Downtown Dallas, Texas · Updated October 2026
Dallas Convention Center: Your Event-Day Planning Guide
The Dallas Convention Center—officially Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas—is still welcoming visitors during a major rebuild. Find the open halls, current events, parking prices, construction-aware DART routes, hotels, entrance map and essential services before you travel.
Dallas Convention Center has not closed completely. Buildings A, B and C continue to host selected events, but Halls D, E and F have been decommissioned for redevelopment. DART’s Convention Center Station closed to boarding and exiting passengers on January 5, 2026. Use the current event entrance and transit directions rather than an older venue map.
Is Dallas Convention Center Open Right Now?
Yes, for events scheduled in available sections. The City of Dallas began major demolition work in February 2026 as part of the convention center redevelopment. The project is being completed in phases so some existing exhibition, ballroom and meeting spaces can continue operating.
Exhibition Halls A & B
Both halls remain available for scheduled conventions and trade events. Confirm which building entrance the organizer has designated.
Exhibition Hall C
Hall C and associated meeting and ballroom areas continue to support events during construction.
Sections D, E & F
These sections are no longer part of normal event operations because of demolition and redevelopment.
When Will the New Dallas Convention Center Open?
The new convention center is targeted for 2030. The planned replacement features approximately 2.1 million square feet overall, including 750,000 square feet of exhibit space, 180,000 square feet of meeting space and a 105,000-square-foot ballroom.
These future development figures should not be confused with the halls and rooms available in 2026. Construction timelines, pedestrian routes and transportation connections can change during the project.
Upcoming Dallas Convention Center Events in 2026
Below are selected events appearing on the official Dallas Convention Center calendar as of October 16, 2026. Not all events are free or open to the public.
| Event | Dates | Hall / event type |
|---|---|---|
| NTX Universe | Oct 16–18, 2026 | Pop culture and collectibles; Halls B & C |
| PlantCon Dallas | Oct 24–25, 2026 | Plant exhibition; Hall C |
| Collect-A-Con Dallas | Oct 24–25, 2026 | Trading cards, collectibles and anime; Hall B |
| Win the Storm 2026 | Oct 28–30, 2026 | Contractor conference; Hall C and associated meeting spaces |
| Longhorn State Tattoo Expo | Oct 30–Nov 1, 2026 | Tattoo exhibition; Hall B |
| USA Wheelchair Football League Tournament | Nov 1–2, 2026 | Sporting event; Hall C |
How to Get Tickets or Register
- Find the correct event. Match the full name and date on the official calendar.
- Read the event detail page. Find the assigned hall, opening hours and organizer instructions.
- Open the organizer’s registration link. Ticket fees and audience restrictions vary by event.
- Save your digital ticket. Keep the confirmation and any required identification ready.
- Confirm parking and arrival. Use the event entrance, not simply the venue’s main address, to plan your final approach.
This is a dated schedule snapshot. Check the official event listing before attending for last-minute changes.
Dallas Convention Center Parking: $20 Garage vs. $17 Lot C
The venue publishes two main on-site parking choices, both operated by ACE Parking. Parking is first-come, first-served. The published rates are per day, per entry, and neither option includes free in-and-out privileges.
Convention Center Garage
Entrance: Memorial Drive and South Griffin Street, Dallas, TX 75202.
- Approximately 1,200 spaces
- Two parking levels, G and P
- Accessible parking provided
- Best starting point for visitors who prefer covered parking
Parking Lot C
Address: 502 S Lamar Street, Dallas, TX 75202.
- Approximately 170 spaces
- Open-air parking area
- Accessible parking provided
- Lower published price than the main garage
Which Parking Option Is Better?
| Your situation | Suggested choice |
|---|---|
| You prefer covered vehicle parking | Main convention center garage |
| You want the cheaper official option | Lot C, if spaces are available |
| You need accessible parking | Both list accessible spaces; check the correct entry route |
| You plan to leave and return | Budget for a new charge on re-entry |
| You have an unusually large vehicle | Confirm clearance and vehicle restrictions with ACE Parking |
How to Pay and Avoid Parking Problems
- Confirm your event building. Check if the organizer recommends a particular parking entrance.
- Navigate directly to your chosen lot. Do not enter only the convention center address when driving to Lot C.
- Follow the current payment instructions. Use the posted ACE Parking pay stations or accepted payment process.
- Keep proof of payment. Retain your ticket or payment confirmation.
- Plan your exit. Re-entering may incur another full charge.
Dallas Convention Center Address, Map and Guest Drop-Off
Official address: Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas, 650 S Griffin Street, Dallas, Texas 75202.
Regular Attendee Arrival
Use the event’s assigned building and registration entrance. Halls A, B and C remain active, but construction may change your pedestrian approach.
Rideshare and Accessible Drop-Off
Lower C Driveway, between Lamar and Griffin Streets, is identified by the venue as a preferred accessible drop-off and pickup point. Individual events may use different arrangements.
DART Rail Station Closure and Public Transit Alternatives
Do not exit at Convention Center Station. It has been closed to passengers since January 5, 2026, as part of the redevelopment. Red and Blue Line trains may pass through the station without stopping.
