Two things we’d like to see together more often: adventure and charity. Because when it’s done right, the combination taps the best of the human spirit. Which is exactly what you’ll find at , a one-of-a-kind weekend festival happening in Texas this fall. At Destination Defender, you can test (and improve) your outdoor and expedition skills while supporting a program that helps nonprofits do critical work in communities across the U.S. and Canada. Plus, as one of the category sponsors for the , ϳԹ will be there too. Want to feel like a hero while supporting heroic work? Just come to Destination Defender, November 10–12 at Iron Horse Ranch in Texas. Here’s why it’s the year’s can’t-miss event.
The Defender Community
The special blend of camaraderie, passion, and dedication to service that Defender inspires is the magic that brings people together and ties the weekend together. When Defender owners and enthusiasts gather, it’s not just an event, it’s a community—one that’s welcoming, excited to share knowledge, and ready to have a whole lot of fun. Being a part of this community is addictive. As one participant said last year, “You’re gonna be a convert. You’re gonna get hooked.”
Wall-to-Wall ϳԹ
Slacklining. Kayaking. Trail running. Mountain biking. Fly-fishing. Campfire cooking. Stargazing. Off-road driving. These are just some of the activities planned for the weekend—all led by expert instructors ready to help you get to the next level. The weekend’s centerpiece—the Defender Drive Experience—puts you behind the wheel of a Defender on a skills course, delivering an off-road adventure that might scare you a little and will definitely teach you a lot. With pointers from driving instructors, you’ll tackle real-world obstacles and sharpen your expedition, recovery, and safety skills. Plus, there will be plenty of vintage Defenders to check out after driving a new one.
Music and Food
No festival is complete without live music. You’ll be treated to mainstage performances and intimate campfire shows, and at the end you’ll wonder how you scored such a big-time concert experience without buying a separate ticket. And everywhere you’ll find the most amazing food and drink, prepared by special guest chefs like Ashley Rodriguez of . Not only will they serve you gourmet meals prepared over an open fire, they’ll also teach you how to make them.
The Cause
Wall-to-wall fun and adventure would be enough for some festival hosts. Not Defender. The heart and soul of the weekend is the . Now in its third year, the Defender Service Awards honor the Defender’s legacy as the vehicle of choice for people who help others (Defender supports humanitarian and conservation work worldwide). The Defender Service Awards program rewards U.S. and Canadian nonprofits that give back to their communities in unique and effective ways, supporting them with a customized Defender 130 and $25,000 cash for all category winners, plus $7,500 for all finalists, courtesy of title sponsor CHASE and supporting sponsor Warner Bros. Discovery. The winners will be announced at a ceremony on Saturday night (November 11).
Take a look at last year’s event in New York’s Hudson Valley.
The Defender Champions
Special guests at this year’s Destination Defender include , the former pro hockey player turned badass adventurer, and , who has twice been named the Fittest Woman on Earth. They are champions of the Defender, both for the vehicle’s performance—it’s as capable as they are—and for the values the brand represents. Join Katrin for a high-intensity workout, or go for a trail run or stand-up paddleboard session with Brooks and his dog Koda—or do all three!
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The Location
Can one place serve up gritty adventure and classy comfort? Yes, if that place is in Somerville, Texas, between Austin and Houston. With private lakes and trails scattered over 2,400 acres, there’s plenty of terrain to run wild. Add a central compound with amphitheater, spacious lodge, cabanas, and deluxe outdoor lounging areas, and it’s the ultimate place to celebrate the Defender lifestyle. All Destination Defender activities will be on site, and participants will have the option to stay on the grounds or in nearby accommodations.
Join the fun November 10–12 at Iron Horse Ranch in Texas.
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Defender embraces the impossible. Each member of the is purposefully designed, highly desirable, and seriously durable. A modern-day hero that respects the past but at the same time anticipates the future. Available in 90, 110, and 130 body styles, with up to eight seats, each has a charisma of its own.
A beacon of liberty since 1948, Defender supports humanitarian and conservation work with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the Tusk Trust.
The Defender brand is underpinned by —a mark of trust built on 75 years of expertise in technology and world-leading off-road capability. Defender is designed and engineered in the UK and sold in 121 countries. It belongs to the JLR house of brands, alongside Range Rover, Discovery, and Jaguar.