Visit Roland E. Powell Convention Center: Events, Parking & Hotels
Heading to a trade show, convention, concert, holiday market or family event in Ocean City? Get the exact bayside location, free parking instructions, upcoming 2026 events, nearby hotels, Beach Bus information, ticket steps, floor plans and visitor map.
Roland Powell Convention Center: Quick Visitor Information
Quick answer: The Roland E. Powell Convention Center is located at 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842, on the bayside near 40th Street. Visitors can use more than 1,200 free onsite parking spaces on a first-come, first-served basis. The complex also contains the Ocean City Performing Arts Center.
Roland Powell Convention Center Events: 2026–2027
Events here include exhibitions, shopping fairs, RV and lifestyle shows, festivals, community functions and live performances in the attached Performing Arts Center. Admission may be free, ticketed, registration-based or limited to invited participants.
Selected upcoming events
| Date | Event | Visitor information |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 23–25, 2026 | Premier Home & Artisan Expo Fall Edition | Home, artisan and consumer expo. Check public entry hours. |
| Oct 24, 2026 | Black Tie Optional: A Tribute to Michael Bublé & Beyond | Performing Arts Center; confirm performance time and seating. |
| Oct 29–Nov 1, 2026 | OC RV & Van Lifestyle Show | RVs, vans and outdoor travel exhibits. Confirm schedule. |
| Oct 29, 2026 | Mrs. Doubtfire: The New Musical Comedy | Theater performance; assigned tickets may apply. |
| Nov 1, 2026 | Rumours of Fleetwood Mac | Performing Arts Center concert. |
| Nov 27, 2026 onward | 44th Annual Holiday Shoppers Fair | Holiday shopping with more than 120 vendors; check event dates and admission. |
| Nov 27, 2026 | The Irish Tenors: A Family Christmas | Holiday performance in the theater. |
| Dec 4, 2026 | Winter Gala | 6–10 PM, published ticket price $150; dress code is black tie optional. |
| Dec 12, 2026 | Ocean City Comic Con | Cosplay, guests, collectibles, games and panels. |
| Dec 19, 2026 | Terry Fator’s A Very Terry Christmas | Performing Arts Center performance. |
| Jan 17, 2027 | Cedric The Entertainer | Performing Arts Center entertainment. |
| Mar 9, 2027 | Legally Blonde | Stage musical; check ticket and seating availability. |
Schedule reference: official Ocean City convention and entertainment calendars, reviewed October 24, 2026. Some events listed for today may already have started. Dates, public hours and admission conditions may change.
How to get the right event ticket
- Find your exact event name. Do not confuse a convention exhibition with a Performing Arts Center show.
- Check the official event entry. Confirm the correct date, public opening hours, venue room and organizer.
- Identify admission type. Determine whether you need a public ticket, show registration, attendee badge or assigned theater seat.
- Read ticket restrictions. Check refund rules, age requirements, security and whether re-entry is allowed.
- Finish at the authorized ticket seller. Follow the event’s official ticket or registration instructions.
Roland Powell Convention Center Parking: Free Lots & Rules
Unlike many downtown convention venues, the Ocean City Convention Center offers free onsite parking. The official visitor information lists over 1,200 spaces, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Parking lot rules
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| Free self-parking | No general parking charge in the venue’s designated onsite lots. |
| First-come access | There is no guaranteed parking space for arriving late. |
| No tailgating | Tailgating activity is prohibited by the venue. |
| No scalping | Ticket scalping is prohibited in the parking area. |
| No vending | Unauthorized selling is prohibited in venue parking areas. |
| Accessible spaces | Available near the front of the building with a valid qualifying placard or license plate. |
| Bicycle parking | Free racks near the main entrance, used at the owner’s risk. |
Best parking strategy for large events
- Enter 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842 in GPS.
- Follow signs for the convention center on the bayside near 40th Street.
- Use the entrance indicated by onsite event staff or posted traffic directions.
- Choose an available legal space and save your parking location.
- Allow additional time to walk to the correct exhibition or theater entrance.
- If the lots are full, use legal town parking options and check their posted restrictions or prices.
