, and food. Each night will have live music and amazing community-building activities! Check out the each event page page for specific details.Are pets allowed at the event??Yes! Bring your furry friends – but you must have them on a leash. Please clean up after your pets and properly dispose of anything they create in the trash cans on site. All pets must be well behaved, and if any animal that is displaying aggressive behavior they’ll need to remain inside a locked vehicle for the safety of the animal as well as VanFest attendees. If a pet is a disturbance to others you may be asked to leave the event.Can I leave the venue and come back?Anyone camping at VanFest is free to come and go on foot/bike/etc, but unless it's an emergency your camping rig must stay in your spot. If you’re camping and you know you’ll need to leave before the event officially ends, let us know ASAP at hello@vanfestusa.com and we’ll make sure to put you somewhere where you can get out easily. If you just want to leave to check out the town or grab something at the store, plan on walking, cycling, or using a rideshare service.If you have an emergency come up and need to move your rig, find a VanFest volunteer and we’ll make it happen.Will there be RV hookups/power at the event?No. Prepare to be “off-grid” for your duration of camping at the event. We may have water available upon arrival, but don’t plan on it. We’ll send out an email prior to the event with the best locations nearby for water, gas, etc. We recommend you fill up on water and dump your tanks before you arrive.Can I use a generator?Generators will be allowed during certain hours, but we strongly advise against generator use. Rigs will be parked close together, and generators create irritating and potentially harmful exhaust fumes. Your best source of power will be the sun! ☀️Do I have to attend the whole event?No. You may attend as much or as little of the event as you wish, however if you are camping and planning on leaving early let us know ASAP at hello@vanfestusa.com to make sure you’re accommodated and can easily get out. This will likely mean that you’re parked a bit strategically, and you may have to wait a bit on check-in to fill a spot at the end of a row.Will there be food/alcohol at VanFest?We love food – who doesn’t?! At each VanFest event, we invite a select few locally owned/operated food trucks to provide an amazing culinary experience (ok, you’re eating outside at a vanlife event – the experience will certainly be unique, but the food will definitely be amazing!) We’ll be adding the names/details of food trucks that will be attending to each event page once we have that information.Can I bring my own food & alcohol?If you are attending the event as a camper you may bring your own food & alcohol, however the alcohol policy may change per event. Information on event-specific policies will be provided via email after your ticket purchase. We encourage you to bring your own reusable plates/utensils to minimize single-use waste.Is there cell phone service or wifi?
Cell phone service is highly likely, but it may vary per event/venue. Wifi is highly unlikely. Just to be safe, assume that you may not have ANY coverage and plan accordingly. Starlink is rising in popularity, and your neighbor may allow you on theirs if you ask nicely. We’ll have a working phone or internet connection available for emergencies.Are fires allowed?This varies per event based off venue and fire marshal guidelines. We'll always try to get the OK for fires, but check each event page for details. If fires are allowed and you want to have a fire, you must have a working fire extinguisher in your rig.Can I take pictures / videos / fly a drone?Photos and videos of all aspects of the event are not only allowed, they’re encouraged! Snap/film away, share on socials, etc. All we ask is that you tag your photos with the #VanFestusa hash tag!Unfortunately, due to liability issues, drones are NOT allowed. It’s far too easy to seriously injure someone by crashing a drone into their face, and no one wants that. If you see any drones at VanFest, they’re flown by our licensed & insured media partners.We'll share out a Google Drive folder after the event. While not required, we ask that you upload all your photos/videos to this folder so we can feature them in our social media/etc! We'll never sell your photos/videos, and we promise to only use them for promotional purposes. If you want credit if/when we use them, we ask that you create your own folder within this one and name it something identifying so we can tag you!Is smoking allowed?For tobacco - absolutely not. Cigarettes/cigars smell terrible and they're super gross. For the health and safety of everyone, VanFest events are tobacco-smoke-free event. If you must consume tobacco products, it needs to be smokeless (vape, dip, etc). If you use a vaporizer, please do so politely. If you dip, don't spit it on the ground. If you’re found smoking tobacco inside the venue, you’ll be asked to immediately stop; failure to do so will result in you being removed from the event. If you wish to smoke tobacco, please exit the venue on foot to do so, and please try to remain downwind.Each state has varying laws on other smokable plant materials, and we ask that consume responsibly. You are responsible for adhering to local/state law. Please also be respectful of those with children or people who are not fans of such things. If you do light up, we kindly ask that you text Lance directly at 805.826.3378 if you're willing to share! :)Am I allowed to play music?Music will be allowed in the camping area at a responsible level, but be considerate and respectful of those near you. Music should not contain overly offensive language. Quiet hours in the camping area will be from 11pm to 7am, and will be enforced to ensure the peaceful enjoyment of others. When we have live music at the main stage please be respectful and do not play your own music over those performances at a volume that would interrupt the experience.I am a professional builder and want to showcase my builds, how do I do that?All individuals/companies/dealerships who would like to solicit their vehicle building services should reach out to hello@vanfestusa.com to discuss vendor and sponsorship opportunities.If camping tickets sell out, where can I stay?Due to popularity, we expect the camping passes to sell out. We suggest you utilize apps like iOverlander to find nearby places to safely and legally spend the night.What isn’t allowed?
This is not a comprehensive list – use your best judgment. We have the right to, at our discretion, admend, add, or remove anything from the list below. By attending, you agree to this.– Discriminative or divisive symbols, and inappropriate imagery.
- Political-fuel riffraff of any kind
– Weapons such as guns, knives, pepper sp