Fredericksburg, Virginia • Events & Visitor Information
Plan Your Visit: Free Parking, Events, Hotels & Floor Plans
Fredericksburg Convention Center, formerly called the Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center, is an exhibition and meeting venue in the Central Park district of Fredericksburg, Virginia.
It hosts public shows, conventions, weddings, business meetings and special events. Visitors benefit from 1,200 on-site parking spaces, generally free event parking, nearby hotels and easy access from Interstate 95.
Address: 2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Phone: 540-548-5555
Fredericksburg Convention Center: Quick Facts
| Official name | Fredericksburg Convention Center |
|---|---|
| Former name | Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center |
| Location | 2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 |
| District | Central Park / Celebrate Virginia |
| Phone | 540-548-5555 |
| Total flexible area | Over 120,000 square feet |
| Exhibition space | 80,000 square feet, divisible into Halls A and B |
| Meeting facilities | 11 meeting spaces, including ballroom divisions |
| On-site parking | 1,200 spaces; complimentary for most events |
| Food service | On-site food court for many public events and exclusive venue catering |
| Hotels | Several properties within walking distance along Hospitality Lane |
| Office / public hours | Event-specific public hours; confirm with the organizer |
| Official website | fredericksburgconventioncenter.com |
Upcoming Fredericksburg Convention Center Events
The official events calendar lists seasonal shows, trade events, shopping fairs, family activities and private gatherings. Below are selected scheduled events published for late 2026.
Indoor haunted attraction on select nights: October 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 and 31. Published admission is $25 per person, with free parking.
Model trains, collectibles, operating layouts, dealers and hobby demonstrations. Children are advertised as admitted free under the organizer’s policy.
Music and entertainment event. Confirm ticketing, door times and entry requirements with the organizer.
Indoor shopping event. Early-bird entry is listed for 8 AM, general entry at 8:30 AM, with the event ending at 3 PM. Children 12 and under are free.
Published hours are 11 AM–4 PM. Advance admission is advertised at $45 and door admission at $55; age and identification requirements apply.
A themed exhibition and shopping event. Check the event organizer’s digital-ticket requirements and current admission conditions.
More Scheduled Events
- November 14: Anime Fredericksburg.
- November 14: True Honey Teas Festival.
- December 4–6: Holiday Craft Show.
- December 18–20: Fairfax Challenge.
- January 8–10, 2027: FXBG Boat & Water Sports Sale.
- February 6–7, 2027: FXBG KidFest.
- March 12–14, 2027: Fredericksburg RV Show.
How to Find Tickets, Prices & Event Hours
Check whether it runs on one day, several consecutive days or selected evenings only.
Check admission charges, child tickets, door times, parking exceptions and vendor information.
Use the organizer or venue’s ticketing link where available. Keep the confirmation and review refund or rescheduling rules.
Allow time for parking, entrance queues and any badge or ticket scanning.
Parking: 1,200 Spaces and Free Parking for Most Events
Fredericksburg Convention Center offers approximately 1,200 on-site parking spaces. The facility’s official FAQ confirms free parking for attendees, although special events can have different arrangements.
Standard Event Parking
Complimentary parking is available for most public events. Spaces are provided on-site, making it unnecessary to search for downtown Fredericksburg parking garages.
Special Events
Some events may introduce parking fees, assigned areas or special traffic instructions. Confirm the conditions on your ticket or organizer’s event page.
Accessible Parking
Contact the venue if you need accessible parking or a step-free entrance route. Availability and arrangements can depend on the event setup.
Exhibitors and Vendors
Event organizers provide separate load-in instructions. Vendor vehicles, equipment unloading and booth setup do not necessarily use the standard attendee parking route.
How to Park Without Delays
- Enter 2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway into your navigation app.
- Approach from the correct side of Central Park and follow the convention center parking signs.
- Check whether your event has assigned attendee or exhibitor lots.
- Follow parking attendants’ directions during high-attendance shows.
- Save your vehicle’s parking location before entering the building.
Tip for popular shows: Free parking does not mean every space will remain available. Large shopping shows, entertainment events and overlapping bookings can create busy arrival periods.
