Ocean City, Maryland · Convention & Visitor Guide 2026
Roland E. Powell Convention Center: Know Before You Arrive
Going to an Ocean City trade show, competition, concert or meeting? The Roland E. Powell Convention Center is on the bayside of Coastal Highway between 40th and 41st Streets. Find your event, park for free, identify your room and compare nearby hotels before your trip.
Ocean City Convention Center: Essential Details
Convention Center, event halls, meeting facilities and Performing Arts Center in Ocean City, Maryland.
Ocean City, MD 21842, on the bay side around 40th Street.
Official venue information and event planning inquiries.
On-site spaces available first-come, first-served, including designated accessible spaces.
Published combined configuration, not the entire facility’s total event space.
Separate performance seating within the convention complex.
Ocean City Convention Center Events: Late 2026
The venue hosts public expos, trade shows, performances, holiday shopping events and association meetings. Some listings refer to the adjacent Performing Arts Center rather than the exhibition halls.
| Published date | Event | Visitor note |
|---|---|---|
| October 18 | Meredith Willson’s The Music Man | Canceled. The venue says rescheduling is not yet confirmed; ticket holders should follow refund instructions. |
| October 22 | Elton Dan & The Rocket Band | Performing Arts Center; check ticket and door time. |
| October 23 | Live & Let Die: The Music of Paul McCartney | Performing Arts Center performance. |
| October 23–25 | Premier Home & Artisan Expo | Consumer exhibition; check admission and vendor schedule. |
| October 24 | Black Tie Optional: Michael Bublé Tribute | Performing Arts Center. |
| October 29–November 1 | OC RV & Van Lifestyle Show | Check public opening hours and show admission. |
| November 1 | Rumours of Fleetwood Mac | Performing Arts Center. |
| November 27 onward | 44th Annual Holiday Shoppers Fair | Convention Center holiday vendor event. |
| December 12 | Ocean City Comic Con | Convention Center event; verify tickets and cosplay policies. |
Selected listings checked October 17, 2026. Confirm exact start/end dates, ticket availability and any event changes with the organizer.
How to Get the Correct Event Ticket
- Identify the event. Check its full name, date and whether it is in the exhibit halls or Performing Arts Center.
- Check current status. Cancellations and rescheduling notices take priority over older listings.
- Find the admission rules. Check public versus trade entry, child tickets, assigned seats and event-specific registration.
- Confirm arrival time. Performance start time and doors-open time are not always identical.
- Complete the final action. Open the official venue event calendar, select your event and follow its authorized ticket or registration instructions.
Ocean City Convention Center Parking: Free Spaces and Rules
General on-site parking is free. The venue publishes more than 1,200 parking spaces in its lot, all available on a first-come, first-served basis. A free parking policy does not guarantee a space during a busy show.
Published free on-site event parking.
First-come, first-served; arrive early for large events.
Valid disability placard or appropriate plate required.
Important Lot Rules
- No tailgating. The venue explicitly prohibits tailgating in its lot.
- No ticket scalping. Ticket reselling activity is prohibited on the parking property.
- No vending. Unauthorized vending is prohibited.
- Accessible parking: Marked spaces near the front entrance require the appropriate placard or plate.
- Overflow: Do not assume surrounding business lots permit event parking.
- Motor coaches and trailers: Get organizer or venue instructions before relying on regular car parking.
Parking Arrival Micro-Steps
- Navigate to 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842.
- Approach from Coastal Highway near 40th–41st Streets.
- Follow current event signage into the official surface lot.
- For accessible parking, follow front-lot reserved-space markings.
- Allow additional time to walk inside and find your assigned hall or seat.
- Photograph your parking location before entering.
Venue parking information: official directions and parking.
Directions to 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City MD
The Convention Center sits on the bayside of the main north–south Coastal Highway, between 40th and 41st Streets. The hotel and oceanfront district is primarily to the east, across the highway.
