Dallas, Texas · 2026 Visitor Planning Guide
Plan Your Dallas Convention Visit Around the Active Halls and Construction
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas is at 650 S Griffin Street in downtown Dallas. The venue continues to host public events while undergoing a major redevelopment. Your most important decisions are which exhibit hall is hosting your event, where you can park or get dropped off, and how construction affects your route.
The venue is not entirely closed. Buildings A, B and C continue to host selected events, while sections D, E and F have been decommissioned for demolition and redevelopment. The DART Convention Center Station is closed to passengers. Streets, parking access and event entrances may change during construction.
Is Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas Open in 2026?
Yes, for scheduled events in operating spaces. The convention center is undergoing phased reconstruction, not a complete shutdown. The City of Dallas confirmed that buildings A, B and C remain active as redevelopment proceeds.
Buildings A and B
Continuing to accommodate qualifying exhibitions, ballrooms and meeting events. Confirm the specific event entrance.
Building C
Still available for selected events, including Exhibit Hall C and related meeting areas.
Buildings D, E and F
Removed from normal event use for demolition and the new convention center development.
What Is Being Built?
The new convention center is targeted to open in 2030. The published development concept includes:
These figures describe the future planned facility, not the square footage currently available for event bookings. Construction timelines and designs remain subject to change.
Upcoming Dallas Convention Center Events
As of October 16, 2026, the venue’s public calendar lists the following upcoming shows and events. Hall assignments and dates can change; ticket prices are determined by each event organizer.
| Event | Scheduled dates | Useful detail |
|---|---|---|
| NTX Universe | Oct 16–18, 2026 | Pop culture and collectibles; Halls B & C. |
| PlantCon Dallas | Oct 24–25, 2026 | Plant-focused consumer event; Hall C. |
| Collect-A-Con Dallas | Oct 24–25, 2026 | Collectibles event; Hall B. |
| Win the Storm | Oct 28–30, 2026 | Scheduled convention event; verify organizer details. |
| Longhorn State Tattoo Expo | Oct 30–Nov 1, 2026 | Exhibition and consumer event; Hall B. |
| USA Wheelchair Football League Tournament | Nov 1–2, 2026 | Sporting event; Hall C. |
| Small Business Expo Dallas | Nov 4, 2026 | Small-business networking event. |
| ThriftCon | Nov 7, 2026 | Thrift and vintage merchandise; Hall B. |
| HYROX Dallas | Nov 18–22, 2026 | Fitness and sporting event. |
| Spirit Celebration Grand Nationals | Dec 5–6, 2026 | Cheer competition. |
| BMW Dallas Marathon | Dec 11–12, 2026 | Listed convention center activities associated with the event. |
How to Find Tickets and the Correct Entrance
- Find your event. Match the exact name and date in the venue calendar.
- Open the event listing. Check assigned halls, event hours and the event website.
- Check registration rules. Determine whether tickets, advance registration, exhibitor credentials or age restrictions apply.
- Confirm entrance instructions. An event in Hall C may direct visitors differently from an event in A or B.
- Save your ticket. Keep a digital or printed confirmation according to the organizer’s entry instructions.
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas Parking: Prices and Locations
The convention center offers two officially listed on-site parking choices managed by ACE Parking. Both use per-day, per-entry pricing with no in-and-out privileges. Parking is first-come, first-served and is not guaranteed.
Convention Center Garage
Entrance area: Memorial Drive and South Griffin Street, Dallas, TX 75202.
- Approximately 1,200 spaces
- Two parking levels, G and P
- Operated by ACE Parking
- No free re-entry
Parking Lot C
Listed location: 502 S Lamar Street, Dallas, TX 75202.
- Approximately 170 spaces
- Surface parking
- Operated by ACE Parking
- No free re-entry
How to Pay for Parking
- Choose a permitted lot. Confirm the garage or Lot C is accessible for your event.
- Take your entry ticket. Keep it with you when the facility issues one.
- Use a payment method. The venue’s parking PDF lists pay stations, payment at the exit, QR-code scan-to-pay or the ACE online payment portal.
- Exit after paying. Follow garage signs and attendants’ directions.
- Avoid repeat-entry costs. Because re-entry is not included, leaving and returning may result in another charge.
Accessible parking is available in the garage and Lot C. Space availability and the best approach route should be confirmed for your event.
Convention Center Location, Map and Drop-Off Points
Main venue address: 650 S Griffin Street, Dallas, Texas 75202. Use this address to locate the campus, but use the event’s assigned entrance or the current garage entrance when navigating to a particular door.
Attendee Pickup and Drop-Off
The venue identifies Lower C Driveway, between Lamar and Griffin Streets, as a preferred accessible rideshare and drop-off area. The event organizer may assign a different location.
Exhibitor Loading
The exhibitor information page gives 1225 Canton Street, Dallas, TX 75202 for the Canton Gate loading-dock entrance. Exhibitors must follow their show contractor’s scheduled freight and marshaling instructions.
