Escape to the Cape is New England's biggest vanlife & nomadic celebration!

This event will gather hundreds of converted vans, buses, and everything in-between coming together for music, games, learning, and memories.

This long-weekend event is part festival, part expo, and ALL focused around showcasing and celebrating the amazing vanlife / nomadic community.Escape to the Cape is an immersive event with two ways to experience it: you can visit for the day with a General Admission pass, or stay and celebrate overnight with a Camping Pass.Here’s how each option works and what to expect:

This weekend-long event will gather dozens of converted vans, buses, and everything in-between coming together for music, games, learning, and memories.

What is

Escape to the Cape?

What is

Escape to the Cape?

Escape to the Cape is an amazing four-day event from VanFest celebrating all things vanlife and nomadic living!

Welcome to VanFest's first event in New Engalnd -- Escape to the Cape! 🎉 We're pumped that you're joining us at the Cape Cod Fairgrounds in East Falmouth, MA.Check out the schedule - we'll be updating it often!

General Admission

If you're visiting for the day

The event will be on Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23 starting at 11AM. We'll have dozens of amazing converted vans, buses, and other rigs open for tours, workshops / classes / Q&A sessions / panel discussions on everything from selecting a vehicle, building our the van of your dreams, tips and tricks for life on the road, and more! Meet industry-leading vendors, local artisans, and vanlife influencers too!

Camping Attendee

If you're staying for the weekend

The event will run from Thursday, August 20st to Monday, August 24th. Get ready for a four-day weekend overflowing with fellow nomads celebrating each other! We'll have workshops / classes / Q&A sessions, amazing local food trucks, live music, field day games, and more. Get ready to be immersed in the amazing #vanlife community & create new friendships and memories that will last a lifetime!There are limited hookup spots available at Escape to the Cape -- if you're NOT camping at a hookup site you must be 100% self contained. You won't be able to leave or re-enter in your rig during the event, so make sure to fill up on fuel, water, and food before arriving. And make sure to empty all waste tanks as well!Escape to the Cape is more than a gathering; it's an opportunity to connect, learn, and explore. We offer essential resources to help you navigate life on the road and make the most out of your time in the area.If you do need to leave, there's a few things within reasonable walking/biking/onewheeling/etc distance. You're also welcome to take a rideshare from/to the front gate.

Escape to the Cape is an amazing four-day event from VanFest celebrating all things vanlife and nomadic living!

Welcome to VanFest's first event in New Engalnd -- Escape to the Cape! 🎉 We're pumped that you're joining us at the Cape Cod Fairgrounds in East Falmouth, MA.Check out the schedule - we'll be updating it often!

General Admission

If you're visiting for the day

The event will be on Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23 starting at 11AM. We'll have dozens of amazing converted vans, buses, and other rigs open for tours, workshops / classes / Q&A sessions / panel discussions on everything from selecting a vehicle, building our the van of your dreams, tips and tricks for life on the road, and more! Meet industry-leading vendors, local artisans, and vanlife influencers too!

Camping Attendee

If you're staying for the weekend

The event will run from August 20st to 24th. Get ready for a four-day weekend overflowing with fellow nomads celebrating each other! We'll have workshops / classes / Q&A sessions, amazing local food trucks, live music, field day games, and more. Get ready to be immersed in the amazing #vanlife community & create new friendships and memories that will last a lifetime!There are limited hookup spots available at Escape to the Cape -- if you're NOT camping at a hookup site you must be 100% self contained. You won't be able to leave or re-enter in your rig during the event, so make sure to fill up on fuel, water, and food before arriving. And make sure to empty all waste tanks as well!Escape to the Cape is more than a gathering; it's an opportunity to connect, learn, and explore. We offer essential resources to help you navigate life on the road and make the most out of your time in the area.If you do need to leave, there's a few things within reasonable walking/biking/onewheeling/etc distance. You're also welcome to take a rideshare from/to the front gate.

Local Resources- Speedway is about a mile away from the event, and it's a great spot to fill up, get snacks/drinks, etc.
- Garrett's Family Market is just under a mile from the venue, and it's a great spot to fill up, get snacks/drinks, etc.Food / Supplies
- Stop & Shop is arguably the best chain grocery store in the area. It's about 2.5 miles away from the venue.
- Roche Bros is a more local grocery store chain with a great selection. Also about 2.5 miles from the event venue.
- Walmart the closest Walmart to the venue, about 6.5 miles away. No overnight parking allowed at this one.Gyms / Showers
- Planet Fitness is about 4 miles away from the event. Not a 24/7 location.
- Anytime Fitness is truly 24/7, and located about 3 miles away from the event.
- Cocoa Beach Aquatic Center at 4800 Tom Warriner Blvd, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 offers day passes, showers included.Dispensaries
- Sublime Cannabis Co. is the closest dispensary to the event, and has a great selection of high-quality products.
- Triple M a bit further away, but still some great stuff.
- Nature's Medicines probably the most convenient one, right before you cross over to Cape Cod.Restaurants
- freshroll has some amazing planet-based Asian street food, and is within walking distance of the event!
- White Lion Baking is in the same shopping plaza as freshroll, and does some great pastries, coffee, and more.
- Bobby Byrne's is a quintessential New England Irish pub.Local Recreation and Things to Do
- Shining Sea Bikeway has a ~20 mile well maintained walking and biking path that takes you along the coast of beautiful Buzzard's Bay.
- Wood's Hole Steamship Authority operates the ferry from Falmouth, MA to Martha's Vineyard. With secure day parking available, the Vineyard is an AMAZING day trip - explore the famous island!
- Cape Cod Children's Museum has more than 20 interactive play-&-learn exhibits designed for kids 6 months to 8 years.

