Austin Convention Center: What’s Open, Parking and Reopening Plans
The Austin Convention Center is being rebuilt. If you’re visiting downtown, looking for event parking, planning a convention or trying to find the new building’s reopening date, this guide separates what is available now from what is planned for 2029.
Is Austin Convention Center Open in 2026?
Construction and expansion are underway. Do not travel to the old entrance expecting normal convention access.
The official redevelopment timeline lists spring 2029 for opening, following construction targeted for completion in late 2028.
Planned rentable event space in the new building, compared with approximately 365,000 square feet in the previous facility.
What Is Still Available?
| Service | 2026 status | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Main convention building | Closed for construction | Do not visit for event admission |
| 2nd Street Parking Garage | Operating | Use designated Brazos or San Jacinto entrance |
| 5th Street Parking Garage | Operating | Use 601 East 5th Street |
| Future event reservations | Accepting inquiries for 2029 onward | Submit official proposal request |
| Palmer Events Center | Operating separately | Check its own event schedule |
| Public access to construction site | Restricted | Follow posted safety and pedestrian detours |
Austin Convention Center Address and Map
The former and future convention-center site occupies a central downtown Austin location near Cesar Chavez Street, Red River Street, Trinity Street and the 4th Street district.
Austin, TX 78701
General phone: (512) 404-4000
This is the historic convention-center address, not an open visitor entrance during redevelopment.
Where Should You Actually Go?
For parking: Choose 201 East 2nd Street or 601 East 5th Street.
For an event: Follow the venue listed on your event ticket. It may have relocated to a hotel, meeting facility or Palmer Events Center.
For future bookings: Contact Austin Convention Center Sales rather than visiting the construction site.
Austin Convention Center Parking: Open Garages and 2026 Rates
Although the main building is closed, the Austin Convention Center Department continues operating its downtown parking garages. Together, the published inventory exceeds 1,600 spaces.
Capacity: Approximately 1,000 spaces.
Vehicle entrances: Brazos Street and San Jacinto Boulevard.
Clearance: 6 ft 9 in.
Important: There is no garage vehicle entrance directly on East 2nd Street.
Map and directionsCapacity: Approximately 685 spaces.
Clearance: 6 ft 11 in.
Payment: Credit and debit cards.
Special offer: Weekday early-bird parking is published for qualifying arrivals and departures.
Map and directionsStandard Parking Rate Chart
| Duration | Published rate |
|---|---|
| 0–10 minutes | Free |
| 10 minutes–2 hours | $5 |
| 2–9 hours | $10 |
| 9–12 hours | $15 |
| After 12 hours | Additional $3/hour, subject to daily maximum |
| Maximum per 24 hours | $48 |
| Lost parking ticket | $60 |
Standard published garage prices. Special-event pricing may override normal rates, and the posted entrance rate takes priority.
Additional Parking Discounts
| Offer | Conditions |
|---|---|
| 5th Street early bird — $7 | Monday–Friday, enter before 7 AM and exit before 7 PM. Offer begins at 4:30 AM. |
| Weekend flat rate — $15 | Published Friday/Saturday 4 PM–1 AM entry window, through 11 AM the following morning. |
| Qualifying military plates | Complimentary parking for eligible Disabled Veteran or specified Meritorious Military Honors plates under posted policy. |
| Special event rate | Varies; check the displayed rate before entering. |
Accessible Parking and EV Information
- Accessible parking spaces are provided on each garage level near elevators.
- The 2nd Street Garage lists 30 preferred alternative-fuel vehicle spaces and three Austin Energy charging stations.
- Charging availability, payment and operational status should be checked before arrival.
- Large SUVs, vans and roof-rack vehicles should compare their total height against the published garage clearances.
How to Use the Parking Garage
- Choose your garage based on destination, vehicle height and parking duration.
- Navigate to the actual entrance, especially for the 2nd Street Garage.
- Check posted rates and any event-specific surcharge at entry.
- Pay using a debit or credit card as directed by the payment equipment.
- Keep your ticket or payment confirmation until your vehicle has exited.
- For failed payments or accessibility questions, contact garage support.
Parking Office Contact
Telephone: (512) 404-4260
Email: accdparkinginfo@austintexas.gov
Useful for monthly parking, validation questions, garage access, policies and posted-rate clarification.
Verify Official Garage RatesAustin Convention Center Redevelopment: Timeline and Project Details
The redevelopment project, known as UnconventionalATX, replaces the former building with a larger, more flexible facility intended to better support large conventions, exhibitions, meetings and downtown public space.
The former convention center closed for demolition and redevelopment.
Structural demolition was reported complete as work advanced to the new building’s supporting infrastructure.
Work on the underground structural-support wall reached completion.