DART Rail, Dallas Airports and Public Transportation
The former DART Convention Center Station closed to passengers on January 5, 2026 because of redevelopment. Trains pass through but do not stop for passenger boarding or exits. Older travel guides telling guests to exit at Convention Center Station are no longer accurate.
EBJ Union Station
An alternative downtown rail arrival point. Plan your onward journey using DART GoLink, a taxi or an appropriate pedestrian route.
Cedars Station
Another recommended alternative for convention center trips, with a DART GoLink connector serving the construction area.
Temporary DART Connections
DART lists a supplemental GoLink connector linking EBJ Union Station, Cedars Station and the Marilla at Akard bus stop (Stop ID 20685), along with qualifying addresses inside the connector zone. Book with the GoPass app or call 214-515-7272. Bus routes 106, 128 and 224 have construction-related stop and routing changes.
Arriving From DFW International Airport
- Go to the airport’s DART rail station. Follow ground transportation and rail signs.
- Use the current DART trip planner. Choose an appropriate rail route toward downtown Dallas, ordinarily involving the Orange Line.
- Exit at an operating downtown station. Do not plan to exit at the closed Convention Center Station.
- Connect to the venue. Use the current GoLink, pedestrian or car connection based on your assigned entrance and baggage.
Arriving From Dallas Love Field
- Find the Love Link connection. DART Route 524 links Love Field with Inwood/Love Field Station.
- Use DART rail toward downtown. Check current service, transfer and route information in GoPass.
- Continue from an operating station. Use the construction-aware downtown connection to your event entrance.
| Airport | Approximate distance | Visitor choice |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW) | 20.5 miles | DART rail, taxi, rideshare or car. |
| Dallas Love Field (DAL) | 7.8 miles | Love Link and DART, taxi or rideshare. |
Floor Plans, Exhibit Halls, Meeting Rooms and Venue Capacity
During redevelopment, only certain buildings and spaces are available. The current official facility page identifies the following representative areas:
| Available area | 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 |
| Exhibit Hall C | 103,940 sq ft | Building C, Level 2 |
| Ballroom C | 19,224 sq ft | Building C, 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 |
| C100 meeting rooms | 27,665 sq ft | Building C, Level 1 |
These are facility listing measurements, not guarantees that every space can be booked on a given date. Exact capacities depend on seating, event layout and licensed configurations.
Reading Your Event Hall Assignment
- Hall A/B/C: Find the designated exhibition building and entry point.
- A100 or C100: Check the Level 1 room map.
- A300: Check the Level 3 map and elevator access.
- Ballroom A or C: Confirm the particular ballroom partition and registration entrance.
- Exhibitor booth number: Use your show organizer’s specific booth floor plan, not only the general facility map.
Entry Rules, Wi-Fi, Food and Building Amenities
| Visitor topic | What to know before arrival |
|---|---|
| Bag policy | Set by the individual event organizer; clear-bag or size requirements may apply. |
| Outside food | Generally prohibited; limited medical or dietary exceptions may apply. |
| Payments | The venue and in-house vendors are cashless; some exhibitors may accept cash. |
| Complimentary Wi-Fi | Network name: “Free Internet” in common areas and meeting rooms. |
| Pets | Pets are not allowed; ADA service animals are welcome. |
| Food concessions | Operated by Sodexo Live!; offerings and schedules vary by event. |
| Business services | No venue business center; a UPS Business Center is in the adjacent Omni Dallas Hotel. |
| ATMs | Listed at Level 2 A Lobby and Level 2 C Lobby. |
| Nursing spaces | Mamava nursing pods at Level 2 A Lobby and Level 2 C Lobby. |
| Lost property | Report through the venue’s Boomerang lost-and-found system. |
Accessibility Services
The convention center offers accessible routes, elevators, restrooms, parking and designated drop-off. Building A, B and C elevators are listed on the official accessibility page.
Available Venue Facilities
- Accessible parking in the garage and Lot C.
- Elevator connections to operating floors.
- Accessible restroom facilities.
- Accessible first aid and drinking fountains.
- Lower C Driveway accessible drop-off, subject to event arrangements.
Assistance You May Need to Request
- Interpreter services from the event organizer.
- Accessible event seating arrangements.
- Hearing-assistive or visual-assistive equipment.
- Mobility rentals from AABCO Ready Rental, 972-412-3500.
- Confirmation of the accessible route during construction.
Venue accessibility assistance: 469-580-8118 or kbhccd-info@oakviewgroup.com. For event-specific accommodations, contact the event organizer early.
Where to Stay Near the Dallas Convention Center
The downtown Dallas hotel district provides several accommodation styles. The most convenient location depends on your event’s assigned hall, walking-route restrictions and nightly rate.
Omni Dallas Hotel
Located adjacent to the convention center, this hotel has 1,001 rooms, dining venues, meeting facilities, a spa and a heated infinity pool. The pedestrian connection is especially useful, but visitors should check any construction-related path changes.
Best for: Guests prioritizing a short convention-focused stay with full-service hotel amenities.
