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We are almost a month away from the 2nd annual Midwest Vanlife Gathering (5/17-5/19 in Southern Illinois), and we are bursting with excitement at how epic this year’s event is turning out to be!

First and foremost, we shifted the script a bit on the focus of the gathering. Our goal is to bring the community together through connection, information, and generosity. So we decided to include vanlife-related workshops and discussion panels at the event AND donate 100% of the proceeds to our nonprofit partners on behalf of the vanlife community!

You read that right – we are donating ALL of the proceeds from this year’s Midwest Vanlife Gathering to three organizations: Adventure Works of DeKalb County, which works with marginalized youth by utilizing adventure therapy, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, which supports those affected by pancreatic cancer and works to fund pancreatic cancer research, and Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota that works to acquire, protect and enhance critical land for the public’s use and benefit.

Awesome Vanlife Workshops and Discussion Panels

Over at Gnomad Home, we provide free information on building and living in your dream adventure rig, and we wanted to bring this spirit to the Midwest Vanlife Gathering as well.

There will be several informative workshops and discussion panels throughout the weekend where you can learn about building a van, the ins and outs of vanlife, making a living on the road, bushcrafting skills, and more. These workshops and panels will feature the expertise of professional van builders, experienced vanlifers, and full time travelers.

If you’re completely new to vanlife, are thinking about hitting the road full time, or want to learn from people who have been on the road for years – we’ve got you covered!

Musical Entertainment, Activities, and an EPIC Raffle

St. Louis-based Americana-roots band The Mighty Pines will be performing a welcome concert for us all on Friday evening, and opportunities for you to jam open-mic-style throughout the weekend. There will be many awesome activities like stand-up paddleboarding, yoga, meditation workshops, van tours, a hurting-and-healing letter burning workshop, a community potluck, and an EPIC raffle!

Be sure to attend this event with cash in hand so you can walk home with some insane new items for your home on wheels. We’ll be raffling off a Dometic CFX40W 12V fridge, MaxxAir vent fan, TWO ShadyBoy awnings, a Yakima storage basket with attachments, 18 sets of Eclipse Sunshades, a Mr. Heater Buddy AND one of their portable hot-water showers, a solar oven, shoes, bags, water bottles, and more!

Come out and join us for a wonderful party in the woods for all types of nomads!

Owning a van is NOT required. Skoolies are welcome! RV’s are welcome! Car camping, tent camping, hammock camping and more! Come one, come all, and get pumped to fall in love with the Midwest in a way you never dreamed possible!

The Midwest Vanlife Gathering is run by Gnomad Home and sponsored by Project Vanlife. This is 100% a fundraising event. You must purchase tickets in order to enter the property. Ticket prices are listed as per vehicle. The event will be hosted at Camp Manitowa – Cedar Point in Southern Illinois 5/17-5/19. Purchase your tickets here. This is an inclusive event open to humans of all backgrounds. We welcome all races, religions, sexualities, and genders. The only things unwelcome at this event are discrimination and hate. Thank you in advance for your openness and understanding.

Check out our video recap from the Midwest Vanlife Gathering 2018!