Foundation work progressed; excavation reached approximately 93% by August 2026, and vertical steel installation began in September.
The construction delivery target precedes the planned public reopening.
The rebuilt convention center is scheduled to welcome events, subject to final project readiness.
Old Building vs. New Building
| Feature | Former center | Redeveloped center |
|---|---|---|
| Rentable space | About 365,000 sq ft | About 620,000 sq ft planned |
| Building status | Closed and demolished | Under construction |
| Event booking | No longer available | 2029 onward inquiries accepted |
| Public space | Former building configuration | New plaza and public-facing areas planned |
| Sustainability | Legacy facility | Zero-carbon certification is a project objective |
Overall redevelopment budget stated by the Austin Convention Center.
Significant increase over the earlier facility’s rentable space.
Approximate outdoor rentable space described for the completed project.
How Is the Project Funded?
The Austin Convention Center describes the redevelopment as funded through designated hotel occupancy tax and convention-center revenues rather than a conventional general-property-tax funding model. Detailed project authorizations and funding arrangements are handled through the City of Austin.
Where Can You Attend or Host an Event During Closure?
If your event was originally scheduled at the Austin Convention Center, check whether its organizer has selected an alternative downtown hotel, ballroom, cultural venue or the City-operated Palmer Events Center.
Palmer Events Center — Operating Alternative
Austin, TX 78704
The Palmer Events Center is a separate facility operated by the Austin Convention Center Department. It is located south of Lady Bird Lake near Auditorium Shores.
Best suited for: Trade shows, public exhibitions, meetings, consumer events and other gatherings where its particular space and date availability are appropriate.
Important: A booking at the former Austin Convention Center does not automatically transfer to Palmer. The event organizer must confirm the new location, contract and arrangements.
Directions to Palmer Events CenterWhat to Check Before Choosing an Alternative
| Requirement | Practical question |
|---|---|
| Attendance | Does the venue support your required attendee and exhibitor capacity? |
| Event layout | Can the venue handle booths, breakout rooms and registration? |
| Loading and setup | What is the freight entrance, setup schedule and load-in policy? |
| Transportation | How will attendees arrive from hotels and the airport? |
| Accessibility | Does the exact room configuration meet attendees’ needs? |
| Full cost | What are rental, staffing, catering, AV, cleaning and security costs? |
| Organizer requirements | Are ticketing, insurance, deposits and cancellation terms suitable? |
Getting Around Downtown Austin: Airport, MetroRail and Local Transport
The downtown convention district is close to Austin’s hotel, restaurant, entertainment and transit areas. However, transit service around construction activity may change over time.
From Austin-Bergstrom Airport (AUS)
- Confirm your actual hotel or event venue address.
- Compare airport rideshare, taxi and available CapMetro bus options.
- Allow additional time for peak-hour traffic and major festival dates.
- Use the event entrance supplied by the organizer, not the closed convention-center entrance.
MetroRail Downtown Station
CapMetro’s Downtown Station is located at 4th and Neches Streets and serves the MetroRail Red Line.
It provides downtown connections for travelers arriving from stations along the rail corridor. Construction and special events can affect pedestrian access and service patterns.
Check the latest operating schedule before choosing a train, especially after an evening event.
Hotels, Downtown District and Local Visitor Tips
The convention-center neighborhood is in southeastern downtown Austin, near Rainey Street, East Sixth Street, Lady Bird Lake and major hotels. Its location remains convenient even while the primary venue is under construction.
Choosing the Right Hotel in 2026
Convention District
Good for visitors attending events in downtown hotels or exploring nearby restaurants, though some roads and sidewalks may be affected by construction.
Near Lady Bird Lake
Convenient for riverside recreation and some event destinations, including the general area of Palmer Events Center.
Rainey Street and East Downtown
Popular for restaurants and nightlife. Check weekend noise, hotel parking fees and the actual distance to your assigned event venue.
Local Visitor Checklist
- Verify whether hotel parking is included in the advertised rate.
- Compare the actual event address with the former convention-center location.
- Allow extra time during SXSW, Formula 1 race week and major downtown events.
- Expect hot weather during much of the year; plan water and comfortable footwear.
- Use marked crosswalks and posted pedestrian detours near redevelopment blocks.
- If traveling for a conference, confirm the organizer’s shuttle pickup and registration entrance.
How to Book the New Austin Convention Center for 2029 and Beyond
Even though the original building is closed, the Austin Convention Center Sales team is accepting future event inquiries. A request for proposal is the appropriate starting point for group bookings.
Official Sales Contact
Telephone: (512) 404-4200
Email: conventionsales@austintexas.gov
For event proposals, date availability, space allocation and future facility arrangements.