Exhibition Halls, Ballroom & Meeting-Room Capacities
The venue has over 120,000 square feet of flexible space. Its exhibition hall can operate as one large event area or be divided into Halls A and B.
| Space | Published information | Suitable events |
|---|---|---|
| Exhibition Halls A + B | 80,000 sq. ft.; up to 380 standard 10×10-foot trade-show booths | Major trade shows, exhibitions, concerts and conventions |
| Exhibition Hall A | 45,000 sq. ft.; approximately 210 standard booths | Consumer shows, exhibits and competitions |
| Exhibition Hall B | 35,000 sq. ft.; approximately 170 standard booths | Smaller expos and divisible exhibitions |
| Combined Hall Capacity | Up to approximately 3,400 attendees in an appropriate setup | Large-format indoor functions |
| Grand Ballroom | Approximately 10,000 sq. ft.; divisible into six sections | Weddings, banquets, presentations and galas |
| Ballroom banquet setup | Approximately 50–500 guests depending on event configuration | Seated dining and receptions |
| Conference center | 11 meeting spaces, including five meeting rooms and six ballroom sections | Breakouts, training, business meetings and conferences |
Exhibitor Facility Specifications
Ceiling & Loading
- Exhibition hall center ceiling height: approximately 30 feet.
- Side ceiling height: approximately 26 feet.
- Two ground-level roll-up doors, each approximately 16 feet high and 20 feet wide.
- Two loading docks for approved move-in operations.
Show Services
- Electrical service and ceiling utility drops.
- Ethernet and available Wi-Fi service.
- Water and drainage arrangements.
- House sound and PA system.
- Event security, labor, decorating and housekeeping.
Official floor-plan information and exhibition hall specifications provide additional setup details.
Hotels Within Walking Distance of the Convention Center
The convention center sits near several hotels along Hospitality Lane in the Celebrate Virginia area. That is useful for trade-show exhibitors, conference attendees and families visiting multi-day events.
| Hotel | Address | Who should consider it? |
|---|---|---|
| Hampton Inn & Suites Fredericksburg at Celebrate Virginia | 1080 Hospitality Lane | Travelers seeking a conventional hotel close to the venue |
| Hilton Garden Inn Fredericksburg | 1060 Hospitality Lane | Business travelers and event delegates |
| Homewood Suites by Hilton Fredericksburg | 1040 Hospitality Lane | Families, groups and longer stays |
| Extended Stay America Fredericksburg | 1065 Hospitality Lane | Visitors needing extended-stay accommodation |
| Silver Collection Hotel | 2200 Carl D. Silver Parkway | Visitors comparing nearby suite-style lodging |
Which Hotel Type Is Best?
One-Night Show Visit
Prioritize short travel distance and flexible cancellation. A nearby standard hotel may be sufficient if most of your day is spent at the convention.
Multi-Day Conference
Compare breakfast, meeting facilities, workspace, parking and any organizer-negotiated room rate.
Traveling With Children
Look for the right bed setup, breakfast convenience, suitable room occupancy and leisure facilities.
Longer Stay
Extended-stay or suite-style accommodation can be more practical when staying several nights with additional luggage.
Hotel Booking Checklist
- Compare final nightly totals including taxes and possible fees.
- Check whether breakfast and parking are included.
- Verify your distance to the convention center’s public entrance.
- Ask whether the event organizer has negotiated a room block.
- Check cancellation deadlines before purchasing a nonrefundable rate.
- Confirm accessible room features when required.
The convention center’s official visitor page provides its listed nearby hotel contacts.
Location Map, I-95 Directions & Transportation
The venue is located at 2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway, in the Central Park district of Fredericksburg, Virginia. This is the destination to use for general visitor directions.
Driving From Interstate 95
Use the Fredericksburg / Route 3 West exit from Interstate 95.
Continue toward the Central Park / Celebrate Virginia commercial district.
Continue through the relevant intersection at Fall Hill Avenue toward the convention center.
Use the event’s designated parking entrance. The official directions place the venue a short distance beyond the Fall Hill Avenue intersection.
