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Entrance to Camp RZR featuring a large "WELCOME RIDERS" banner flanked by two Polaris RZR vehicles and a Ferris wheel.
Recreation March 18, 2026

Annual Off-Road Events & Rallies

Each year, the off-road community celebrates their passion at events across the world. From rallies to rodeos to races—each one offers a unique experience.

It’s impossible to list them all, so we’ve compiled a list of top events (in chronological order) that take place annually.  From the unforgiving terrains of "King of the Hammers," to the once-a-year gathering at Camp RZR, and the unmatched atmosphere of the National Finals Rodeo, you're bound to find the perfect event for your next adventure.

A black and lime green Polaris RZR Factory Racing Side-by-Side vehicle climbs over massive boulders on a rugged, dusty trail.

Top 10 Off-Road Events in U.S. & Canada

King of the Hammers

 

King of the Hammers is an annual event widely recognized as one of the most challenging and prestigious off-road races in the world. It takes place over a week and consists of a series of one-day races across multiple off-road disciplines.  

 

The event’s UTV race stretches across 100+ miles of tough terrain. It combines high-speed desert racing with technical rock crawling, creating a unique and demanding test of both speed and skill for participants. 

 

The "King of the Hammers" main race is the week’s highlight, where the winner is crowned the "King" and earns significant recognition in the off-road community. The race showcases the endurance, skill and determination of both drivers and their vehicles as they navigate through a challenging and ever-evolving course including some of the toughest trails known as the "hammers".

 

King of the Hammers is one of the largest off-road events in the world, with 500-700+ teams and 80,000 spectators in attendance.

 

When: January/February
Where: Johnson Valley, California
Website: kingofthehammers.com

Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction

 

Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction is a must attend event for car collectors and automotive fans. Each January, this world-renowned showcase draws in over 300,000 attendees who come to see one-of-a-kind vehicles and attention grabbing auctions. While there, attendees can also stop by the Polaris booth to see the latest and greatest innovations from the leader in powersports - including off-road vehicles, Slingshot and Bennington pontoons. All built with a commitment to craftsmanship, capability, and standout design.  
 

When: January
Where: Scottsdale, Arizona
Website: https://www.barrett-jackson.com/ 

Great American Outdoor Show

 

Harrisburg, Pennslyvania comes alive each February for the Great American Outdoor Show, the world's largest outdoor recreation show and expo. Drawing more than 200,000 attendees annually, this 9 day event brings together hunters, fishers, and outdoor lovers. With nearly 1,000 exhibitors, the show highlights many interests, from archery and firearms to fishing gear and UTV's. Visitors often use this as an opportunity to learn from experts and experience the latest innvoations shaping the outdoor world. 

 

When: February
Where: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Website: https://www.greatamericanoutdoorshow.org/

Mud Nationals

 

Attendees enjoy trail rides, mud races, competitions and entertainment. The event showcases customized vehicles, innovative accessories, and the latest off-road products. It's a family-friendly atmosphere where participants of all skill levels can experience the joy of off-road riding in muddy conditions. High Lifter Mud Nationals offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure, social interaction and product exploration, making it a highlight for mud-loving enthusiasts. 

 

When: March/April 
Where:
Varies Annually (Texas, Lousiana, Arkansas)
Website: highlifterevents.com 

UTV Takeover

 

UTV Takeover Oregon is one of the West Coast’s biggest UTV community events. It brings the SxS riding community together for five action-packed days of memorable experiences.  

Taking place in scenic Coos Bay, this riding event offers participants a chance to explore sand dunes, wooded trails and even some beach access while showcasing their side by side’s capabilities. Over 30,000 UTV enthusiasts are attracted to this event annually as it offers more than 30 family friendly activities and 40 miles of dunes with access to the coastline. 

 

When: June
Where: Coos Bay, Oregon
Website: https://www.utvtakeover.com/coos-bay-or/

Calgary Stampede

 

The Calgary Stampede is an iconic annual event held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Often referred to as the "Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth", it combines rodeo competitions, live entertainment, agricultural exhibitions, and a carnival-like atmosphere.  

Founded in 1912, the Stampede celebrates Western heritage and culture. Attendees witness thrilling rodeo events such as bull riding, barrel racing and chuckwagon races—where cowboys and cowgirls showcase their skills. The Stampede also features live music performances, food vendors offering traditional and unique treats, and various exhibits showcasing livestock, horsemanship, the latest farm vehicles and accessories and local crafts. It's a 10-day extravaganza that draws more than 1 million visitors from around the world, providing a vibrant blend of entertainment, tradition and community spirit against the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies. Polaris is a proud sponsor of the Calgary Stampede.