Official parking rules and arrival directions ↗
If comparing other coastal exhibition venues, the Wildwoods Convention Center parking and hotel guide explains an important distinction: Wildwoods generally has paid onsite parking, while Roland Powell publishes free visitor parking.
Roland E. Powell Convention Center Address & Driving Directions
4001 Coastal Highway
Ocean City, Maryland 21842
United States
Phone: 410-289-2800
Email: ask@ococean.com
Approximate road distances and travel times
| Starting city | Published distance | Approximate drive |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore | 150 miles | 3 hours |
| Washington, DC | 150 miles | 3 hours |
| Philadelphia | 150 miles | 3 hours |
| New York City | 250 miles | 5 hours |
| Richmond, Virginia | 250 miles | 5 hours |
| Virginia Beach / Norfolk | 140 miles | 3 hours |
These are approximations published by the official venue, not current driving ETAs. Traffic, weather, bridge conditions and event congestion may change travel time substantially.
From Baltimore or Washington, DC
Travel east on US Route 50 toward Annapolis and cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, then continue toward Ocean City. Follow current road signs and navigation to 40th Street and Coastal Highway.
From Philadelphia, New Jersey or New York
Use I-95 toward Delaware and connect with Delaware Route 1 south. Continue toward US 113, then reach Ocean City using an appropriate MD Route 90 or US 50 approach. The exact best route depends on traffic and your starting location.
Flying into Salisbury Regional Airport (SBY)
Salisbury Regional Airport is approximately a 30-minute drive from the convention center in favorable conditions. From the airport, the official route uses Airport Terminal Road, Walston Switch Road and US 50 East toward Ocean City. Arrange a rental car or local transfer for the final trip.
Getting around without driving
The Ocean City Beach Bus operates along Coastal Highway, and the town publishes a $4 ride-all-day standard pass with service generally listed from 6 AM to 3 AM the following morning. Schedules and frequency can vary seasonally.
| Transport | Useful information |
|---|---|
| Beach Bus | Published $4 ride-all-day pass; look for stops near the convention center. |
| Eligible reduced fare | Check current senior, disability and Medicare fare rules. |
| ADA paratransit | Reservation generally required by 10 PM on the prior day; call 410-723-1606. |
| Taxi or rideshare | Useful for late performances, luggage or hotels beyond a comfortable walking distance. |
| Bicycle | Free racks at the venue entrance, subject to availability. |
Hotels Near Roland Powell Convention Center Ocean City MD
Hotels around 37th–45th Street can be useful for convention attendees who want to avoid driving and parking repeatedly. The venue’s official accommodation directory highlights several nearby properties within approximately one mile.
Hampton Inn & Suites Bayfront–Convention Center
4301 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842.
Immediately near the convention district, with a bayfront location and convenient access for multi-day events. A strong first comparison for attendees who want a short trip between their room and the venue.
Aloft Ocean City
4501 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842.
Bayside hotel north of the convention complex. Useful for travelers who prefer a modern hotel with nearby dining and coastal views.
Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites
Oceanfront suite-style accommodation around 32nd Street. A choice for families who want additional space and beach access during a convention visit.
Hilton Garden Inn Ocean City Oceanfront
Oceanfront lodging option with access to beachside amenities. Compare actual walking distance and included services.
Castle in the Sand
Beachfront resort around 37th–39th Streets, suitable for guests interested in an oceanfront stay near the event district.
DoubleTree by Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront
Oceanfront hotel in the midtown district, useful for visitors seeking a beach-oriented stay alongside a convention.
What should you check before booking?
- Walking route: Confirm the actual sidewalk route to the venue rather than relying only on map distance.
- Parking: Ask whether hotel guest parking is included or charged separately.
- Off-season operation: Verify that the hotel and its amenities are operating for your event dates.
- Event room block: See whether the organizer has negotiated a housing rate.
- Breakfast: Check whether meals are included with your booked room type.
- Cancellation: Read the deadline and deposit conditions.
Roland Powell Convention Center Ocean City Maryland Map
The convention center is on the bayside of Coastal Highway at 40th Street. The Atlantic Ocean beach is across the highway to the east, while the bayside setting includes convention and event facilities facing the water.
