Escape to the Cape

Cape Cod Fairgrounds — 1220 Nathan Ellis Hwy, East Falmouth, MA 02536 August 20 - 24, 2026

Let's Escape (back to) the Cape this summer! We'll be on picturesque Cape Cod for the second annual largest vanlife and nomadic celebration in New England!

Join us for four days/nights of community, connection, and celebration. This event will gather hundreds of converted vans, buses, and everything in-between coming together for music, games, learning, and memories.

Camping & Festival

Thursday 8/20 to Monday 8/24

Camping is open to everyone, whether you're in a van, bus, car/SUV, or just bringing a tent. Join us for four unforgettable days and nights filled with live music, dance parties, epic potlucks, hands-on workshops, expert-led classes, group fitness, yoga, and more!

Public Expo & Tours

Sat 8/22 & Sun 8/23 — 11am to 5pm

Van curious? Join us for unlimited tours of dozens of converted vans & buses, live music, local food trucks, workshops, discussion panels, lifestyle influencers, industry-leading vendors, and everything else you need for YOUR nomadic adventure! Kids are free!

Get Escape to the Cape Tickets

Event Schedule

Schedule is tentative and subject to change. Detailed schedule with specific performers and workshop topics coming soon!

10:00 AMMain Gate

Camping Check-In Opens

Show your ticket, get wristbands, site map, and raffle tickets

12:00 PMCampground

Welcome & Setup

Get settled in, meet your neighbors, explore the grounds

5:00 PMCommunal Area

Community Potluck

Bring a dish to share! Grills and communal tables provided

7:00 PMCampground

Bonfire & Games

Campfire hangout with lawn games, cornhole tournament, and good vibes

9:00 PMCampground

Acoustic Jam Session

Bring your instruments for an informal music circle

8:00 AMMain Lawn

Morning Yoga & Stretch

Start the day with a group yoga session on the lawn

10:00 AMWorkshop Tent

Workshops & Classes

Solar 101, electrical systems, van build Q&A, and more

12:00 PMFood Court

Food Trucks Open

Local food vendors serving lunch through the afternoon

2:00 PMExhibit Row

Van Build Showcase Setup

Exhibitors prep their rigs for Saturday's expo

4:00 PMMain Lawn

Field Day Games

Kickball, tug-of-war, relay races — get competitive!

6:00 PMCommunal Area

Community Potluck #2

Another epic shared meal with your new vanlife family

8:00 PMMain Stage

Live Music & Dance Party

Live performances on the main stage

8:00 AMMain Lawn

Morning Fitness

Group workout or yoga for campers

10:00 AMExhibit Row

Exhibitor Setup

Final prep before the public arrives

11:00 AMMain Gate

Public Expo Opens

Gates open for general admission — van tours, vendors, workshops

12:00 PMWorkshop Tent

Workshops & Panels

Expert-led sessions on vanlife topics, Q&A panels

1:00 PMMain Stage

Live Music Begins

Performances on the main stage throughout the afternoon

3:00 PMExhibit Row

Best in Show Judging

Judges tour exhibiting rigs for awards

5:00 PMMain Gate

Expo Closes to Public

GA visitors head out, campers continue the fun

7:00 PMMain Stage

Saturday Night Live Music

Headliner performance and dance party under the stars

8:00 AMMain Lawn

Morning Yoga

Relaxed stretch session to start the day

11:00 AMMain Gate

Public Expo Opens

Day two of tours, vendors, food trucks, and workshops

12:00 PMWorkshop Tent

Workshops & Panels

More expert sessions — vanlife for beginners, nomad finances, and more

2:00 PMMain Stage

Raffle & Giveaways

Prize drawings from our amazing sponsors

3:00 PMMain Stage

Best in Show Awards

Winners announced on the main stage

5:00 PMMain Gate

Expo Closes to Public

Last call for GA visitors

7:00 PMMain Stage

Closing Night Celebration

Final night of live music, dancing, and memories

8:00 AMCommunal Area

Farewell Breakfast

Coffee and light bites before hitting the road

11:00 AMMain Gate

Check-Out

Pack up and head out — see you at the next VanFest!

Sponsors & Vendors

VanFest partners with industry-leading vanlife brands, local businesses, and community organizations to create the best possible experience for attendees.

