Austin Convention Center: Current Closure, Parking, Hotels & 2029 Reopening
Planning a conference, trade show, downtown visit or future event in Austin? Start with the most important update: the Austin Convention Center is closed for redevelopment. The original building is no longer hosting events, but its nearby parking garages are still operating.
This guide explains where to park, what it costs, which nearby hotels make sense, where relocated events may be held, how to reach the area and how to plan an event for the new convention center.
Current venue status: CLOSED · Target reopening: Spring 2029Quick Answers: What You Need to Know
Austin, TX 78701 · Downtown location
Redevelopment underway since 2025
Construction planned through 2028
201 E. 2nd St. and 601 E. 5th St.
Duration-based published rates; special rates can apply
General inquiries
Austin Convention Center Events: What Is Happening in 2026?
There are no public events taking place inside the former Austin Convention Center during redevelopment. That does not mean conferences, exhibitions and festivals have stopped throughout Austin. Organizers are using other facilities, hotels and event spaces.
| What you are looking for | Where to check | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Events inside Austin Convention Center in 2026 | Not available | The former building is closed and demolished. |
| Public consumer shows and exhibitions | Palmer Events Center or another named organizer venue | Confirm the actual venue and event date before traveling. |
| Business conferences | Downtown hotels, alternate venues and organizer notices | Registration and meeting sessions may use different buildings. |
| Future Austin Convention Center events | Venue sales department | Accepting proposals for 2029 onward. |
Upcoming Events at Palmer Events Center
Palmer Events Center is a separate operating venue at 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78704. Its published calendar includes these events after October 15, 2026:
| Date | Listed event |
|---|---|
| Nov. 4–8, 2026 | Settlement Club Garage & Estate Sale |
| Nov. 10, 2026 | Austin Youth Council Career Fest |
| Nov. 18–22, 2026 | A Christmas Affair |
| Nov. 24, 2026 | H-E-B Feast of Sharing |
| Dec. 5–6, 2026 | City-Wide Vintage Sale |
| Dec. 5–6, 2026 | Brick Convention – Lego Fan Event |
| Dec. 12–21, 2026 | Armadillo Christmas Bazaar |
These are Palmer Events Center calendar listings, not events at the closed Austin Convention Center. Organizers may change schedules, ticket requirements and entry hours.
Search the official event calendar or the organizer’s event website, not just the generic Austin Convention Center address.
Look for the actual street address. Palmer Events Center and the former downtown Austin Convention Center are different locations.
Check ticket type, starting time, age requirements, prohibited items, registration and re-entry conditions.
Navigate to the venue or garage you confirmed rather than using an older convention center map.
When Will the Austin Convention Center Reopen?
The project is known as Unconventional ATX. The previous facility closed in April 2025, structural demolition was completed in September 2025, and construction is now underway. The official redevelopment team reported in August 2026 that the project remained on track for an early 2029 opening.
Funded through convention center revenues and hotel occupancy taxes
Up from approximately 365,000 sq. ft. in the former facility
Subject to final construction and opening schedules
Included in the new venue’s published design description
Redevelopment Timeline
| Period | Project milestone |
|---|---|
| April 2025 | Former convention center closes. |
| September 2025 | Structural demolition completed. |
| October–December 2025 | Schematic design completed; diaphragm wall construction completed. |
| Spring–August 2026 | Design development completed; excavation, foundation and major construction activities progress. |
| September 2026 | Vertical steel installation begins. |
| 2027–2028 | Main construction and building completion activities continue. |
| Spring 2029 | Target reopening and return of large convention business. |
The new building is planned to offer larger exhibition areas, ballrooms, flexible meeting rooms, outdoor gathering space and an improved connection with downtown Austin. The project is also pursuing zero-carbon certification; that goal should not be mistaken for a certification already awarded.
Austin Convention Center Parking: Garages, Rates & Entrances
Although the convention center is closed, its two downtown parking garages continue operating. Together, their published capacities total 1,685 parking spaces.
Which Parking Garage Should You Choose?
| Garage | Entrance and capacity | Vehicle clearance |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd Street Garage 201 E. 2nd St. | Enter from Brazos Street or San Jacinto Boulevard. 1,000 spaces. No entrance directly from 2nd Street. | 6 ft 9 in |
| 5th Street Garage 601 E. 5th St. | Enter from East 5th Street. 685 spaces. | 6 ft 11 in |
For downtown shopping and business: The 2nd Street Garage can be convenient for the Congress Avenue and 2nd Street districts. The 5th Street Garage may be more convenient for the Red River and eastern downtown blocks. Your actual destination determines the better walking route.
Published Standard Parking Rates
| Parking duration | Rate |
|---|---|
| 0–10 minutes | $0 |
| More than 10 minutes–2 hours | $5 |
| More than 2–9 hours | $10 |
| More than 9–12 hours | $15 |
| After 12 hours | Additional $3/hour, up to daily maximum |
| Maximum within 24 hours | $48 |
| Lost ticket | $60 |
5th Street Early Bird Parking
The published weekday early bird offer is $7 flat when all conditions are met:
- Use the 5th Street Garage on Monday–Friday.