Roland E. Powell Convention Center Floor Plans & Venue Capacity
The convention facility includes exhibition halls, waterfront function areas, meeting rooms, a large ballroom and the Ocean City Performing Arts Center. Its two published floor levels serve different event layouts.
| Facility | Published area | Useful capacity or feature |
|---|---|---|
| Exhibit Halls A & B combined | 45,400 sq ft | Up to 246 standard 10×10 booths |
| Exhibit Hall A | 25,070 sq ft | 141 standard 10×10 booths |
| Exhibit Hall B | 20,700 sq ft | 103 standard 10×10 booths |
| Exhibit Hall C | 30,000 sq ft | 136 standard 10×10 booths |
| Dockside Hall | 14,000 sq ft | Bay views; 710 banquet seating capacity listed |
| Bayfront Ballroom | 19,000 sq ft | Up to 2,700 reception or 1,070 banquet attendees in published layouts |
| Performing Arts Center | 16,000 sq ft | 1,200 theater seats |
How to identify your event area
Level 1
Main exhibition halls, Dockside Hall and the Performing Arts Center. This level is relevant for consumer expos, stage performances and other ground-floor event operations.
Level 2
Bayfront Ballroom and meeting rooms. More useful for banquets, conferences, workshops and smaller professional sessions.
Official floor-plan downloads
The venue provides Level 1 and Level 2 PDF floor plans and a virtual tour. The plans help attendees find rooms and assist planners with seating, booths and room configurations.
- Open the official venue floor-plan page.
- Choose Level 1 for exhibition halls and Performing Arts Center information.
- Choose Level 2 for the ballroom and meeting rooms.
- Check your organizer’s event-specific layout, as temporary booths and stage positions can change.
- For event rental, request confirmation of the permitted layout and capacity.
Ocean City Performing Arts Center: Concerts, Seating & Tickets
The Ocean City Performing Arts Center is inside the Roland E. Powell Convention Center and has a published capacity of 1,200 seats. It hosts concerts, musicals, comedy, family productions and other live performances.
Before attending a concert or theater show
- Check the exact showtime and suggested arrival time.
- Confirm whether seating is assigned or general admission.
- Read the seller’s refund and ticket-transfer rules.
- Ask about accessible seating and companion-seat arrangements when needed.
- Review the permitted bags, cameras and outside-food rules for the performance.
- Do not assume a convention badge gives access to a separate ticketed performance.
Accessible Parking, Beach Bus & Visitor Assistance
The venue’s official information identifies accessible parking at the front of the convention center. Ocean City’s municipal buses are wheelchair accessible, and ADA paratransit provides an additional option for eligible riders.
| Need | What to do |
|---|---|
| Accessible parking | Use marked onsite spaces with a valid qualifying placard or license plate. |
| Accessible arrival | Confirm the appropriate entrance for the assigned event room or theater seat. |
| Wheelchair seating | Contact the organizer or theater ticket office before purchasing. |
| Accessible public transport | Ocean City Beach Bus vehicles support wheelchair access. |
| ADA paratransit | Call 410-723-1606 for eligibility, reservations and current operating rules. |
| Hearing or other assistance | Request details specific to the scheduled event from its organizer. |
What Is Near Roland Powell Convention Center?
The 40th Street location makes it possible to combine a convention or concert with Ocean City’s beach, dining and resort attractions. Opening hours vary significantly by season.
Ocean City Beach
Reach the oceanfront on the opposite side of Coastal Highway. Use designated crossings and allow extra time when traffic is heavy.
Convention Center Bayfront
Enjoy the waterfront surroundings and bay views in the convention district where public access is permitted.
Ocean City Boardwalk
Shops, restaurants and seasonal attractions lie farther south. Use the Beach Bus or a vehicle if you prefer not to walk the longer distance.
Jolly Roger Amusement Park
A family-oriented Ocean City attraction. Check seasonal operations, age and height rules and separate admission prices.
For visitors comparing other Maryland conference destinations, our Baltimore Convention Center event, parking and transit guide covers a downtown alternative where parking is generally arranged through paid garages rather than free venue lots.