EBJ Union Station
An operating rail station where travelers can arrange an onward connection toward the venue.
Cedars Station
A useful alternative on the DART network, depending on your incoming route and event entrance.
Marilla at Akard
Stop ID 20685 is part of the temporary downtown GoLink arrangement.
How to Use the DART GoLink Connector
- Plan your DART trip. Choose an operating rail station near the convention center.
- Travel to Union Station or Cedars. Alternatively, use the designated Marilla at Akard bus stop where suitable.
- Book the special GoLink service. Request your connection with the GoPass app or call 214-515-7272.
- Confirm the pickup point. The connector serves a defined downtown zone, not every part of Dallas.
- Walk to your event entrance. Follow current pedestrian and construction signage.
Bus routes 106, 128 and 224 also have downtown changes associated with the station closure. Use real-time DART directions rather than an old route diagram.
Getting to the Dallas Convention Center From DFW or Love Field
DFW to Downtown Dallas
The venue lists DFW Airport approximately 20.5 miles away. DART’s Orange Line serves DFW Airport and downtown Dallas, although a separate connection is needed to reach the venue during the Convention Center Station closure.
Other options: Taxi, rideshare, rental car or other regional transportation.
Love Field to Downtown Dallas
The venue lists Love Field approximately 7.8 miles away. DART Route 524, Love Link, connects the airport with Inwood/Love Field Station for onward rail travel.
Other options: Direct taxi, rideshare or rental car.
Dallas Convention Center Floor Plans and Available Event Space
During the 2026 redevelopment, planners and attendees should use the current A/B/C floor plans—not drawings of the future 2030 facility.
| Active venue space | Published size | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Exhibit Hall A | 100,155 sq ft | Building A/B, Level 2 |
| Exhibit Hall B | 100,155 sq ft | Building A/B, Level 2 |
| Ballroom A | 26,992 sq ft | Building A/B, Level 2 |
| A100 Meeting Rooms | 17,495 sq ft | Building A/B, Level 1 |
| A300 Meeting Rooms | 8,109 sq ft | Building A/B, Level 3 |
| Exhibit Hall C | 103,940 sq ft | Building C, Level 2 |
| Ballroom C | 19,224 sq ft | Building C, Level 2 |
| C100 Meeting Rooms | 27,665 sq ft | Building C, Level 1 |
Finding the Correct Hall
- Exhibit Hall B: Find Building A/B, Level 2.
- Exhibit Hall C: Find Building C, Level 2.
- C100: Look for Building C’s Level 1 meeting spaces.
- A300: Find Level 3 of Building A/B.
- Ballroom C: Follow Building C’s Level 2 ballroom signage.
Room divisions, meeting setup, registration queues and building entrances are controlled by individual events. For accurate routes, match the general facility plan with your organizer’s event-specific diagram.
Hotels Near Dallas Convention Center
The downtown Dallas area has thousands of hotel rooms, but proximity alone does not tell the whole story during construction. Confirm your event’s building entrance and any available pedestrian connection.
Omni Dallas Hotel
The 1,001-room Omni Dallas is the convention center’s adjacent major hotel. It offers multiple restaurants, a fitness center, spa and heated infinity swimming pool.
Best for: Visitors looking for a full-service conference hotel close to the venue. Confirm current walkway access during redevelopment.
Hyatt Regency Dallas
Near Reunion Tower and Union Station, Hyatt Regency Dallas is an alternative for guests who value proximity to the downtown transit district.
Best for: Travelers comparing larger full-service hotels and downtown transportation access.
Aloft Dallas Downtown
A hotel option in central Dallas. Compare walking route, parking and total nightly cost with Omni and other nearby properties.
Best for: Visitors looking for a different hotel style close to downtown activities.
Homewood Suites and Residence Inn
Downtown suite-style hotel options may appeal to guests staying several days or traveling with colleagues.
Best for: Travelers seeking longer-stay amenities or comparing suite layouts and total accommodation costs.
