LIFTOFF! is an amazing three-day event from VanFest, celebrating vanlife and nomadic living!

Welcome to VanFest's second annual event in Melbourne, FL -- LIFTOFF 2025!

Welcome to Florida's Space Coast! We're pumped that you're joining us at Space Coast Daily Park in Melbourne, FL from Feb 6th - 10th. Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of rig tours, expert-led workshops and classes, live music, dance party & costume contest, industry-leading vendors and sponsors, lifestyle influencers, games, potlucks, and more! LIFTOFF is more than a gathering; it's an opportunity to connect, learn, inspire, and explore. LIFTOFF is a safe space where all are welcome.

Schedule of Events

All Weekend

Rig Tours & Best in Show Voting | 11:00am to 5:00pm | Camping Area

One of our main goals is to help inspire the next generation of nomads through hands-on, tangible experiences. Walk around the exhibition area and check out some of the AMAZING custom-created rigs - vans, buses, and everything in-between. Talk to the owners, learn about their time on the road and the undoubtedly amazing stories they have to tell, and get inspired for your own nomadic journey!

LIFTOFF celebrates all rigs, but as folks who converted our own van we have a soft spot for the self-conversions out there. Everyone will get a unique voting token - if you feel that a self-converted rig you tour deserves your vote for Best in Show, make sure you give your voting token to the owner of the rig. On Sunday, we'll tally up the votes and announce the Best in Show winners!

Custom Die-Cut Decals & Wraps | Exhibiting Area

Meet Thadd IG: atnomaddthadd at VanFest: LIFTOFF! for all your custom decal needs! Whether you're looking to add a personal touch to your rig or create a one-of-a-kind design, Thadd's precision and creativity will make it happen. Swing by his rig for on-the-spot custom die-cut decals that are perfect for showing off your vanlife spirit. Don't miss out on this chance to make your rig stand out!

Sponsors & Vendors | 11:00am to 5:00pm | Exhibiting Area
Come check out our amazing industry sponsors and vendors who helped bring LIFTOFF to life!

Podcasting | 11:00am to 5:00pm | Exhibiting Area
Matt from atvanlife.goals will be recording his vanlife podcast and is looking for people to interview! Reach out to him on IG to coordinate.

Cargo Exchange | All Day/Night | Event Area

Somehow, we all manage to amass stuff in our travels. So why not unload some of it?

The Cargo Exchange will be open for the entire event -- if you have something you're ready to part ways with, leave it on the table. If you see anything that catches your eye, grab it and give it a new home!

Silent Dance Party | Nightly at 8:00pm | Event Area

We'll have wireless headsets available for grabs, featuring three different channels of music for all tastes and styles. Grab your glow sticks, fun costumes, and dancin' shoes and get ready to get down! If anyone is interested in DJ'ing a dance party, hit us up! Whether you have your own decks or just want to pick off Spotify, we'd be honored to have you spinnin' at LIFTOFF!

Public Hours

Pre-Mission Coffee | 8:00am to 10:00am | Food Vendor Area
The perfect way to start your day, hosted by the Coffee & food truck. Enjoy freshly brewed coffee, bagels, and delicious local treats while connecting with fellow vanlifers. It's the ideal spot to fuel up and kick off your day with great flavors and new friends!

Morning Yoga | 9:00am to 10:00am | Mission Control Stage
Join Chris from Boujee Builds to unwind, stretch, and rejuvenate in a yoga class designed to suit all levels of experience. Bring your own mat. Namaste!

Women's Self Defense Workshop | 10:00am to 11:00am | Meet at Main Gate
Self-defense begins with awareness. With over 10 years of experience with Krav Maga, Jen will teach a few combatives and the best target areas to aim for when someone gets too close. The class will start with a discussion about ways to best protect yourself on the road. No experience or equipment needed.

Day Pass Ticket Holder Entry | 11:00am to 8:00pm
Bring a chair or something to sit on for the first part and be wearing comfortable clothes and shoes to move your body for the second.

Rig Tours + Best in Show Voting | 11:00am to 4:00pm | Camping Area
One of the missions of VanFest is to help inspire the next generation of nomads! Walk around the exhibiting area and check out some of the AMAZING custom-created rigs - vans, buses, and everything in-between! Talk to the owners, learn about their time on the road, and hear the amazing stories they have to tell. Get inspired for your own nomadic journey!
VanFest celebrates all rigs, but as people who converted our own van, we have a soft spot for the self-conversions out there. Everyone will get a unique voting card - if you feel that a self-converted rig deserves your vote for Best in Show, make sure you give your token to the owner of the rig. On Sunday, we'll tally up the votes and announce the Best in Show winner!

Connectivity on the Road | 12:00pm to 12:45pm | Workshop Tent
Let's talk about the internet! Join connectivity expert Don Pretlow from Open Road Mobile as he dives into the best solutions so you can make sure you're always connected.

Your Perfect Van Build - Conversions Q&A | 1:00pm to 1:45pm | Workshop Tent
Join Chris Lowe and Bobby Brown of Boujee Builds in "Your Perfect Van Build - Conversion Q&A." Tap into their expertise on everything from layouts, designing microsystems, conversion basics, to aesthetics in van building. This workshop offers invaluable insights from the pros - great for those just starting out or mid-build. Bring your questions for an engaging session that will guide your vanlife journey!

Panel: 20 Questions for Nomads | 1:00pm to 1:45pm | Workshop Tent
Join a panel of full-time road warriors who discuss the big three: how to get mail, get money, and what it's truly like to live on the road. A down-to-earth, candid conversation about all the vanlife questions you may have.

Leave No Trace Panel Discussion | 3:00pm to 3:45pm | Mission Control Stage
What questions do you have about practicing Leave No Trace principles on the road? Join a panel of Leave No Trace practitioners and nomads as we discuss the unique ways in which land stewardship is practiced in nomadic life.

Turn in Your Votes! | 3:45pm to 4:00pm
If you received any Best in Show votes, turn 'em in at the main stage BEFORE 4pm!

Raffle & Best in Show Winners Announced | 4:30pm to 5:00pm | Mission Control Stage
Join us at the stage as we announce the raffle winners, as well as the Best in Show! Raffle tickets are available at the entrance booth - $5 each, or 5 for $20. All raffle proceeds will go to the National Parks Foundation.

Big Game Potluck | 6:00pm to 11:00pm | Workshop Tent
Cook, eat, drink, and yell at the TV with your fellow nomads! We'll be showing the game on a big screen in the workshop tent. If you want to help set up the TV, reach out to us via email and let's talk!
Feel free to bring a dish to share, or grab some grub from the amazing food trucks!

Star Party with Central Florida Astronomical Society | 6:00pm to 10:00pm | Orbital Outpost
An unforgettable night under the stars with the Central Florida Astronomical Society! Bring your curiosity and gaze through their high-powered telescopes as they guide you through the wonders of the night sky. Whether you're a seasoned stargazer or a first-time viewer, this is a fantastic opportunity to explore constellations, planets, and more!

Evening Movie Night | 8:00pm to 9:30pm | Mission Control Stage
Audience choice - vote all throughout VanFest at the stage. Bonus points if it's on Netflix or Hulu.

Late Night Silent Dance | 10:00pm to 11:30pm | Mission Control Stage
A multi-genre dance experience where you can groove to your own beat. With wireless headphones, attendees can choose from a variety of music genres, including everything from electronic to pop and hip-hop. Whether you're into dancing solo or with friends, this silent dance party offers a fun, immersive way to enjoy music without disturbing the peace of the night. It's the perfect way to unwind and dance the night away under the stars!

Click here to buy tickets