We intentionally limit the number of sponsors to ensure maximum visibility and authentic engagement. We only work with brands run by people who care and who stand behind what they offer.

Exhibit Your Rig

On the Saturday and Sunday of the 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.

Exhibitor Benefits

First come, first placed parking closest to the action
Shoutouts on social media
Free raffle ticket (one per rig) for vanlife-related prizes
Option to enter Best in Show contest (multiple categories)
Professional photos (digital copies) for your own use
Early bird registration for future VanFest events

Camp & Exhibit at Escape to the Cape

Jobs & Volunteers

We have open roles at every event — volunteers 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.

Available Paid Positions

A/V & Tech
Merch Booth
Security Lead
And more — reach out for details!

Apply Now

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.

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. Hookups are generally not available, so you must be self-contained.

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. Rigs are generally arranged into rows with the passenger/slider door facing outwards, with about 20' in between for your outside setups.

Nope! Exhibiting your rig is completely optional, but please consider it! Exhibitors get first-come first-placed parking closest to the action, social media shoutouts, free raffle tickets, option to enter Best in Show, professional photos, and early bird registration for future events. Non-exhibitors will be parked farther from the main event area.

Along with your normal camping gear: camping chairs and/or blankets, insect repellant, flashlights, food and beverages for the event length (food trucks will also be available), your own plates/silverware/cups to reduce waste, sunblock, hats, sunglasses, and hiking gear or a bike if you want to explore.

Bathrooms – yes. Usually there are flush toilets available, but this varies per event. Porta-potties will be available either way. Showers – no, but we may look into a portable shower truck for future events!

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.

Generally, a VanFest event is a three-day weekend affair. Fridays are arrival and a "vanlife only" day/evening. Saturday and Sunday are open to the public for tours, vendors/sponsors, music, and food. Each night will have live music and amazing community-building activities!

Yes! Bring your furry friends – but they must be on a leash. Please clean up after your pets. All pets must be well behaved; if an animal displays aggressive behavior they’ll need to remain inside a locked vehicle. If a pet is a disturbance you may be asked to leave the event.

Anyone camping is free to come and go on foot/bike/etc, but your camping rig must stay in your spot unless it’s an emergency. If you need to leave before the event ends, let us know at hello@vanfestusa.com and we’ll accommodate you. For short trips, plan on walking, cycling, or using a rideshare service.

No. Prepare to be "off-grid" for the duration. We may have water available upon arrival, but don't plan on it. We'll send nearby locations for water, gas, etc. before the event. Fill up on water and dump your tanks before you arrive.

Generators will be allowed during certain hours, but we strongly advise against it. Rigs will be parked close together, and generators create irritating and potentially harmful exhaust fumes. Your best source of power will be the sun!

We invite locally owned/operated food trucks to each event. If you’re camping, you may bring your own food & alcohol (alcohol policy may change per event; details provided after ticket purchase). We encourage reusable plates/utensils to minimize waste.

Cell service is highly likely but may vary per venue. Wifi is highly unlikely. Just to be safe, assume you may not have ANY coverage and plan accordingly. We’ll have a working phone/internet connection available for emergencies.

This varies per event based on 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, you must have a working fire extinguisher in your rig.

Photos and videos are not only allowed, they’re encouraged! Share on socials with #VanFestUSA. Unfortunately, drones are NOT allowed due to liability. Any drones you see are flown by our licensed & insured media partners.

Absolutely! We have volunteers and a small number of paid positions at every event. Paid positions involve working two or three 8-hour shifts with an hourly wage (1099 contractor), free t-shirt/swag, free camping spot, and one extra free night of camping for training.

Tobacco smoking – absolutely not. VanFest events are tobacco-smoke-free. If you must consume tobacco, it needs to be smokeless (vape, dip, etc). Each state has varying laws on other smokable plant materials; we ask that you consume responsibly and respect those around you.

Music is allowed in the camping area at a responsible level, but be considerate. Music should not contain overly offensive language. Quiet hours are from 11pm to 7am, enforced to ensure peaceful enjoyment. When live music is playing, don’t play your own at competing volume.

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Ready for an Unforgettable Weekend?

Grab your tickets and join us on Cape Cod this August!

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