 

When: July
Where: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Website: www.calgarystampede.com

Polaris Crandon World Championship

 

With a legacy of more than 55 years, the annual Polaris Crandon World Championship has become an off-road tradition in the Midwest.  

 

Each year, off-road racers converge in Northern Wisconsin at Crandon (lovingly known as "The Big House") to tackle its legendary dirt course—the longest and fastest short-course track—and compete for the title of Crandon World Champion. The four-day event features a variety of races across classes and categories, including the Red Bull Crandon World Cup. Also known as the “Superbowl of Short Course,” the World Cup features a day of pro-category off-road races similar to the Indianapolis 500 or Daytona 500.  

 

The event attracts around 60,000 fans who gather at Camp Crandon for a combination of camaraderie, racing and food—what’s become known as the “Crandon Experience.” It all builds towards the Crandon World Championships, featuring over 400 Pro and Sportsman AMSOIL Championship Off-Road (COR) series teams and different classes of the Ultra4 racing series.

 

When: Labor Day weekend
Where: Crandon International Raceway, Crandon, Wisconsin
Website: crandonoffroad.com

Sand Sports Super Show

 

The Sand Sports Super Show is the largest sand and dunes expo in the world. It celebrates the world of sand dunes, off-road vehicles and outdoor recreation.

 

Held in Southern California, this expo gathers enthusiasts, manufacturers and industry experts to showcase the latest in sand-sports products and innovations. Attendees can explore a wide range of off-road vehicles, from dune buggies and UTVs to sand rails and ATVs, along with related accessories and gear. From custom builds to cutting-edge equipment, the Sand Sports Super Show serves as a hub for sand sports enthusiasts to discover new trends, learn from experts and immerse themselves in the exciting world of off-road recreation just in time for the start of dune season. 

 

When: September
Where: Costa Mesa, California
Website: www.sandsportssupershow.com

Camp RZR

 

Polaris' very own Camp RZR is a highly anticipated, annual off-road event that serves as the ultimate kick off to dune riding season. Camp RZR takes place in one of the most epic riding locations - the Imperial Sand Dunes in Glamis, California—and has become a bucket list trip for many off-road enthusiasts.  

 

Camp RZR was created as a way for Polaris to say thank you to the side-by-side community. The event is entirely free and offers an array of activities including demo rides, a kid zone, a massive vendor village, and tons of free prizes, including a grand prize giveaway. Polaris even offers free service to keep customers riding all weekend long.

 

Camp RZR is the ultimate gathering for RZR owners and a prime opportunity to experience the camaraderie of the SxS community.  

 

When: End of October 
Where: Glamis, California (Imperial Sand Dunes)
Website: CampRZR.com

National Finals Rodeo & Hunter Christmas

 

Each year Las Vegas, Nevada hosts the National Finals Rodeo for 10 days in December. While the rodeo is taking place, the city comes alive with different events and expos that coincide with it and celebrate the western lifestyle including RMEF Hunter & Outdoor Christmas Expo, Cowboy Christmas and the Junior National Finals Rodeo.

National Finals Rodeo wraps up the PRCA rodeo season with many days of championship performances. As one of the most prestigious rodeos in the world, this event is like no other bringing rodeo fans and cowboys from far and wide to Las Vegas for the extravaganza. As a long-standing partner of the PRCA and the official utility vehicle of NFR, Polaris will be out front of the arena each day with vehicles to check out and fun activities for fans before the show. 

The Hunter and Outdoor Christmas Expo, also known as Hunters Christmas, is an annual event hosted by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation that serves as a haven for outdoor and hunting enthusiasts. This gathering provides a unique opportunity for like-minded individuals to explore the latest hunting gear, firearms, outdoor clothing and accessories, and off-road vehicles. Attendees can immerse themselves in a world of hunting innovation, learning about techniques, conservation efforts and safety practices through informative seminars and workshops. 

 

More than just a shopping experience, Hunters Christmas fosters a sense of community among attendees who share their experiences, stories and expertise. This event is a rendezvous point for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts from various backgrounds—making it a must-attend occasion for those who are passionate about outdoor adventures and the thrill of hunting.  

 

When: December 
Where:  Las Vegas, Nevada 
Website: https://www.nfrexperience.com/ & https://www.rmef.org/events/hunter-outdoor-christmas/

Highlights from Past Events

Wherever your adventure lies, there’s an off-road event to take you on it—from the mud at Mud nationals to the sandy dunes of the Oregon's UTV Takeover. Choose your favorite, mark your calendar, and get ready for an unforgettable off-road experience.

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