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!

February 6th, 2025
Nomads / Campers Only Day!

Event Setup (event, sponsors, vendors) | 8:00am to 9:00pm | Entire Venue
Setup for the event, sponsors/vendors, food, etc. If you'd like to help out, hit us up!

Camping Arrival & Setup | 2:00pm to 6:00pm | Camping Area
This is the earliest campers can arrive. Get set up & meet some new friends! If you want to host an event or get something on the schedule, reach out to us via email!

VanJams Open Mic | 5:30pm to 7:00pm | Mission Control Stage
There's so much talent in our community - let's kick off with some nomadic musicians! Not limited to just music. A sign-up sheet will be available at the stage.

Community Potluck | 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Let's get together for a nomad community potluck! Bring a dish, enjoy diverse flavors, and connect with fellow travelers. It's a night of good food, great conversations, and shared experiences in our beautiful nomadic setting. Join us for this heartwarming communal feast! Please make note of allergens and animal products in any food you prepare.

Talent Show | 8:00pm to 9:30pm | Mission Control Stage
Who's got TALENT?! (please read that in an official announcer voice). Signup will be available at the stage all day, spots limited to 5 minutes each. We'll have a panel of judges who will be giving scores based on a variety of criteria. Want to be a judge? Reach out to us via email and explain why!

Friday, February 7th, 2025
Nomads / Campers Only Day!

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 | Meet at Main Gate
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!

Late Campers Arrival & Setup | 10:00am to 6:00pm | Camping Area
If you're arriving later than Thursday, please reach out to us ASAP and let us know!

NEXTJEN BOOTCAMP | 11:00am to 12:00pm | Meet at Main Gate
Just bring you and a yoga mat for this full body workout. Come prepared to move your body and sweat - all levels welcome! This class will have a focus on hip mobility and strength along with core work to help those of us who spend a lot of time sitting in the driver's seat.

Food Truck Lunch, Games, and Jams | 12:00pm to 1:30pm | Food Vendor Area
Bring your favorite lawn games and get to it! Some local food trucks will be serving up amazing eats, Moonshine Cellars mixing away all your drinks, and great jams on the speakers.

Fur-ever Adventurers: Pets in Vanlife | 2:00pm to 3:00pm | Workshop Tent
Get practical advice on creating pet-friendly van setups, ensuring safety on the road, and keeping pets comfortable during long journeys. Expert tips will cover everything from managing pet health and hygiene to finding pet-friendly campgrounds and activities. Whether you're new to vanlife or a seasoned traveler, this workshop will provide valuable insights for making your vanlife experience enjoyable for both you and your furry companions.

Cheers Queers! Social Hour | 2:00pm to 3:00pm | Queer Camp
The legendary Kade and Brooke (atwild_bandits) will be hosting a Cheers Queers! social hour at their bus Bandit. Come by and say hello! Connect, share stories, and celebrate community. Enjoy drinks, lively conversation, and meet new friends in a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere. Whether you're new to vanlife or a seasoned traveler, this social hour is the perfect opportunity to bond with fellow adventurers.

Getting Started with Sourdough | 3:30pm to 4:45pm | Workshop Tent
Erin & Joe Bacon (atTheBaconsRebellion) and their little dog, Finn (atSirFinneasHeartbottomDog), have been part of the VanFest community since the inception in Hurricane UT in May of 2021. They both took early retirement to start full-time vanlife in 2020, and after a few years of travel, adVANtures, and living the good life, Erin has turned her sourdough passions into an opportunity to introduce sourdough in the nomad community. Follow her sourdough endeavors at atBaconwithSourdough and come make sourdough tortillas with her at LIFTOFF Friday afternoon!

Welcomes & Food Truck Happy Hour | 4:00pm to 6:00pm | Mission Control Stage
Grab your favorite drink or hit up the Moonshine Cellars booth and join us at the stage for a welcome from Lance and Leroy.

Astronaut Training - Field Day Games | 5:30pm to 6:30pm | Mission Control Stage
Leroy leads a fierce competition of physical endurance, coordination, and strength. And humility.

Dance Party & Costume Contest | 7:00pm to 8:30pm | Mission Control Stage
DJ NEEDED! The perfect way to let loose and show off your creativity! Dance the night away to great music, and participate in the costume contest for a chance to win exciting prizes. Whether you're sporting a fun, over-the-top costume or just looking to enjoy the vibe, this event is all about having a good time with fellow vanlifers and adventurers. Bring your best moves and your most inventive outfit to make it a night to remember!