Event Schedule

& Details

Event Schedule

& Details

Escape to the Cape is going to be the most EPIC vanlife experience that New England has ever seen! We'll have vans / buses / other rigs, activities / games, music, community, and memories to last a lifetime.
Don't forget to grab your ticket!

The official Escape to the Cape schedule is still a work in progress - check back often as we add in more details and activities! Got an idea for an activity or want to be a part of the event? Reach out to us via email and let's get it on the schedule!

Make sure to check back often and subscribe to the email list so you can know when we add in more details & activities!

What do you want to see on the Escape to the Cape schedule? Send us your ideas below!

Sponsors & Vendors

Brand exposure & Community Connection

Sponsors & Vendors

Brand exposure & Community Connection

Want to Help?

Get Involved with VanFest!

Want to Help?

Get Involved with VanFest!

How can I contact you?You can email us at [email protected] or call 805.826.3378. The Instagram for all VanFest events (Escape to the Cape included) is @vanfestusa, and the official hashtag for VanFest is #vanfest. Please use #escapetothecape as well!What is Escape to the Cape?Escape to the Cape is a celebration of vanlife & nomadic living, held on beautiful Cape Cod, MA. 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. Escape to the Cape 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. Escape to the Cape 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 Escape to the Cape?Absolutely not! Any & all types of rigs are welcome, and all we ask is that you have the nomadic 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 daytime General Admission tickets are available! A daytime GA ticket is good for BOTH Saturday 28/23 and Sunday 8/24 from 11a to 10pm each day - just make sure you keep your hand stamp intact or wristband on!Is this a family-friendly event?Yes! Escape to the Cape is suitable for 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?You can read all about our cancellation policies on our terms page. In a nutshell, if VanFest cancels an event then you will receive either a free spot at a rescheduled or different VanFest event, or a full refund for your ticket (minus any processing costs). We will not issue refunds if you cannot make an event due to personal circumstances or poor travel planning. Escape to the Cape is a rain-or-shine event, and we don’t foresee any reason to cancel on our end. If extreme weather or other circumstances beyond VanFest's direct control lead to the cancellation of an event, you will be given the option of a full refund (less processing costs/fees) or a credit to any future VanFest event.What type of ticket should I purchase?If you plan on staying overnight, you'll need a Camping Ticket. The Camping Ticket gets you one spot for a vehicle up to 45′ in length. 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 in rows with your passenger side facing outwards in order to create a walking space between rows. 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 marshal's rules.If you only want to join us for the day, you should purchase a Daytime General Admission ticket. Daytime GA tickets are good for daytime entry (11am to 10pm) to Escape to the Cape, and one ticket is good for both Saturday 8/23 and Sunday 8/24.Can I sell something at Escape to the Cape?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. ;) If you want to be in the vendor's area specifically with dedicated space, reach out to us at [email protected] and let's talk!Do I have to camp at the event?Nope! You can stay in your vehicle elsewhere and just purchase a Daytime GA ticket. Daytime GA ticket holders must exit the venue by a certain time, generally 10pm but the specific time may vary per event.Tell me all about camping at Escape to the Cape!Camping at Escape to the Cape? 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), a rig information card (if you're exhibitng), raffle tickets, and a sticker!Unless you specifically purchased a hook up site, then hook ups are not available. 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 40’ 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 Escape to the Cape 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 Escape to the Cape 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 (if you give us your Instagram name during checkout)
– 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 VanFest website
– Professional photos (digital copies) of your/rig van for your own use (depending on photographer availability and schedule)
– Early bird registration for future VanFest eventsNon-exhibitors will not be able to enter Best in Show contests.What should I bring to Escape to the Cape?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 so 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 flush 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 Daytime 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 or handstamps will be given upon check-in, and must be worn at all times during the event. GA hours are 11am to 10pm -- any GA ticketholders must depart by 10pm 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 Escape to the Cape?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 Escape to the Cape] if you want to join!How long is Escape to the Cape?Escape to the Cape is a four-day long-weekend affair, starting on Thursday 8/20 at 10am, and ending on Monday 8/24 at 11am. Check out the schedule page for a full list of events and times.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 Escape to the Cape 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 Escape to the Cape staff member and we’ll make it happen.Will there be water/power at the event?Yes, but it's limited! If you'd like access to water, power, and sewer you must book a camping site with full hookups! Otherwise, prepare to be “off-grid” for your duration of your time at Escape to the Cape. 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 the event unless it's an emergency situation -- this is per the fire marshal (who has the authority to shut the entire event down and fine us a substantial amount!)Will there be food/alcohol at Escape to the Cape?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.We're working on getting a local brewery involved, but no confirmation of that just yet!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 while we don't want remove you from the event (and be banned from future events) we certainly will if we have to. We encourage you to bring your own reusable plates/utensils to minimize single-use waste.Is there cell phone service?****
Yep! T-Mobile works very well in the area, though we can't speak to other carriers. Starlink should work great as long as you're not under a tree. 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 Escape to the Cape?You will be directed by the event staff as you enter the event, please follow their directions.What activities are nearby the event?Lots! Check out the local resources guide below for a few suggestions.Are fires allowed?Unfortunately, no! Fires of any kind are not allowed on the property. Please be respectful of this.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 #escapetothecape hash tag and tag @vanfestusa.We ask that everyone shares their pics and vids from the event! Head on over to the VanFest Community Media page to share your memories!Unfortunately, due to liability issues, drones are not allowed unless you're FAA / Part 107 licensed to do so. 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 Escape to the Cape, please report them so that we can ensure they're being flown by our licensed & insured media partners!