General Venue Department
Telephone: (512) 404-4000
Official website: austinconventioncenter.com
For general information, redevelopment questions and the department’s published services.
Event Inquiry: Micro Step-by-Step
- Decide your dates. Choose 2029 or later and have alternate dates ready.
- Estimate attendance. Include anticipated delegates, exhibitors, guests and peak-day participation.
- Prepare your room needs. List exhibition area, ballrooms, breakout rooms, registration and staging requirements.
- Estimate your service requirements. Include catering, internet, electrical power, security, freight, accessibility and audiovisual services.
- Open the official request form. Use the Austin Convention Center Request a Proposal page.
- Submit the event information. Follow the official portal instructions and retain the submission confirmation email.
- Review the proposal. Check availability, fees, minimums, setup days, deposits, cancellation terms and changes caused by construction schedules.
- Confirm the contract. Do not advertise a finalized date before the venue provides written confirmation.
New Venue Floor Plans and Event Capacity
The redevelopment plans include expanded rentable space, modern exhibition areas, ballrooms, meeting rooms, pre-function spaces and outdoor event areas. Published early floor plans are planning materials rather than guaranteed final room configurations.
When booking a 2029 event, request the current room-by-room drawings, maximum capacities, ceiling heights, available utility services, loading arrangements and any revisions to the latest construction plans.
Before You Visit: Quick Decision Guide
| Your reason | Best next action |
|---|---|
| Attending a 2026 downtown conference | Use the organizer’s confirmed replacement venue. |
| Parking near the former center | Compare the open 2nd and 5th Street garages. |
| Finding an event calendar | Look for events at their current host venues, not inside the closed building. |
| Planning a 2029 convention | Send a formal request for proposal to the Sales team. |
| Researching construction updates | Read official UnconventionalATX progress reports. |
| Looking for accessible parking | Check accessible garage spaces and current routes to your actual destination. |
| Visiting Palmer Events Center | Navigate to 900 Barton Springs Road rather than the old downtown convention center. |
Pre-Visit Checklist
Austin Convention Center Texas: 10 FAQs
1. Is the Austin Convention Center open in 2026?
No. The Austin Convention Center’s former main building closed in April 2025 for demolition and redevelopment. The department continues operating its downtown garages and accepting event inquiries for 2029 onward.
2. When will the Austin Convention Center reopen?
The current official redevelopment timeline targets a spring 2029 public opening. Construction completion is planned for late 2028, but the opening date remains subject to project progress.
3. What is the Austin Convention Center address?
The convention center’s historic downtown address is 500 East Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX 78701. The building is currently closed, so the address should not be used as an active event entrance.
4. Are the Austin Convention Center parking garages open?
Yes. The City continues operating the 2nd Street Garage at 201 East 2nd Street and the 5th Street Garage at 601 East 5th Street during the convention-center redevelopment.
5. How much does Austin Convention Center parking cost?
Published standard rates include $5 for 10 minutes to 2 hours, $10 for 2 to 9 hours and $15 for 9 to 12 hours. The published daily maximum is $48, with separate early-bird, weekend and special-event rates.
6. Where can events be held while the center is closed?
Events may use other downtown facilities, hotels or the Palmer Events Center at 900 Barton Springs Road. The correct venue depends on each event organizer’s arrangements and availability.
7. Can I book the new Austin Convention Center now?
Yes. The Austin Convention Center accepts requests for events in 2029 and beyond. Meeting planners can submit an official request for proposal or contact the Sales team at (512) 404-4200.
8. How big will the new Austin Convention Center be?
The redeveloped convention center is planned to provide approximately 620,000 square feet of rentable space, compared with around 365,000 square feet in the former building.
9. Is Austin Convention Center parking accessible?
Yes. The department states that its 2nd Street and 5th Street garages provide accessible spaces near elevators on each level. Check current routes and the needs of your actual destination during construction.
10. What is the Austin Convention Center phone number?
The main department phone number is (512) 404-4000. For future event bookings, call (512) 404-4200. For parking questions, call (512) 404-4260.
Official Information and Final Action Links
The key operational and redevelopment details are covered above. These resources are useful for final bookings, rapidly changing rates, construction updates and official confirmation.
Current closure announcement, redevelopment plans and venue-department information.
Open official venue websiteGarage directions, published rates, weekend offers, early-bird conditions and accessible parking.
Check garage rates and directionsProject milestone reports, construction photographs and redevelopment schedule updates.
See official project updatesOnline event-planning inquiry for proposed meetings and conventions in 2029 onward.
Open event inquiry formFuture meeting facilities, planning context and visitor-industry information.
Review Visit Austin venue planning detailsDowntown rail and bus routes, current schedules and travel planning.
Plan Austin public transport