- Destination Defender, the music and adventure festival for those who embrace the impossible, takes over Temecula, California, from November 14 – 16
- A weekend packed with off‑road challenges, outdoor adventure, wellness experiences and exclusive programs that celebrate the Defender lifestyle
- Enthusiasts put their skills to the test on a rugged, off‑road trail designed to showcase Defender brand’s renowned capability
- American race driver Sara Price shares her experiences as a member of the 2026 Defender Dakar Rally Team, considered the most challenging race in the world
- A curated display of historic Land Rover vehicles entitled ‘The Great Expeditions’ pays homage to incredible expedition stories
- Defender Service Awards winners are revealed during a celebratory dinner on Saturday, November 15, honoring organizations making a difference in their communities
- Live music from the Grammy Award nominated band KALEO on Saturday, November 15
Mahwah, NJ – Thursday, October 23, 2025: Defender, the original British adventure brand, is presenting Destination Defender West, a weekend adventure and music festival geared for those who embrace the impossible. This celebration of the Defender lifestyle will take place from November 14 – 16 at Galway Downs in Temecula, California.
Against the rugged mountainous backdrop of Southern California’s wine country, guests can embrace the Defender brand’s adventurous spirit by conquering an off‑road driving course, indulging in premium culinary experiences and enjoying live music and entertainment throughout the weekend. Highlight of the weekend will be a live musical performance from Grammy Award nominated band KALEO on the main stage Saturday. Enthusiasts can see unique vehicle displays and listen to a series of forum talks.
One‑of‑a‑kind activities and programming aligned with the Defender brand lifestyle include:
Outdoor Adventure Activities
• Off‑road driving experience
• Outdoor adventure classes
• Mountain biking demo course
• Drone photography and videography classes
• Traxxas RC driving course
Exclusive Offerings
• Private musical performance on Saturday from Grammy Award nominated band Kaleo
• Live culinary demonstrations
• Equestrian demonstrations by USEF
• SurFlow Yoga instruction
• ‘The Great Expeditions’ display of storied Land Rover expedition vehicles
• Displays of classic and new Defender vehicles
• Live music and late‑night DJ lounge
We’re pleased to announce the return of Destination Defender to Southern California. This event authentically represents the ethos of the Defender brand, celebrating its adventurous and purpose‑driven spirit for enthusiasts to be immersed in.
Sam Allen
US Brand Director, Defender
Recognizing those who give back
In honor of the Defender legacy of purpose and service, the highlight of the weekend will be the announcement of the six winning charitable organizations for the 2025 Defender Service Awards, presented by CHASE. Defender vehicles are known for opening new horizons for humanitarian work across every continent. This year, Defender will award six customized Defender 130 vehicles to US and Canadian charitable nonprofit organizations to better support their communities every day.
Thanks to the generosity of Award sponsors, including Presenting Partner Chase, Premier Partner Artemis and Category Sponsors ei3, Disney, Hearts & Science, Pelican, Outside Inc and S&P Global, category winners will receive $30,000 in addition to the Defender 130. Additionally, 30 finalists across the six categories will receive $5,000 from CHASE to assist in their mission for good.
A celebration dinner will take place on the evening of November 15 and will feature the winners' announcement ceremony, special guests and live music.
Driven to the extreme
World‑class American rally driver Sara Price will share her experience as a member of the Defender Rally Team. In 2026, she will be piloting the Defender Dakar D7X‑R, a specially prepared race version of the production Defender OCTA vehicle competing in the ‘Stock’ category of the Dakar Rally. The trailblazing American rally driver, former motocross champion and four‑time Dakar Rally stage winner, joins a world‑class driver line‑up at Defender. Next year the adventure brand makes its competitive manufacturer team debut in the Dakar Rally, considered the world’s most extreme off‑road test of human and machine.
Celebrating Pioneering Land Rovers
A storied display at Destination Defender will be a selection of vehicles from ‘The Great Expeditions’ collection, which graced the lawn in a special display at the 2025 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. These historic models tell a story of adventure, endurance and innovation, demonstrating that one marque stands alone in the history of global exploration. The Defender brand’s spirit of adventure and exploration is embodied in two very special models visiting the US for this exhibition. A 1950 Series I – ‘Pollyanna’ – which actress, playwright, author and adventurer Barbara Toy drove solo that year from London to Baghdad, eventually becoming the first person ever to circumnavigate the globe in a Land Rover. Also on display will be ‘Oxford’, one of two vehicles which took part in the 1955–56 Oxford and Cambridge Far Eastern Expedition, considered one of the greatest vehicle journeys of the modern era.
Ultimate Evening Experience
For Destination Defender attendees, glamping options are available or, for the true thrill‑seekers, adventurous camping sites await at the scenic Galway Downs. Both offer an unforgettable experience under the stars.
ENDS