DESTINATION DEFENDER
Destination Defender is a weekend festival designed for Defender owners and enthusiasts. The weekend includes curated adventure activities, off-roading, camping, live music, Hudson Valley artisans and an evening gala to honour this year's Defender Service Award winners.
THE DEFENDER SERVICE AWARDS
The weekend will culminate in the announcement of the Defender Service Award winners. The awards champion organizations across the U.S. and Canada who are making a difference in the categories of Animal Welfare, Veterans Outreach, Environmental & Conservation, Community Services and Search & Rescue.
WHO’S INVITED
Destination Defender is open to both Defender owners and enthusiasts. There will be numerous ways to attend the event, with passes ranging from one day, to weekend, to VIP.
DAYTIME EVENTS
Activities during the day include off-roading, live musical experiences, visiting the Hudson Valley artisans, adventure activities, curated food experiences, camping, wellness workshops, learning opportunities and a look at historic Defender vehicles through the years.
OVERNIGHT CAMPING
Weekend pass holders will have the option to camp out in their own outfitted vehicle and camping paddock or stay in a local Hudson Valley hotel.
THE DEFENDER SERVICE AWARDS CELEBRATION
We’ll be announcing the winners of the Defender Service Awards with a Saturday evening celebration, with attendees able to find out firsthand who wins a custom Defender 130. The celebration starts with dinner at 6:00pm and will feature live entertainment.
CELEBRATING THE DEFENDER SERVICE AWARDS
The highlight of Destination Defender is an evening gala on November 12, announcing the five winners of the 2022 Defender Service Awards presented by Chase. This program celebrates organizations across the U.S. and Canada who are making a difference in their communities. Winners will receive a customized Defender 130 vehicle and $25,000 USD to further their organizations efforts.
EXPERIENCE THE HUDSON VALLEY
Destination Defender will take place on Oz Farm, an 82-acre estate located in Saugerties, NY, just a two-hour drive from New York City, and approximately 4 hours from the Ontario/Quebec border to the U.S. Known for its vineyards, orchards and farms, the Hudson Valley is also a popular destination for both food lovers and art enthusiasts alike.
FAQs
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What is the schedule of events for the weekend?
PROGRAMMING OVERVIEW: FRIDAY
2:00 PM Festival opens to campers
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM Defender Through the Decades display open
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM General Store open
4:00 PM – 10:00 PM Defender Lodge beverage service open
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM Bonfire and conversation
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Gourmet S’mores Bar open
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Stargazing with astronomer
7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Live acoustic music in Defender Lodge
*Programming schedule subject to change
PROGRAMMING OVERVIEW: SATURDAY
8:00 AM Festival opens for general admission
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Defender Through the Decades display open
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM General Store open
8:00 AM – 2:30 PM Defender Lodge barista open
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Off-Road Drive experience open
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Mountain Bike Skills Park open
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Balance Challenge - Defender Slackline
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Vertical Challenge - Top Rope Climbing
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Junior Drive Experience
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Photography Seminars in Photography Pergola
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Culinary Sessions in Outdoor Gourmet Tent
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tent Talks in Defender Lodge
10:00 AM – 2:30 PM Equestrian Demonstrations
11:00 AM – 10:00 PM Defender Lodge beverage service open
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM Bonfire and conversation
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Defender Service Awards Winner’s Announcement Celebration Event & special guest entertainment
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Live acoustic music in Defender Lodge
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM Gourmet S’mores Bar open
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Stargazing with astronomer
*Programming schedule subject to change
PROGRAMMING OVERVIEW: SUNDAY
8:00 AM Festival opens for general admission
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Defender Through the Decades display open
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM General Store open
8:00 AM – 2:30 PM Defender Lodge barista open
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Off-Road Drive experience open
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Mountain Bike Skills Park open
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Balance Challenge - Defender Slackline
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Vertical Challenge - Top Rope Climbing
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Junior Drive Experience
9:00 AM – 2:30 PM Tent Talks in Defender Lodge
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Photography Seminars in Photography Pergola
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Culinary Sessions in Outdoor Gourmet Tent
10:00 AM – 2:30 PM Equestrian Demonstrations
11:00 AM – 4:30 PM Defender Lodge beverage service open
12:00 PM – 3:30 PM Dorothy Barn beverage service open
3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Live Acoustic Music in Defender Lodge
5:00 PM Guest departures
*Programming schedule subject to change -
How do I attend Destination Defender?
Destination Defender is a ticketed event for Defender owners and enthusiasts of the Defender lifestyle.
Ticket options:
Day Pass: $50 USD
• Daytime access to festival grounds on either Saturday, November 12 or Sunday, November 13 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
• Includes participation in daytime festival activities
• Day pass holders will not be permitted to remain onsite for overnight accommodations
Weekend Pass: $75 USD
• Full access to festival grounds from Saturday, November 12 through Sunday, November 13
• Option to arrive Friday, November 11 between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., if additional campsite is purchased
• Includes participation in all festival activities
Weekend VIP Experience: $500 USD
• Full access to festival grounds from Saturday, November 12 through Sunday, November 13
• Option to arrive Friday, November 11 between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., if additional campsite is purchased
• Preferential access to activities and entertainment
• Access to exclusive VIP experiences
• Includes ticket to Defender Service Award Winners Celebration Dinner and Entertainment
Please note: camping and glamping options are available onsite for an additional fee. -
What is the arrival process for Destination Defender?