Airports & Rail Options
| Transportation option | What to know |
|---|---|
| Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) | One of the regional airports listed by the venue. Travel time depends heavily on highway traffic. |
| Richmond International Airport (RIC) | Alternative airport serving visitors arriving from the south. |
| Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) | Another major airport option for regional and international travelers. |
| Virginia Railway Express (VRE) | The venue says the VRE station is approximately a ten-minute drive away. Rail schedules should be checked in advance. |
| Taxi or rideshare | Useful for reaching the venue from a train station or regional airport; price and pickup locations vary. |
Public transit limitation: Do not assume the convention center is directly served by passenger rail. Plan the final road transfer from the train station to Carl D. Silver Parkway.
Check current Virginia Railway Express routes and timetables.
Food, Bags, Accessibility & Visitor Rules
The facility has general policies, but some events impose additional entry restrictions. Check both the convention center’s rules and your individual event instructions.
| Topic | Official venue guidance |
|---|---|
| Outside food and drinks | Generally not permitted inside the convention center. |
| Food court | Open during many public events, with meals, drinks and snacks. Menus and availability vary. |
| Special dietary needs | The on-site catering team can discuss approved dietary and allergy accommodations with event organizers. |
| Outside catering | Not permitted for venue events; the center is the exclusive provider of food and beverages. |
| Outside alcohol | Not permitted on facility property. |
| Bags and security | Event-specific restrictions may apply. Check the organizer’s ticket instructions. |
| Wheelchair accessibility | The venue is listed as wheelchair accessible. Confirm assistance and the correct entrance for your event. |
| Exhibitor move-in | Use promoter-assigned access doors. Move-in and move-out through glass entry doors is prohibited. |
| Vendor booth equipment | Electrical service, chairs and other items can be arranged through exhibitor services. |
| Wi-Fi and utilities | Available as part of venue services; exhibitor needs, fees and arrangements may vary. |
Accessibility Planning
- Request an accessible parking and building entrance route when needed.
- Confirm accessible restrooms and suitable seating for your event.
- Contact the organizer if you need wheelchair accommodation or other assistance.
- For large exhibitions, allow extra time for moving between hall sections.
Contact the venue at 540-548-5555 for detailed accessibility arrangements.
Exhibitor Guide: Booths, Setup & Vendor Services
Fredericksburg Convention Center can accommodate hundreds of exhibition booths. However, the promoter of your specific event controls the actual booth package, assigned spaces and registration requirements.
Before Purchasing a Booth
- Confirm booth dimensions and allocated exhibit hall.
- Check whether tables, chairs and linens are included.
- Ask whether electrical service must be ordered separately.
- Confirm Wi-Fi or hardwired internet requirements.
- Review exhibitor insurance and sales permits when applicable.
Before Event Setup
- Request load-in and move-out time slots.
- Confirm assigned unloading doors and vehicle access.
- Check booth construction and height restrictions.
- Order extra equipment before organizer deadlines.
- Identify any special labor or decorating requirements.
See the official vendor opportunities page and the individual show’s exhibitor registration information.
How to Book Fredericksburg Convention Center for an Event
The venue offers exhibition space, meeting rooms and ballroom facilities for trade shows, corporate events, weddings, banquets, receptions and private gatherings.
Estimate attendance, preferred dates, session count, equipment and catering requirements.
Choose Exhibit Hall A, Hall B, the combined hall, meeting rooms or ballroom sections based on your layout and capacity needs.
Account for rental, staffing, food and beverages, audio-visual equipment, electrical service, security and any additional labor.
Use the official contact form or telephone 540-548-5555 to request available dates and a proposal.
Confirm the room configuration, services, setup hours, deposits, cancellation conditions and final payment deadlines.
Confirm all contractual requirements with your event coordinator before advertising the booking as confirmed.
Special Rules for Weddings & Ballroom Events
| Item | Published ballroom policy |
|---|---|
| Included event duration | Five hours for the function; setup and teardown time depends on availability. |
| Standard rental inclusions | Tables, chairs, lap-length linens, china, silverware and glassware. |
| Outside catering | Not permitted; the convention center provides food and beverage services. |
| Outside alcohol | Not permitted. |
| External DJ | Permitted with the required certificate of liability insurance. |
| Outside decorator | Permitted with the required insurance documentation. |
| Additional services | Dance floors, staging, upgraded linens and audiovisual equipment may involve extra fees. |
| Final changes | Submit guest-count, floor-plan and timeline changes at least seven days before the event. |
| Final payment | Remaining final balance is due seven days before the event under the venue’s published guidance. |
Things to Do Near the Convention Center
The venue is located in Fredericksburg’s Central Park commercial district, convenient for food, shopping and entertainment during breaks between event sessions.