- Enter before 7:00 a.m.; early-bird availability begins at 4:30 a.m.
- Exit before 7:00 p.m.
- Confirm the rate and eligibility on arrival.
Garage Rules You Should Know
- Cashless: Both garages accept debit or credit cards.
- Overnight parking: The current public parking page states no overnight parking.
- Accessibility: Accessible spaces are available on each level near elevators.
- Qualified military plates: Certain Disabled Veteran and meritorious military plates qualify for complimentary parking under published rules.
- Alternative-fuel vehicles: The 2nd Street Garage lists 30 preferred spaces and three Austin Energy charging stations.
- Tall vehicles: Check the exact height, including roof racks and attachments, before entering.
Parking contact: 512-404-4260 · accdparkinginfo@austintexas.gov.
Official Parking Rates & Entrance MapsHotels Near Austin Convention Center: Which Location Works Best?
The downtown convention district remains a useful place to stay even while the convention center is closed. Hotels in this area provide access to restaurants, live music, downtown businesses and alternative meeting venues.
However, a hotel being close to the old convention center site does not guarantee it is close to your relocated event. Check your organizer’s confirmed address before choosing a hotel.
| Hotel | Location advantage | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Austin | Adjacent to the former convention center site | Large conferences, meetings and downtown event attendees |
| Fairmont Austin | Next to the convention district; connected to the former complex by the Red River Canopy Walk | Upscale stays, major meetings and business travel |
| Austin Marriott Downtown | Across from the convention district | Walkable downtown stays and hotel-hosted events |
| JW Marriott Austin | About two downtown blocks from the convention district | Large meetings, luxury stays and central downtown access |
| Hampton Inn & Suites Austin Downtown | Close to the former venue site | Visitors prioritizing nearby accommodation and breakfast options |
| Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown | East downtown near the convention district | Business trips and nearby entertainment |
How to Choose Without Overpaying
Do not select a hotel solely because it says “near Austin Convention Center.”
An organizer may offer negotiated hotel rooms, shuttle access or attendee booking conditions.
Add room rate, taxes, parking, destination fees where applicable, breakfast and transport.
Downtown blocks, construction boundaries, luggage and summer heat can change how comfortable a walk feels.
Some events have setup, training or exhibitor days before public attendance begins.
For larger groups, hotel meeting spaces can be alternatives during redevelopment. Visit Austin identifies Hilton Austin, Fairmont Austin, Austin Marriott Downtown and JW Marriott Austin as important convention-district properties.
Official Downtown Hotel GuideDirections: Airport, MetroRail, Driving & Downtown Access
From Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is roughly eight miles from the convention district, depending on route. Airport travel times depend on traffic, construction and your destination.
| Transport | Practical guidance |
|---|---|
| Taxi or rideshare | Use airport-designated pickup areas and enter your actual hotel or event address. |
| CapMetro bus | Check the current airport-to-downtown route and connections using CapMetro’s trip planner. |
| Rental car | Useful when visiting destinations outside central Austin; include downtown garage or hotel parking costs. |
| Hotel or event shuttle | Use only if confirmed by your hotel or event organizer. |
Downtown Station and MetroRail
CapMetro’s Downtown Station is near the convention center redevelopment area. MetroRail can be useful for reaching downtown from eligible stations, but service hours and route availability must be checked for the day you travel.
Use CapMetro’s official trip planning tools to check the correct bus or rail itinerary and current service notices.
Driving to the Area
- From I-35, enter downtown using a route that matches your parking garage, not just the convention center’s former main entrance.
- From West Austin, choose your final destination before crossing the downtown street grid.
- Check one-way streets and construction restrictions before arriving.
- Keep garage entrances separate from pedestrian addresses in your navigation app.
Austin Convention Center Map: Venue Site and Parking
The former venue address is 500 E. Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701, in downtown Austin near Trinity Street, Red River Street, East 4th Street and East Cesar Chavez Street.
Closed redevelopment site; not a public convention entrance.
Use the Brazos or San Jacinto vehicle entrances.
Vehicle entry on 5th Street.
Separate venue south of Lady Bird Lake.
Accessibility, Entry Rules and Visitor Safety
The closed convention center is an active redevelopment site, not an accessible event venue during construction. For an actual 2026 event, accessibility accommodations and entry requirements depend on the replacement location.
| Need | What to do |
|---|---|
| Accessible parking downtown | Both Austin Convention Center Department downtown garages publish accessible parking near elevators. |
| Wheelchair-accessible event route | Ask the actual host venue for the accessible drop-off, registration and meeting-room entrance. |
| Hearing or communication support | Contact the event organizer early about interpreting, captioning or assistive listening. |
| Service animals | Check the operating venue’s published access procedures. |
| Medical or security assistance | Follow the host venue’s posted policies and onsite staff instructions. |
| Exhibitor loading | Use the current show’s exhibitor manual and assigned loading route, not legacy convention center dock instructions. |
Bag policies, outside food rules, photography restrictions, security screening and re-entry are typically event-specific. Avoid assuming former Austin Convention Center policies apply automatically to an event relocated to another venue.
