launch scheduled for:

so, what is

liftoff!?

Event Changes

Stay tuned for the changes coming to LIFTOFF! in 2026!If you have any feedback/suggestions on what you'd like to see, use the form below to contact us or email at [email protected]

event details &

SCHEDULE

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How can I contact you?You can email us at [email protected] or call 805.826.3378. The Instagram for all VanFest events (LIFTOFF included) is @vanfestusa, and the official hashtag for VanFest is #vanfestusa or #vanfest. For LIFTOFF please use #liftoffgathering as well!What is LIFOTFF?LIFTOFF is a space-themed vanlife/nomad celebration, held annually on Florida's Space Coast. We aim to create a safe, inclusive space where all are welcome, regardless of the myraid of things that may divide us in this world. LIFTOFF is many things - a festival celebrating the nomadic community, an expo to showcase this amazing way of living and inspire the next generation of nomads, and a mecca for anyone who wants to have a great long weekend with like-minded people. LIFTOFF is run by VanFest.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 LIFTOFF?Definitely not! Any/all types of rigs are welcome, and all we ask is that you have the vanlife spirit. We’ve had folks in cars/SUVs, minivans, buses, box trucks, ambulances, and everything in-between. We’ll also have room available for tent camping!If you're just looking to tour some rigs, meet amazing sponsors and vendors, and learn more about nomadic living then Day-use General Admission tickets are available! A day-use GA ticket is good for BOTH Saturday 2/6 and Sun 2/7 from 11a to 5p each day - just keep your wristband on.Is this a family-friendly event?Yes! LIFTOFF is suitable for people of all ages! While some of the music / performances may contain lyrics/language that is a bit more adult, we work with artists to minimize this.What happens if an event is canceled?If our event is canceled for any reason, including public health-related reasons, 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. LIFTOFF is a rain-or-shine event, and we don’t foresee any reason to cancel on our end.What type of ticket should I purchase?If you plan on staying overnight, you'll need a Camping Pass. The Camping Pass gets you one spot for a vehicle up to 45′ in length (specified during ticket checkout). All campers will be parked on a first come, first served basis. If you agreed to exhibiting your rig (thank you!!), you'll be parked front-to-back around both edges of the center track, with your passenger side facing inward. If you're 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, but still in front-to-back rows to allow for easy entrance/exit, and to comply with the fire marshall.If you only want to join us for the day, you should purchase a Day Use General Admission ticket. GA tickets are good for daytime entry (10am to 5pm) to LIFTOFF, and one ticket is good for both Saturday 2/6 and Sunday 2/7.Can I sell something at LIFTOFF?Yes! If you intend on selling products or services out of your camping spot/rig, you are required to research and pay all appropriate local taxes. We have officially informed you of this, and it's on you now. ;)Do I have to camp at the event?Nope! You can stay in your vehicle elsewhere and just purchase a GA ticket. GA ticket holders must exit the venue by a certain time, generally 8pm but the specific time may vary per event.Tell me all about camping at LIFTOFF!Camping at LIFTOFF? SWEET! When you arrive you’ll need to show the entrance attendant 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.Hook ups are not available, so you must be 100% self-contained and please, don't leak anything onto the ground.We’ll be arranging rigs into rows and parking everyone so that the passenger/slider door faces outwards, with about 35’ in between for your outside setups and a walking area between them. The driver/non-slider side of your van might be parked relatively close to your neighbor. You will not be ASSIGNED specific spots, but you'll be directed on where to park upon arrival. 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 near 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 near each other.What does exhibiting your rig entail?On Saturday and Sunday, 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 LIFTOFF 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 LIFTOFF 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:– Discounted camping tickets (while they last!)
– First come, first placed parking closest to the action
– Shoutouts on social media (IG/FB)
– Free raffle tickets (2 per rig) for various vanlife-related prizes
– Option to enter into Best in Show contest (multiple categories)
– Featured in the Festival Recap page on the LIFTOFF & VanFest websites
– Professional photos (digital copies) of your/rig van for your own use
– Early bird registration for future VanFest eventsNon-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 LIFTOFF?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 minimal lighting, 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! There will be portable toilets on site which will be cleaned/stocked regularly.Showers? No. While we'd love to have a portable shower truck available, they're far too expensive.Who needs to have tickets?A camping ticket is good for admission for two adults and their children into the event.For Day Use / General Admission, children under the age of 13 are not required to have tickets but are required to be with a parent/legal guardian who does. 