Arriving from Salisbury Regional Airport (SBY)
The venue gives an approximately 30-minute airport-to-Convention Center driving reference under favorable conditions.
- Leave Salisbury Regional Airport on Airport Terminal Road.
- Turn onto Walston Switch Road.
- Connect with US-50 East toward Ocean City.
- Continue into Ocean City and follow the appropriate route to Coastal Highway.
- Navigate to 4001 Coastal Highway around 40th Street.
Road traffic may be significantly heavier during summer weekends, large car events or holiday travel.
Arriving From Other Areas
| Origin | Practical approach |
|---|---|
| West Ocean City | Use US-50 toward Ocean City, then connect to Coastal Highway and travel toward 40th Street. |
| Delaware / northern resort communities | Approach south along Coastal Highway toward the midtown 40th Street area. |
| Ocean City Boardwalk / Inlet | Travel north toward 40th Street by Beach Bus, taxi or car. |
| Midtown hotels | Many hotels between 35th and 45th Streets are within a practical local walk; use marked crossings. |
Ocean City Beach Bus, Paratransit and Bicycles
Visitors staying in Ocean City may not need to move a car. The town’s Beach Bus serves the Coastal Highway corridor and the venue area.
The official transportation page advertises this fare effective May 1; confirm seasonal fare and service hours.
Service described on the venue page; always check your travel-date schedule and return service.
Using the Beach Bus
- Locate a legal Coastal Highway Beach Bus stop near your accommodation.
- Check the direction toward the 40th Street Convention Center area.
- Confirm the fare and route schedule for your specific date.
- Exit near the Convention Center and use the marked pedestrian crossing where required.
- Check the last return connection before attending an evening show.
Accessible Paratransit
Ocean City also advertises accessible, origin-to-destination paratransit. Reservations should be arranged by 10 PM the previous day through dispatch at (410) 723-1606. The venue describes a $4 Ride-All-Day fare, with eligibility and operating arrangements subject to the service’s rules.
Bicycle racks are located near the main entrance. Bicycle parking is free, at the rider’s own risk and on a first-come basis.
Official Beach Bus, paratransit and transport instructions →
Hotels Near Ocean City Convention Center
For early conferences, multiday trade shows and evening performances, hotels around 37th–45th Streets are practical. The venue lists various properties under a mile away; actual walking routes and crossing time vary.
Hampton Inn & Suites Ocean City/Bayfront–Convention Center
Address: 4301 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842.
Distance reference: About 0.2 mile from the venue, making it one of the closest mainstream hotel options.
Best for: Convention attendees wanting a short walk and a familiar business/family hotel format.
Aloft Ocean City
Address: 4501 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842.
Best for: Travelers looking for a modern bayside hotel near the venue and local restaurants.
Check: Hotel parking, pet policy, room type and final taxes.
Castle in the Sand
Address: 3701 Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842.
Best for: Families who want to combine a conference or show with an oceanfront hotel.
Route note: The hotel is on the beach side; check the Coastal Highway crossing and exact pedestrian approach.
Tru by Hilton Ocean City Bayside
Location: Coastal Highway in midtown Ocean City.
Best for: Travelers comparing contemporary rooms and included-breakfast options.
Verify: The current room package, parking arrangements and guest amenities before paying.
DoubleTree by Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront
Location: Oceanfront in the 33rd Street area.
Best for: Travelers who prefer oceanfront accommodation while remaining in midtown Ocean City.
Trade-off: A longer walk than the closest 40th–45th Street properties.
Hotel Selection Checklist
| Priority | Choose based on |
|---|---|
| Very short event walk | 40th–45th Street hotel location |
| Beach vacation | Oceanfront property and beach access |
| Family / multi-night | Room configuration, breakfast, kitchen and laundry |
| Budget | Complete room rate including taxes, parking and fees |
| Accessible stay | Exact accessible room plus safe venue walking route |
Room prices rise and fall significantly by season and event demand. Check exact dates rather than relying on a standing “from $X” figure.