When you arrive at Destination Defender, please have your confirmation email readily available. Event personnel will assist in checking in your entire party and distributing the appropriate wristbands based on your pass type and camping options. From there, you will be directed to park your vehicle in the area designated to you by your pass and/or camping choice.
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What onsite activities can I expect?
The weekend includes curated adventure activities, camping, live music, workshops with Hudson Valley artisans, and an evening event to honour this year's Defender Service Award winners. Please check back for a schedule of events and activities closer to the event date.
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Where do I park?
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by event staff who will help you check in and allocate the access pass you registered for. You will be directed to the appropriate parking location depending on the type of pass and/or camping option you have selected.
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Is there special parking for Defenders and Series vehicles?
Yes, on a first come, first served basis, Defender and Series vehicles will be directed to park in the Defender Corral area for event participants to view. There is general parking on site for all other vehicles.
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What is the Defender Service Award Winners Ceremony Event?
Winners of the Defender Service Awards Presented by Chase will be announced at a dinner and celebration event on site at Destination Defender on Saturday, November 12. Attendance requires purchase of a Weekend VIP Experience pass, or sponsorship of a table. Doors to the celebration will open at 6:00 p.m. The event will conclude with a live musical performance.
The dress code for the Defender Service Awards Ceremony Dinner and Entertainment is casual. Although the event will take place in an indoor, heated facility, the remainder of the event grounds will be open and exposed to the elements. We recommend you bring warmer layers if you plan to experience Destination Defender outside of the dinner event.
The Defender Service Awards support organizations across the U.S. and Canada who are making a difference in their communities and for whom a new Defender would aid in their mission. Winners will be selected in the categories of Animal Welfare, Veterans Outreach, Environmental & Conservation, Community Services and Search & Rescue. For more information on the Defender Service Awards, please click here. -
How do I sponsor a table for the Defender Service Awards Celebration?
If you are interested in becoming an event sponsor or purchasing a table for the Defender Service Awards Celebration Dinner and Entertainment, please contact our concierge who can further assist.
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Is this event family-friendly?
Yes, Destination Defender is a family-friendly event for Defender enthusiasts of all ages! Children ages 16 and under can attend complimentary when accompanied with an adult ticket holder.
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What weather can I expect?
November temperatures in Ulster County average from the mid-50s (F) during the day to the mid-30s at night. It is suggested that you wear layers and bring warmer clothing and blankets or sleeping bags for sleeping at night. Storms are always a possibility, so come prepared. It is recommended that you bring rain flies for tents. You should always stake your tents in the case of wind.
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Will food be sold at the festival?
Yes, a variety of food and beverage options will be sold on site throughout the event.
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When can we arrive? Is there early entry?
The event officially begins on Saturday, November 12 at 8:00 a.m., at which time gates will be open to all pass holders and festival programming will begin.
Early arrivals for those who have purchased a camp pass (with Weekend or VIP pass) will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 11. The check-in window on Friday is from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. If you arrive after 5:00 p.m., you will be unable to enter the event site until 8:00 a.m. Saturday morning.
Weekend, VIP, and camping/glamping check-in continues on Saturday, November 12 from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Day pass holders are permitted on site from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday or Sunday for participation in all daytime activities. Day pass holders will not be permitted to remain on site in the overnight camping area or participate in activities scheduled after 5:00 p.m.
All guests and belongings must be cleared from the property by 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 13. -
Where can I stay if I prefer not to camp on site?
There are many hotels and rental accommodations in the area. Please visit the venue website here for their recommendations on local area lodging.
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Can I bring my pets?
Pets are welcome and must remain on a leash at all times. You are responsible for the behaviour of your pets. Please follow kind pet-parent etiquette. Pick up after your animals and keep away from other people or other pets unless permission is granted. Pets may not be permitted inside some indoor facilities. Pets who are aggressive or exhibit threatening behavior toward people or other animals will not be tolerated. Security reserves the right to remove any pets or humans from the property that are dangerous or a hinderance to the enjoyment of other guests or campers.
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Are the grounds accessible, such as parking and bathrooms for guests with disabilities?
The event takes place on a farm with natural, uneven terrain. While we will make every effort to make all activities as accessible as possible, there may be some areas that will not be ADA accessible. Those in wheelchairs should come prepared with an "off road" kit for the wheelchair. There will be an ADA accessible bathroom and accessible ramp entrance to the barn where the Defender Service Award Winners Celebration Event will take place. Please contact our event concierge for accessibility information and requests.
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What is the refund policy for Destination Defender?
All tickets purchased to Destination Defender are non-refundable. Destination Defender is a rain-or-shine event. Refunds are not provided under any circumstances including rescheduling of the event dates, change of venue, weather, artist or activity cancellations from the lineup, or other Acts of God.