Other Central Dallas Hotels
Hotels around downtown Dallas, the AT&T Discovery District, Main Street and Union Station offer different budgets and room styles. Compare actual walking routes, parking, breakfast and cancellation rules, not distance alone.
Best for: Visitors who want more accommodation and dining choices.
Hotel Booking Checklist
- Confirm your event is in Hall A, B or C.
- Check how far the hotel is from the actual event entrance.
- Compare the full stay cost, including parking, taxes and fees.
- Confirm that nearby construction does not affect your route.
- Review checkout time if your final conference session runs late.
- Avoid non-refundable rates until your registration is confirmed.
Dining options: The Omni Dallas Hotel has multiple restaurants, while the AT&T Discovery District and Exchange Food Hall offer additional options in the downtown area. On-site convention concessions are limited by the event schedule.
For Exhibitors and Event Organizers
Exhibitors need more than ordinary visitor directions. Freight deliveries, booth services, electrical requirements, internet orders and loading windows usually come from the event’s general service contractor.
Exhibitor Arrival Steps
- Read the exhibitor service manual. Find your show’s contractor, booth number, hall and move-in schedule.
- Check freight instructions. Use 1225 Canton Street for the venue’s published Canton Gate loading address only when your contractor confirms it is the correct entrance.
- Arrange booth utilities. Order electricity, paid internet or other services from approved partners.
- Plan equipment and signage. Confirm fire safety, display, banner and installation rules.
- Coordinate parking. Exhibitor vehicles may require different routes or assigned access.
- Prepare move-out logistics. Confirm freight pickup timing and how materials must be labeled.
| Service | Provider / contact |
|---|---|
| Food and beverage | Sodexo Live! — cateringsales.dallas@sodexo.com |
| Technology and internet | Smart City Networks — 214-853-8900 |
| Audio visual and rigging | Freeman — KBHCCDAV@freeman.com |
| Parking | ACE Parking, subject to venue operations. |
| Security emergencies | 214-939-2942 |
Event-Day Checklist: Your Last 10 Minutes of Planning
- Event confirmed: You have the right date, organizer and ticket.
- Hall confirmed: A, B or C and the assigned entrance.
- Parking decided: Garage, Lot C or alternative transport.
- Construction considered: You have checked current road access.
- DART route updated: You are not planning to exit at the closed Convention Center Station.
- Bag policy checked: You meet the event-specific rules.
- Arrival time planned: You have allowed time for walking, queues and registration.
- Access needs covered: Any assistance is arranged with the event organizer.
- Ticket available: Confirmation is saved for offline access.
- Safety contact saved: Venue Security Dispatch, 214-939-2942.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas open in 2026?
Yes. The venue continues to host scheduled events in operating buildings A, B and C during redevelopment. Buildings D, E and F have been decommissioned. Confirm your event’s assigned hall.
2. Where is Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas located?
The main address is 650 S Griffin Street, Dallas, TX 75202. Your event may require a specific building or entrance.
3. How much is parking at the Dallas Convention Center?
Published parking is $20 at the on-site garage near Memorial Drive and South Griffin Street, and $17 at Lot C, 502 S Lamar Street. Rates are per day and entry with no in-and-out privileges.
4. Is the DART Convention Center Station open?
No. DART closed Convention Center Station to passengers on January 5, 2026. Trains may pass through without stopping. Travelers can use alternatives including EBJ Union Station, Cedars Station and the designated GoLink connector.
5. When will the new Dallas Convention Center open?
The City of Dallas and the venue currently target 2030 for the redeveloped facility. This is a projected completion year, not a guarantee that all works will finish on one specific date.
6. How do I find events and purchase tickets?
Visit the venue’s official events calendar, select the show and follow its organizer’s ticket or registration link. Individual organizers control admission prices, rules and event schedules.
7. Which exhibit halls are available during construction?
Buildings A, B and C remain in use for selected events. Available spaces include Exhibit Halls A, B and C and associated ballroom and meeting areas, subject to event scheduling.
8. Can I bring outside food into the venue?
Outside food and beverages are generally prohibited. Limited exceptions may apply for medical needs or specially prepared food for dietary restrictions. The event organizer can clarify applicable procedures.
9. Is the convention center accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes. The venue provides accessible routes, restrooms, elevators and designated accessible parking. Mobility rentals are available through a preferred third-party provider. Event-specific services, such as interpreters, should be arranged with the organizer.
10. Which hotel is closest to the Dallas Convention Center?
The Omni Dallas Hotel is directly adjacent to the convention center and is a major option for convention visitors. Confirm current pedestrian access and compare hotel rates before booking.
Contact Information and Official Resources
Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas
650 S Griffin Street, Dallas, TX 75202
Main telephone: 214-939-2700
Emergency venue security: 214-939-2942
Accessibility email: kbhccd-info@oakviewgroup.com
- Official Convention Center Website
- Official Events Calendar
- Current Parking and Road Directions
- Floor Plans and Capacity Documents
- DART Station Closure Information
- Dallas Convention Center Redevelopment Updates
Visitor information reviewed for October 2026. Parking prices, assigned entrances, traffic restrictions, event schedules and future development plans can change.