Ocean City Convention Center Floor Plans and Capacity
The official venue separates its exhibit halls, ballroom, meeting rooms and Performing Arts Center. This matters because a theater ticket and a trade-show badge may lead to different parts of the complex.
| Space | Published area / capacity | Practical use |
|---|---|---|
| Exhibit Halls A & B combined | 45,400 sq ft; 246 10×10 booths | Trade shows, competitions, consumer exhibitions |
| Halls A & B theater-style | 4,078 seats reference | Large general sessions, depending on setup |
| Halls A & B banquet | 2,570 reference | Banquets using an approved layout |
| Bayfront Ballroom | 19,000 sq ft | Banquets, conventions, general sessions and receptions |
| Bayfront Ballroom theater | 1,664 reference | Conference presentations and performances |
| Bayfront Ballroom banquet | 1,070 reference | Dining and banquet configuration |
| Performing Arts Center | 1,200 seats | Ticketed theater performances and entertainment |
| Expansion exhibit hall | Approximately 30,000 sq ft added | Additional connected exhibition and multipurpose event space |
Second-Floor Meeting Room Examples
| Space | Area | Typical published theater setup |
|---|---|---|
| Rooms 201–206 combined | 8,370 sq ft | 1,000 people |
| Rooms 207–208 combined | 2,542 sq ft | 210 people |
| Room 215 | 2,952 sq ft | 280 people |
| Room 217 | 2,844 sq ft | 280 people |
| Room 214 | 441 sq ft | 17-person boardroom |
How to Find Your Room on the Official Map
- Read your registration email for a hall or meeting-room number.
- Open the official Level 1 and Level 2 floor-plan page.
- Choose Level 1 for exhibit halls or Level 2 for the appropriate upstairs ballroom or meeting area.
- Find the room number and nearby entrances, stairs or elevators.
- Use the event-specific floor plan for temporary booths, registration and security zones.
Ocean City Performing Arts Center: Seating and Tickets
The Ocean City Performing Arts Center is inside the Roland E. Powell complex but serves a different purpose from the trade-show and exhibition halls.
Fixed theatrical venue with stage and production infrastructure.
Venue reference for the Performing Arts Center area.
Before a PAC Performance
- Confirm the show has not been canceled or rescheduled.
- Check the performance time, ticket section and seat numbers.
- Review organizer-specific age, bag, photography and re-entry rules.
- Use the official Convention Center parking lot unless event directions state otherwise.
- Allow enough time for security and finding your seats.
Performing Arts Center ticket details are event-specific. A free-parking policy does not mean the performance itself is free.
Accessibility, Food and Visitor Facilities
The venue publishes designated accessible parking at the front of its lot. Events and organizers may have additional seating, registration and assistance arrangements.
Accessible Parking
Reserved on-site spaces require a valid disability parking plate or placard and are available first-come, first-served.
Accessible Transportation
Ocean City offers accessible Beach Buses and eligible paratransit. Arrange paratransit in advance through the town service.
Food & Catering
The facility has event concession areas and event catering services. Opening times and menu availability depend on the event.
Bicycles
Free bicycle racks near the main entrance; use designated racks at your own risk.
What to Verify Before the Event
- Doors: Event-specific opening time, not a permanent convention-wide schedule.
- Admission: Tickets, badges, professional credentials or free admission as advertised by the organizer.
- Outside food: Ask about medical or disability-related accommodation needs ahead of time.
- Accessible seating: Contact the organizer for the appropriate ticket or seating arrangement.
- Service animals: Confirm event access and relevant legal accommodations.
- Booth visitors: Follow exhibition security, photography and product-sampling rules.
Exhibitor and Meeting Planner Guide
Exhibitors should not rely on ordinary attendee entry instructions for freight, setup or contractor access. The venue has loading and service spaces, but access is controlled by show schedules and organizer arrangements.