Rescheduling of Event
If the event overall needs to be rescheduled for any reason, your ticket shall be made valid for the rescheduled dates and shall remain non-refundable. In the case of a complete festival cancellation, we will contact you with further information on refund options.
Change of Venue
Your tickets shall remain non-refundable and will be valid for entry and attendance at a new venue shall Destination Defender have to move the event for any reason.
For more information on the status of the event, please visit www.landrover.ca/en/experiences/sponsorship/destination-defender.html.
Weather & Acts of God
This is a rain-or-shine event. All tickets shall remain non-refundable in the case of bad weather, rain-outs, or Acts of God.
Add-Ons & Service Fees
All Destination Defender add-ons such as camping and glamping passes are all non-refundable. Ticket service fees and credit card processing fees, if charged by the ticketing provider, shall remain non-refundable.
Complete Cancellation of Event
If Destination Defender cancels the event in its entirety, and does not reschedule the event, all tickets shall be refunded. In the case of cancelation, you will be contacted with further instruction.
Transferred Tickets or Third-Party Tickets
All tickets purchased from a third party or tickets transferred to another party shall be non-refundable under all circumstances including complete event cancellation.
Currency and Payment
Ticket prices are in U.S. Dollars.
You agree to be bound by the terms and conditions herein by purchasing any item or ticket from Destination Defender.
Destination Defender reserves the right to adjust this policy at any time.
Effective Date: October 14, 2022 -
My question isn’t listed here. How do I get in touch?
For additional questions, please contact our event concierge at reservations@rsvplandrover.com, or call
(877) 988-6611.
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How large is a campsite?
Vehicle camp sites are 12 feet wide by 30 feet long. This will fit your Defender or most other SUVs or trucks, with space for a tent and campsite setup. For larger or oversized vehicles, or if you prefer to have additional space, we recommend purchasing a second campsite.
Upon arrival, you will be directed by event staff to park in the designated vehicle camp area. Staff will escort you to your allocated campsite. Campsites are distributed upon arrival so if you would like campsites nearby other parties, please arrive together so we can do our best to accommodate your request. -
What is glamping?
Glamping is a modern luxury experience for your overnight stay in the great outdoors! Glamping sites are 18 feet by 18 feet and can accommodate up to four people with a multitude of bed configurations. If you select a glamping package, a concierge will contact you to discuss your options.
Glamping tents are equipped with power, electric heaters, beds, bed linens and towels. There are bathroom trailer facilities, as well as shower facilities in the glampsite area accessible to those with a glamping pass.
Your vehicle will be parked in the standard parking area, and a glamping coordinator will escort you to your glamp tent. -
Can I stay off site and come back if I'm not camping?
Yes, reentry to the festival is permitted if you are parking in the day parking lot. For those who are camping, we ask that you plan in advance not to move your car off-property during the event. There will be opportunities for Defender owners to take their vehicles on the off-road course, even if parked in a campsite area. If there is an emergency and you must leave a campsite area, security will assist in escorting you off property.
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Is there electricity on site?
There is electricity on site for vendors and glamping sites only. There is no electricity for standard vehicle camping. Gas generators are NOT allowed in any of the camping areas due to noise and fumes. Only solar or electric generators are allowed in all other camping areas.
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What if I forget supplies?
There will be a general store on site to sell supplies such as water, snacks, basic toiletries, bug spray, ice, etc. While the store will try to accommodate as many items as possible, it does not sell tents or other large gear. It is recommended you bring as much of your equipment and supplies as possible.
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Are there flushable toilets and showers?
There are flushable toilet trailers around the property and located within the campsite areas. Shower trailers are located within the glamping area and accessible only by those with glamping passes.
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How can I charge my cell phone?
There will be cell phone charging stations located throughout the property. You may also want to bring battery backups, solar or electric generators (non-gas) or a car charger for charging your phone in your car without the engine running.
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What items are prohibited?
• Outside alcohol
• Drugs
• Fireworks
• Explosives
• Weapons
• Grills or camp stoves
• Propane tanks
• Fires or fire pits
• Drones
• Illegal substances
• Gas-powered generators
• Golf carts, ATVs, side-by-sides or scooters
Campsites will be located adjacent to each other. Please be respectful of your fellow campers. Security reserves the right to request you discontinue use of, or confiscate items that are dangerous or a hinderance to the enjoyment of other campers. -
What do we do with trash?
When leaving, LEAVE NO TRACE. Please respect the land and festival grounds!
Everything you bring with you when you arrive, take out with you when you leave. Bring extra trash bags, don’t litter and clean up after yourself. There will be trash deposit areas and cans around the campsites for your use. Keeping the environment clean makes it more enjoyable for you and your neighbours, and it’s good for the environment. It’s the right thing to do. When leaving, please have all trash in trash bags at the designated trash can areas. Our staff will come around to pick up trash bags and take them to the dumpsters or recycling bins. DO NOT leave large items such as tents, shade shelters, chairs, etc., even if broken.