Standup & Trivia | 8:30pm to 10:00pm | Mission Control Stage
Comedian and trivia mogul Leroy Firwood does his best to make you laugh. Come let this moppy-haired Hagrid entertain you with a wonderful approach to humor, then test your knowledge and win some awesome prizes!

Late Night Silent Dance | 10:00pm to 11:30pm | Mission Control Stage
DJ NEEDED! 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!

February 8th, 2025
Public Hours: 11am to 5pm

Pre-Mission Coffee | 8:00am to 10:00am | Food Truck 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 nomads. 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!
Daytime General Admission entry STARTS at 11:00am.
Expo and show hours are 11am to 4pm. Daytime GA ticket holders must exit by 9:00pm.
Rig Tours + Best in Show Voting | 11:00am to 4:00pm | Camping Area
One of our missions is to help inspire the next generation of nomads! Walk around the camping 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.

WORKSHOP: Vanlife in Alaska - Q&A | 11:00am to 12:00pm | Workshop Tent
Join vanlifer Darren as he imparts the knowledge and wisdom needed to brave the journey to the northernmost US state. Travel tips, route planning, local resources, and more.

WORKSHOP: Leave No Trace - Trash/Waste Disposal | 12:00pm to 1:00pm | Workshop Tent
As nomads, we think about waste differently than those who live in traditional houses. And we think about it a lot. We're always trying to figure out where to dispose of our trash or waste water. Adding other categories like recycling or compost can seem overwhelming. How big of a deal is it to add our apple core or plastic bottle to the trash? This exercise will help demonstrate the impact of small decisions. By taking some simple steps, we can help ensure a cleaner planet for the future.

WORKSHOP: Connectivity on the Road | 1:00pm to 2:00pm | Workshop Tent
Let's talk about the internet! Join connectivity expert Don Pretlow from Open Road Mobile as he dives into them all so you can make sure you're always connected.

PANEL: 20 Questions for Nomads | 2:00pm to 3:00pm | 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.

WORKSHOP: DIY Electrical | 3:00pm to 3:45pm | Workshop Tent
Darren tackles one of the most daunting aspects of building a van: the electrical system.

Food Truck Happy Hour - Dinner and Drinks | 5:00pm to 7:30pm | Food Area
Enjoy a variety of delicious meals and refreshing drinks from our amazing food trucks.
Expo and show hours end at 4:00pm. General Admission ticket holders must exit by 9:00pm.

Live Music | 4:00pm to 6:30pm | Mission Control Stage

- Guy Meets Girl | 5:00pm to 5:45pm | Mission Control Stage
Cody & Alyssa are a dynamic duo touring the U.S., sharing original music that celebrates life's challenges and joys. They find solace in songwriting and adventure, aiming to inspire others along the way.

- Arbour Season | 6:00pm to 6:45pm | Mission Control Stage
Arbour Season is an indie/folk husband-and-wife duo who draw inspiration from their incredible adventures all across North America in their converted school bus/home. Their unique journey inspires the ambient folk sound that captures the serenity of the Western vistas, the rhythms of the Eastern coastlines, and the brilliance of the national forests.

- Smoking Jackets | 7:00pm to 8:30pm | Mission Control Stage
The Smoking Jackets are bringing their eclectic mix and 25+ years of musical experience to LIFTOFF! Get ready for some great energy, crowd-favorite songs, and a memorable performance.

- Tyler Dhone | 9:00pm to 10:00pm | Mission Control Stage
Join Tyler for some late-night acoustic vibes. Tyler is a native of Texas, has a wandering spirit, and enjoys experiencing new places and making new friends. His laid-back style and approachable personality give the audience the vibe of hanging with an old friend. Tyler has a knack for making any song his own, creating a unique and enjoyable experience for his listeners.

Expo and show hours end at 4:00pm. General Admission ticket holders must exit by 9:00pm.

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!

February 9, 2005
Public Hours: 11am to 5pm

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!

February 10th, 2025
Return to Earth

Mission Recap | 9am to 10am | LIFTOFF Stage
Make your coffee/tea/whatever and join us at the main stage for farewells.

Departures | 7am to 11am | Camping Area
We'll need all campers to exit by 11am please. Make sure to pick up anything around your rig - if you see any trash please dispose of it in the nearest barrel. If you find any items that don't have owners please bring them to the main stage.
Please drive VERY slowly and carefully on your way out of the venue!

Event Cleanup | 10a to 2p | Camping Area
If you'd like to hang out and help pick up it would be greatly appreciated!

Date: February 6-10, 2025

Location:
Space Coast Daily Park,
5775 Stadium Parkway,
Melbourne, FL 32940.

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