Planning a Meeting, Trade Show or Private Event at Roland Powell
The facility can support exhibitions, meetings, banquets, waterfront receptions and performing-arts events. Organizers should use the official floor plans and request a written proposal based on the full event requirements.
| Planning element | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Room layout | Appropriate hall, ballroom or meeting room and approved capacity. |
| Event dates | Availability, setup, rehearsal, public hours and move-out. |
| Exhibitor services | Power, network, water, freight handling and booth furniture. |
| Food and beverage | Venue catering arrangements, menus and service requirements. |
| Guest accessibility | Entrance, restrooms, seating and accessible travel requirements. |
| Event cost | Rental, labor, service charges, deposits, insurance and cancellation terms. |
Event-planning steps
- Define the event type, expected attendance and preferred dates.
- Use the official floor plans to identify potential rooms.
- Determine exhibition, seating, AV, catering and internet requirements.
- Contact the official convention center planning team with an RFP.
- Review the written proposal and venue rules before signing.
Venue contact: 410-289-2800 or ask@ococean.com.
If you need a waterfront conference hotel rather than Ocean City’s separate convention venue, compare the accommodation-based facilities described in our Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center planning guide. Gaylord National is a separate destination at National Harbor, Maryland.
Roland Powell Convention Center Visitor Checklist
- Confirm 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842 is your correct venue.
- Save the specific event name, date and admission details.
- Allow time for first-come, first-served free parking.
- Check the correct exhibition hall, ballroom or Performing Arts Center entrance.
- Review any bag, camera, food and re-entry restrictions.
- Check Beach Bus hours if traveling without a vehicle.
- Verify accessible parking and seating if required.
- Confirm hotel distance, parking arrangements and operating dates.
- Save any organizer-provided ticket, badge or registration QR.
- For exhibitors, confirm booth number, floor plan, freight and service-order deadlines.
If you are still comparing venues across several states, our convention center location and parking finder explains how to compare actual addresses, travel choices, hotel access and event requirements before making plans.
Roland Powell Convention Center FAQs
1. Where is Roland Powell Convention Center located?
Roland E. Powell Convention Center is at 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Maryland 21842, on the bayside around 40th Street.
2. Is parking free at Roland Powell Convention Center?
Yes. The venue publishes more than 1,200 free onsite parking spaces. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
3. What events are held at Roland Powell Convention Center?
The center hosts consumer expos, trade shows, holiday fairs, concerts, theater performances, conferences and community events. Event schedules and admission requirements vary.
4. How do I buy tickets for Ocean City Convention Center events?
Find the specific event on the official Ocean City convention or Performing Arts Center calendar. Check its organizer, admission rules and authorized ticket or registration seller before purchasing.
5. What hotels are close to Roland Powell Convention Center?
Nearby options include Hampton Inn & Suites Bayfront–Convention Center, Aloft Ocean City, Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites, Hilton Garden Inn Ocean City Oceanfront and Castle in the Sand.
6. Can I reach the Convention Center using the Ocean City Beach Bus?
Yes. Ocean City’s Beach Bus operates along Coastal Highway. The published standard ride-all-day fare is $4. Check the current route, frequency and schedule for your travel date.
7. Is the Ocean City Performing Arts Center inside Roland Powell Convention Center?
Yes. The Ocean City Performing Arts Center is located within the convention complex and has a published 1,200-seat theater.
8. Does Roland Powell Convention Center have accessible parking?
Yes. Designated accessible parking is provided in the front onsite lot on a first-come, first-served basis. A valid qualifying disability placard or license plate is required.
9. How big is Roland Powell Convention Center?
The venue includes large exhibit halls, a 19,000-square-foot Bayfront Ballroom, a 14,000-square-foot Dockside Hall, meeting rooms and a 1,200-seat Performing Arts Center. Actual occupancy depends on the event configuration.
10. What is the Roland Powell Convention Center phone number?
The official convention center telephone number is 410-289-2800. General enquiries can also be sent to ask@ococean.com. For individual event tickets or refunds, contact the responsible organizer or seller.