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. GA hours are 11am to 5pm -- any GA ticketholders must depart by 5.30pm at the latest.Where’s the nearest gas station / grocery store / water fill / RV dump / restaurant?Great questions! Check out the local resources guide belowCan I help out at LIFTOFF?Absolutely! We have a small number of paid and volunteer positions available. Check out the Get Involved page for more info and [shoot us an email](mailto:[email protected]?subject=Getting Involved with LIFTOFF] if you want to join!How long is LIFTOFF?LIFTOFF is a three-day weekend affair, starting on Friday 2/7 at 11am, and ending on Monday 2/10 at 12pm. If you're exhibiting your rig, you're welcome to arrive as early as 2pm on Thursday, 2/6. We'll have public hours for rigs tours/classes & workshops on Saturday 2/8 and Sunday 2/9 from 11am to 5pm. Check out the schedule page for a full list of events.Are pets allowed?Yes! Bring your furry friends – but you must have them on a leash and you are 100% responsible for their behavior. 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 and LIFTOFF attendees. If a pet is a disturbance to others and you are unable to rectify the sitaution, you will be asked to leave the event with no refund issued.Can I leave the venue and come back?Yes, but not in your rig. You can leave the venue and return on foot/bike/rideshare (from the front gate), but you must show your ticket & wristband again at the entrance. If you’re camping and you know you’ll need to leave before the event officially ends, let us know at [email protected] and we’ll ensure that you can sneak out. 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 LIFTOFF staff member and we’ll make it happen.Will there be water/power at the event?No. Prepare to be “off-grid” for your duration of your time at LIFTOFF. We’ll send out an email prior to the event with the best locations nearby for water, gas, etc -- you can also check out the (Local Resources guide**){#resources] for this info. Please dump all toilets and waste tanks before arrival.Can I use a generator?Generators will be allowed ONLY from 10am to 8pm, but we strongly advise against generator use in general due to the fact that everyone will be parked close together, and generators create irritating and potentially harmful exhaust fumes and unwanted noise. Your best source of power will be the sun! ☀️Do I have to attend the whole event?No, but for those camping early departures MUST be coordinated ahead of time (unless there is an emergency).If you are camping and know that you'll need to leave early please let us know ASAP at [email protected] to make sure you’re accommodated and can easily get out.We cannot have anyone driving on the grounds during public hours unless it's an emergency situation.Will there be food/alcohol at LIFTOFF?We love food – who doesn’t?! We'll have 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 the schedule 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. BUT, please consume alcohol (or anything else) responsibly. If you appear too intoxicated you create an awkward situation for everyone, and we don't want to have to ask you to leave. We encourage you to bring your own reusable plates/utensils to minimize single-use waste.Is there cell phone service?****
Yep! Tmobile works very well in the area, though we can't speak to other carriers. Starlink should work great, as there's no trees to get in the way. We’ll have a working phone available at the ticket booth for emergencies should anyone need it.Is there wifi at the venue?No. However, cell phone service is pretty good.Where do I go when I arrive at LIFTOFF?You will be directed by the event staff as you enter the event, please follow their directions.What activities are nearby the event?Lots! LIFTOFF will be about 25 minutes inland from Cocoa Beach, and there's a ton of other things in the area as well! Keep an eye out for an email that details the event, which will contain information on the surrounding area. Check out the local resources guide below as well.Are fires allowed?Yes! We've received the OK from the fire marshall for "personal campfires". Please follow the rules below:
  - Fires are above-ground (Solo Stove, mesh fire pit, etc).
  - Total fuel area does not exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height.
  - You must have an extinguishing method readily available (we suggest these portable extinguishers from Amazon.
  - Fire is not located within 25 feet of structure/combustable material.Please note - if winds or other conditions beyond our control arise, the fire marshall may not allow fires.Can I take pictures / videos / fly a drone?Not only are 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 #vanfest and #liftoff hash tag and tag @vanfestusa.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 LIFTOFF, they’re flown by our licensed & insured media partners.Is smoking allowed?For tobacco - absolutely not. Cigarettes/cigars smell terrible and they're pretty gross. For the health and safety of everyone, LIFTOFF is a tobacco-smoke-free event. If you must consume tobacco products, it must 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 spark up, text Lance directly at 805.826.3378 if you're willing to share! :)What are the COVID-19 policies at VanFest?While COVID has certainly abated, it’s still a small part of our lives. The past few years have also provided different levels of challenges to different people. We ask that you're open minded and respectful of other's medical needs and wishes as we navigate this odd post-COVID world we live in.

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. We will have live music at the main stage on Saturday and Sunday nights, so please be respectful of those musicians and do not play your own music during those performances.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 [email protected] 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 or Sekr 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 spray/mace, tasers, etc. This includes off-duty law enforcement or concealed carry permit – guns are not allowed at VanFest.
– Drugs or drug paraphernalia. Respect local/state laws.
– Flammables such as fireworks, explosives, road flares, etc.What are the Terms and Conditions?
The Terms & Conditions can be found here.Don’t see your question?
Shoot us an email at [email protected] or fill out the form below!

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