Exhibitor Preparation
- Obtain the current exhibitor manual from your event organizer.
- Confirm the assigned hall, booth size and permissible height.
- Check the correct loading entrance and move-in appointment.
- Order required power, internet, furniture and other services.
- Confirm shipping deadlines and whether freight can be delivered directly.
- Review insurance, food sampling and local safety requirements.
- Prepare move-out arrangements before the show closes.
Booking the Venue
Official facility phone number.
Official destination and venue contact email.
Venue Rental Steps
- Estimate attendance and preferred event dates.
- Choose likely exhibit, ballroom, meeting-room or performing-arts space.
- Specify technical requirements, catering, staging and freight needs.
- Request an availability review and itemized proposal.
- Check deposits, insurance, cancellation terms and service responsibilities.
- Submit a final request through the venue’s official event planning and RFP pathway.
Ocean City Convention Center Map
Roland E. Powell Convention Center: 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Maryland 21842. The official lot and venue are on the bay side of Coastal Highway near 40th Street.
Nearby Local Orientation
- 40th–41st Streets: Convention Center entrance area.
- Coastal Highway: Main midtown transport route and Beach Bus corridor.
- Isle of Wight Bay: Water immediately west of the venue.
- Ocean City Beach: East of Coastal Highway, accessible using marked pedestrian crossings.
- Midtown hotels: Common around 33rd–45th Streets.
- Ocean City Boardwalk: Farther south; do not assume it begins at the Convention Center.
Final Ocean City Convention Center Checklist
Before Traveling
- Correct Ocean City, Maryland address
- Event date and current status
- Ticket or badge ready
- Assigned hall, room or seat
- Free parking or Beach Bus plan
- Hotel check-in and route
At the Venue
- Follow official parking signs
- Use assigned public entrance
- Allow time for security
- Locate restrooms and accessible route
- Record parked vehicle position
- Confirm transportation after the event
Ocean City Convention Center: 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Ocean City Convention Center located?
The Roland E. Powell Convention Center is at 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Maryland 21842, on the bayside between 40th and 41st Streets.
2. Is parking free at Ocean City Convention Center?
Yes. The venue advertises more than 1,200 free on-site parking spaces. Parking is first-come, first-served and can fill during large events.
3. How do I find upcoming Ocean City Convention Center events?
Use the official Roland E. Powell Convention Center event calendar and confirm the event’s current date, venue area, ticket information and status.
4. What is the Ocean City Convention Center phone number?
The official venue contact number is (410) 289-2800. The venue also publishes ask@ococean.com for general inquiries.
5. Which hotels are near Ocean City Convention Center?
Nearby hotels include Hampton Inn & Suites Ocean City/Bayfront–Convention Center, Aloft Ocean City, Castle in the Sand, Tru by Hilton Ocean City Bayside and DoubleTree Ocean City Oceanfront.
6. How big is the Ocean City Convention Center?
The combined Exhibit Halls A and B have 45,400 square feet. The Bayfront Ballroom has 19,000 square feet, and the venue also includes an expansion exhibition hall, meeting rooms and the Performing Arts Center.
7. Is there a bus to Ocean City Convention Center?
Yes. Ocean City’s Coastal Highway Beach Bus serves the area. The official transportation page advertises a $4 Ride-All-Day pass effective May 1, with seasonal service details subject to change.
8. Is Ocean City Convention Center wheelchair accessible?
The venue provides designated accessible parking near the front entrance, subject to availability. Ocean City also has accessible Beach Bus and eligible paratransit services.
9. Is the Performing Arts Center inside Ocean City Convention Center?
Yes. The Ocean City Performing Arts Center is part of the Roland E. Powell complex and has approximately 1,200 fixed seats. Its performance tickets and entry instructions are event-specific.
10. How can I book Ocean City Convention Center for an event?
Call (410) 289-2800 or use the official convention planning/RFP process. Provide preferred dates, event type, estimated attendance, desired space and technical needs to request a proposal.