Is smoking allowed?For tobacco - absolutely not. The (maybe harsh) reality is that in today's day and age I think we can all agree that cigarettes / cigars smell terrible, they're horrible for your and others' health, and they're just plain gross. For the health and safety of everyone, Escape to the Cape 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. While you may have a legal right to smoke if you wish, this is our event and it's on private property. If you wish to smoke tobacco, please exit the venue on foot to do so, and please try to remain downwind.Massachusetts is one of those cool-kid states that has legal cannabis! 🎉 Please consume responsibly. 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, amend, 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.Where are the full Terms and Conditions?
The full Terms & Conditions can be found here.Don’t see your question?
Shoot us an email at [email protected] or fill out the form below!

Use these for easy access to resources you'll need during the event!

• Schedule
• Grounds Map
• FAQ
• Whatsapp Chat
• LOCAL THINGS

Sound & Audio Setup

At Escape to the Cape, the sound system will consist of the following equipment:

✔ 2x - Alto Professional TS412 Powered Speakers
^{12", Peak 2500w (1600w LF / 900w HF) Continuous RMS (800w LF / 450w HF)}
✔ 1x - Alto Professional TX310 Powered Monitor
^{10", Peak 350w / Continuous 175w}
✔ 1x - Alto TrueMix 800FX Mixer
^{8-Channel Mixer}
✔ 1x - Stage Right LM15A Subwoofer
^{15", 1000w Powered Subwoofer}
✔ 1x - Shure SM58 Vocal Microphone✔ 3x - Behringer XM1800S Dynamic Microphones✔ 4x - Samson MK10 Adjustable Mic Stands

✔ 2x - Alto Professional TS412 Powered Speakers
^{12", Peak 2500w (1600w LF / 900w HF) Continuous RMS (800w LF / 450w HF)}
✔ 1x - Alto Professional TX310 Powered Monitor
^{10", Peak 350w / Continuous 175w}
✔ 1x - Alto TrueMix 800FX Mixer
^{8-Channel Mixer}
✔ 1x - Stage Right LM15A Subwoofer
^{15", 1000w Powered Subwoofer}
✔ 1x - Shure SM58 Vocal Microphone✔ 3x - Behringer XM1800S Dynamic Microphones✔ 4x - Samson MK10 Adjustable Mic Stands

Stage

The stage at the Cape Cod Fairgrounds is a permanent structure with adequate roof/coverage in case of inclement weather. The stage itself measures approximately 30' deep, and 40' wide from pillar to pillar. There is no drum riser.Power on side is provided by the local grid, with multiple 15a outlets available within 30' of the stage. For lighting & atmosphere, we will have various LED PAR lights, spot lights, lasers, fog machines, etc.

Clicking the stage photo will bring you to a Google Street View of a different event's setup.

Audio, Lighting, & Stage Requests

If you're performing at Escape to the Cape and have a specific audio, lighting, or stage request, please email us at [email protected] to discuss. Additional requests are not guaranteed but we're totally open to discussion and finding a solution!If you have your OWN audio / stage equipment you'd like to use, either in lieu of or in addition to our setup above, email us and we'll make it work.