How to Book the New Austin Convention Center for 2029 or Later
The venue is accepting future event leads. Organizers should prepare a realistic estimate of the number of attendees, the space required and the dates before submitting a proposal request.
Use dates in 2029 or later. Include alternative dates where possible.
Prepare attendance, exhibition area, meeting rooms, ballroom needs, setup days and any outdoor-space requirements.
State whether the event is a trade show, corporate convention, consumer exhibition, association conference or another type.
Call 512-404-4200 or email conventionsales@austintexas.gov. You can also use the proposal request option on the official venue website.
Confirm the actual hall allocation, room configuration, load-in access, staffing, catering, technology and insurance needs.
The venue’s sales team must confirm available dates, rental rates, deposit requirements and contracts.
What About Events Before 2029?
Consider Palmer Events Center, available hotel ballrooms or other suitable Austin venues. Palmer Events Center remains operational and has its own floor plans, catering, technology, security policies and exhibitor resources.
Palmer Events Center currently advertises a 1,200-space adjacent parking garage at 900 Barton Springs Road with entrances from Barton Springs Road and Riverside Drive. Its published clearance is 7 ft 2 in. Parking rates and road access may differ from the downtown convention center garages.
Plan a Future Convention Explore Palmer Events CenterPlanning an Event in Texas? Compare Other Convention Centers
Austin’s convention center redevelopment may affect your venue or event planning dates. These related Texas guides explain alternatives with different locations, parking arrangements and operating conditions.
Before You Visit Downtown Austin: Quick Checklist
- Confirm whether your event is at the downtown convention district, Palmer Events Center or another venue.
- Save the exact street address from the organizer’s current confirmation.
- Check current event dates, session hours, admission and registration rules.
- Choose the right garage and check its posted rate and vehicle clearance.
- Check road closures and CapMetro service if traveling during a major event.
- Verify the hotel’s walking distance to the actual event, not only the former convention center.
- Request mobility, hearing or other accommodations directly from the host venue.
- For future event proposals, prepare a realistic meeting-space and attendance plan.
Austin Convention Center FAQs
1. Is the Austin Convention Center open in 2026?
No. The original Austin Convention Center closed in April 2025 and is undergoing redevelopment. It is not hosting events inside the former building during construction.
2. When will the Austin Convention Center reopen?
The current official target is spring 2029, with major construction scheduled through 2028. The opening date remains subject to the final project schedule.
3. Where is the Austin Convention Center located?
The former convention center site is at 500 E. Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, Texas 78701, in downtown Austin.
4. Is Austin Convention Center parking still open?
Yes. The Austin Convention Center Department says the 2nd Street Garage at 201 E. 2nd Street and the 5th Street Garage at 601 E. 5th Street continue operating during redevelopment.
5. How much is parking at the Austin Convention Center?
Published standard garage rates include $5 for up to two hours after the free ten-minute period, $10 for two to nine hours, $15 for nine to twelve hours and a $48 maximum within 24 hours. Special-event and weekend rates may apply.
6. Are there any free parking options?
The official downtown garage rate schedule includes the first ten minutes free. Qualified specialty military license plates may receive complimentary parking under published rules. Free long-term visitor parking is not generally advertised.
7. Which hotels are near Austin Convention Center?
Nearby hotels include Hilton Austin, Fairmont Austin, Austin Marriott Downtown, JW Marriott Austin and Hampton Inn & Suites Austin Downtown. Choose based on your actual event venue during the closure.
8. Where are Austin convention events being held during the closure?
Events may use Palmer Events Center, downtown hotel meeting spaces or other Austin venues. The event organizer’s confirmed address determines the correct location.
9. Can I book the new Austin Convention Center now?
The venue is accepting event proposals and leads for 2029 and beyond. Contact official convention center sales to discuss dates, room requirements and proposals.
10. Is Palmer Events Center the same as Austin Convention Center?
No. Palmer Events Center is a separate operating venue at 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78704. The former Austin Convention Center site is at 500 E. Cesar Chavez Street downtown.
Official Sources and Final Action Links
The guide uses venue information, the public redevelopment timeline, garage policies, Visit Austin’s hotel and meeting resources, and Palmer Events Center’s calendar. Use these official pages when you are ready to complete the final action:
- Austin Convention Center — venue status, contacts and future event proposals.
- Downtown Garage Parking — posted reference rates, entrances and payment rules.
- Unconventional ATX Progress — redevelopment milestones and current project status.
- Visit Austin Redevelopment Information — future meeting and convention planning.
- Palmer Events Calendar — upcoming public event listings.
- Palmer Exhibitor and Planner Documents — event planning, floor-plan and exhibitor resource documents.
- CapMetro — current transit routes, schedules and service notices.
Information reviewed October 15, 2026. This is an independent visitor guide, not the convention center’s official website. Event locations, road closures, parking rates, schedules, hotel offers and construction timelines may change. Confirm transaction-specific details with the responsible official operator.