How to Select the Right Hotel
| Priority | What to compare |
|---|---|
| Quick event access | Omni’s adjacency and current event-building connection. |
| Using DART trains | Hotels close to operating stations such as EBJ Union Station. |
| Budget stay | Full nightly price, taxes, breakfast and parking charges. |
| Multi-day conference | Workspace, room amenities, cancellation terms and event-room-block rates. |
| Accessibility | Exact room features and construction-safe pedestrian route. |
Food, Wi-Fi, Bag Rules and Visitor Services
| Visitor question | Current venue guidance |
|---|---|
| Outside food and beverages | Generally prohibited; limited medical and specific dietary exceptions may apply. |
| Food concessions | Sodexo Live! manages the venue’s food and beverage operations; opening hours depend on the event. |
| On-site coffee and snacks | Kay’s Place and Go Natural are listed in the Level 2 C Lobby. |
| Complimentary Wi-Fi | Available in common areas and meeting rooms; dedicated event services may need separate arrangements. |
| Bag requirements | Each event organizer can establish its own bag policy. |
| Payments | The facility and in-house vendors are cashless; some independent exhibitors may accept cash. |
| Nursing rooms | Mamava nursing pods in Level 2 A Lobby and Level 2 C Lobby. |
| ATMs | Available in Level 2 A and C Lobbies. |
| Business center | No on-site convention business center; UPS Business Center at adjacent Omni Dallas Hotel. |
| Lost property | Use the venue’s Boomerang lost-and-found reporting service. |
| Pets | Ordinary pets are prohibited; qualifying ADA service animals are permitted. |
Accessibility and Mobility Assistance
Permanent Venue Features
- Accessible parking in the garage and Lot C
- Elevators in operating buildings A, B and C
- Accessible restroom facilities
- Accessible drop-off at Lower C Driveway
- Wheelchair-accessible first aid and drinking fountains
Arrange These in Advance
- Accessible event seating
- Sign-language interpretation
- Assistive listening equipment
- Visual-access accommodations
- Wheelchair or scooter rental through AABCO Ready Rental
Mobility rental contact: 972-412-3500. For venue accessibility questions, call 469-580-8118. Event-specific assistance should be requested through the organizer.
Exhibitor and Conference Organizer Information
Exhibitors should work from their own event’s service manual. Freight delivery, loading, utilities and installation requirements are different from ordinary attendee arrival procedures.
- Confirm assigned booth and hall. Make sure the event is scheduled in an active building.
- Get the exhibitor service manual. Check deadlines, move-in hours and contractor requirements.
- Arrange loading. The venue publishes 1225 Canton Street as a freight loading address, but your show contractor must confirm the assigned dock and gate.
- Order event services. Coordinate internet, electrical, audio-visual and rigging services with approved providers.
- Check food sampling requirements. Food and beverage demonstrations may require separate permits and venue approval.
- Follow the move-out timetable. Arrange carrier collections and freight instructions before your event closes.
| Service | Published venue provider / contact |
|---|---|
| Internet and Wi-Fi services | Smart City Networks — 214-853-8900 |
| Food and beverage | Sodexo Live! — cateringsales.dallas@sodexo.com |
| Parking | ACE Parking |
| Security emergencies | KBHCCD Security Dispatch — 214-939-2942 |
10 Things to Check Before Going to Dallas Convention Center
- Your event is scheduled in an operating building.
- You have the confirmed date and time.
- Your entry hall is A, B or C.
- Tickets, identification and registration are ready.
- Your parking location is correct for the event.
- You know that re-entry to paid parking is charged separately.
- You are not planning to exit at the closed DART Convention Center Station.
- Construction and pedestrian restrictions have been considered.
- You meet the event’s bag and accessibility requirements.
- You have the venue’s security contact saved: 214-939-2942.
Dallas Convention Center FAQs
1. What is the Dallas Convention Center officially called?
Its official name is Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas, often abbreviated KBHCCD. The facility is located at 650 S Griffin Street in downtown Dallas.
2. Is Dallas Convention Center open in 2026?
Yes. Buildings A, B and C continue to host selected events during redevelopment. Sections D, E and F have been decommissioned for demolition and reconstruction.
3. How much is Dallas Convention Center parking?
The venue currently publishes $20 for its main parking garage and $17 for surface Lot C. Both rates are per day and entry, without free in-and-out privileges.
4. Where is the Dallas Convention Center located?
The official venue address is 650 South Griffin Street, Dallas, Texas 75202. Parking areas have separate entrance locations.
5. Is DART Convention Center Station operating?
No. The DART Convention Center Station closed to passenger boarding and exits on January 5, 2026. Use alternative rail stations and the supplemental GoLink connection.
6. Which hotel is closest to Dallas Convention Center?
Omni Dallas Hotel is adjacent to the convention center and contains 1,001 guest rooms. Visitors should check current pedestrian access during construction.
7. When will the new Dallas Convention Center open?
The new facility is currently targeted for 2030. The date is a redevelopment target rather than a guarantee that all construction work will be complete on a particular day.
8. How do I buy tickets for Dallas Convention Center events?
Open the official convention center calendar, choose your event, and follow the organizer’s registration or ticket link. Ticket rules and prices vary by event.
9. Can visitors bring outside food and drinks?
Outside food and beverages are generally prohibited. Limited exceptions may be allowed for medically necessary items or special dietary requirements.
10. Is Dallas Convention Center wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The venue offers accessible parking, elevators, accessible restrooms and designated pickup areas. Guests requiring event-specific services should contact their organizer ahead of time.
Dallas Convention Center Contact & Official Links
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas
650 S Griffin Street
Dallas, TX 75202
Main telephone: 214-939-2700
Security Dispatch: 214-939-2942
Accessibility: 469-580-8118
- Official Venue Website
- Live Events Calendar
- Garage and Lot C Parking Prices
- Active Hall Floor Plans
- Hotels, Dining and Visitor Resources
- DART Closure and GoLink Connections
- Convention Center Expansion Updates
Reviewed October 16, 2026. Construction routes, event schedules, parking charges and transportation services can change. Always follow the current event organizer’s arrival instructions.