Central Park Shopping
A large retail district with shopping, dining and entertainment options. Useful for attendees traveling with companions.
Restaurants Near Hospitality Lane
Several dining choices are located within the surrounding shopping area. Check current business hours before planning group meals.
Historic Downtown Fredericksburg
Visit historic streets, museums, restaurants and local shops. This is a separate area from the convention center and generally requires additional travel.
Fredericksburg Regional Attractions
The region offers Civil War history sites, cultural attractions, parks and family destinations for visitors extending their trip.
Local tip: Do not confuse the Central Park retail district with historic downtown Fredericksburg. They are different locations, so include travel time when arranging meals or sightseeing between conference sessions.
Before You Arrive: Practical Visitor Checklist
- Confirm your event date, ticket price and opening time.
- Save the venue address: 2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway.
- Use I-95 Exit 130B when appropriate for your starting location.
- Check whether your event has a parking exception.
- Bring a digital ticket, required ID or registration confirmation.
- Review restrictions on outside food, bags and event admission.
- Allow extra time for busy I-95 travel periods.
- If staying overnight, compare hotels on Hospitality Lane.
- Arrange accessible entry or seating assistance when needed.
- Save the venue phone number: 540-548-5555.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Fredericksburg Convention Center located?
Fredericksburg Convention Center is at 2371 Carl D. Silver Parkway, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401, in the Central Park / Celebrate Virginia district near I-95 Exit 130B.
2. Is parking free at Fredericksburg Convention Center?
Yes. The venue advertises approximately 1,200 on-site spaces with free parking for most events. Select special events may have different parking arrangements.
3. Is Fredericksburg Convention Center the same as Fredericksburg Expo Center?
Yes. Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center is the venue’s former branding. The current name is Fredericksburg Convention Center, at the same Carl D. Silver Parkway location.
4. How do I find upcoming Fredericksburg Convention Center events?
Visit the official event calendar at fredericksburgconventioncenter.com/events/. Select your event for dates, admission fees, operating hours and organizer instructions.
5. How large is Fredericksburg Convention Center?
The venue advertises over 120,000 square feet of flexible facility space, including 80,000 square feet of exhibit hall space that can be divided into Hall A and Hall B.
6. What hotels are near Fredericksburg Convention Center?
Nearby hotels include Hampton Inn & Suites Fredericksburg at Celebrate Virginia, Hilton Garden Inn Fredericksburg, Homewood Suites by Hilton Fredericksburg and Extended Stay America along Hospitality Lane.
7. Can I bring outside food into Fredericksburg Convention Center?
Outside food and beverages are generally prohibited. The venue offers a food court at many public events and provides exclusive catering for booked functions.
8. Is Fredericksburg Convention Center wheelchair accessible?
The venue is listed as wheelchair accessible. Contact 540-548-5555 for specific entrance, accessible parking, restroom or seating arrangements.
9. How many booths fit in the Fredericksburg Convention Center exhibit halls?
The combined 80,000-square-foot exhibition area can accommodate approximately 380 standard 10-by-10-foot booths. Hall A is listed for approximately 210 booths and Hall B for about 170.
10. How do I rent Fredericksburg Convention Center for a wedding or conference?
Review the venue’s space options, prepare event dates and guest numbers, then contact its event team through the official website or call 540-548-5555. A coordinator can discuss pricing, availability, catering and agreement requirements.
Official Visitor and Planning Resources
Final Visitor Recommendation
Fredericksburg Convention Center is a convenient event venue for visitors coming from Northern Virginia, Richmond and the surrounding Fredericksburg area. Its large exhibit halls, nearby hotels and generally free on-site parking make planning simpler than at some downtown convention facilities.
Before traveling: check your event’s actual opening time and ticket requirements, verify whether parking is complimentary for that event, and use the correct Carl D. Silver Parkway address. Event planners should compare hall layouts and obtain a written proposal before confirming a booking.
Independent visitor guide based on official Fredericksburg Convention Center and Virginia tourism information reviewed October 2026. Event listings, policies and availability may change.