Plan Your Visit to McAllen Convention Center
Going to a convention, festival, trade show, expo or private event? Find the correct address, ticket process, parking information, nearby hotels and event facilities before you travel.
McAllen Convention Center Events and Tickets
The center hosts consumer exhibitions, conventions, trade shows, festivals, seasonal attractions, business events and private gatherings. There is no universal ticket price: individual organizers determine admission and registration conditions.
| Event / date | Published information | Visitor action |
|---|---|---|
| Fiesta de Palmas October 18, 2026 | Ticketmaster lists a 3 PM start for the Sunday festival event. | Confirm today’s admission, access and activities with the organizer. |
| Saxet Gun Show October 24–25, 2026 | Official venue calendar lists 9 AM–6 PM and $10 admission at the door. | Confirm any age, entry and event-specific restrictions before arriving. |
| South Pole Illuminated Festival November 27–29, 2026 | Ticketmaster lists sessions beginning at 5:30 PM. | Check the current session, ticket type and organizer’s entry guidance. |
Selected public listings checked October 18, 2026. Additional dates and private events may not appear in this table. Events may be added, postponed or canceled.
How to find and buy event tickets
- Open the correct venue calendar. Start with McAllen Convention Center’s official event listings.
- Select your event. Check date, starting time, hall, entrance and age requirements.
- Find the authorized ticket method. Some events use Ticketmaster, while others sell admission at the door or through the organizer.
- Review extra conditions. Confirm any bag, food, re-entry or registration restrictions.
- Save your confirmation. Keep mobile tickets, receipts or registration QR codes accessible.
Box office contact
| Item | Published detail |
|---|---|
| Telephone | (956) 681-3801 |
| Location | East side of McAllen Performing Arts Center |
| Monday–Thursday | 1 PM–5 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday–Sunday | Normally closed; event-day arrangements may vary |
The official Experience McAllen box-office page publishes these hours. Separate Ticketmaster venue listings may show different box-office arrangements; confirm before making a special trip.
Convention Center or Performing Arts Center: Which Address?
The biggest local navigation mistake is assuming these neighboring buildings are the same venue.
| Venue | Address | Common event use |
|---|---|---|
| McAllen Convention Center | 700 Convention Center Blvd | Exhibitions, conferences, trade shows, banquets and festivals |
| McAllen Performing Arts Center | 801 Convention Center Blvd | Seated concerts, theater, comedy and stage productions |
Parking at McAllen Convention Center
The convention center district provides surface parking areas around the building. The venue’s official meeting-planner information includes complimentary parking with meeting rentals, and published event-specific conference instructions have identified free parking in adjacent lots on Houston Avenue.
Where should you park?
- Navigate to 700 Convention Center Boulevard, McAllen, TX 78501.
- Follow posted district signs and any event staff instructions.
- Look for attendee parking in the nearby surface lots, rather than assuming every available-looking space is public.
- Use designated accessible spaces if you have a qualifying permit.
- For a large show or festival, arrive early and follow official overflow directions if announced.
Do not park in loading docks or service areas. The venue’s published rules permit loading-dock use for loading and unloading only; unauthorized parking can result in towing.
Pickup, drop-off and rideshare
Arrange pickup around your particular event entrance, especially when Oval Park or the boulevard is occupied by a festival. Share a clear meeting point with your driver and avoid obstructing traffic or emergency access.
McAllen Convention Center Map and Directions
The venue lies in west-central McAllen, near South Ware Road and the Palms Crossing shopping area. It is a short drive from McAllen Miller International Airport, although traffic and event road closures can affect travel time.
Destination: 700 Convention Center Boulevard, McAllen, TX 78501
General location map. Individual events may use a particular hall entrance or parking area.
Open Turn-by-Turn Directions ↗Arriving from nearby locations
| Starting area | Arrival advice |
|---|---|
| McAllen Miller International Airport (MFE) | Use a taxi, rideshare or rental car and navigate to the Convention Center Boulevard address. |
| Downtown McAllen | Navigate west toward the convention district; verify traffic around major events. |
| Mission, Texas | Use your route planner for the current approach toward west McAllen and Ware Road. |
| Edinburg, Texas | Check the best route into McAllen based on traffic and your starting point. |
| Rio Grande Valley visitors | Allow extra time during major evening festivals and weekend expos. |
Directions above are orientation guidance, not guaranteed driving-time estimates.
Hotels Near McAllen Convention Center
Several hotels sit within or immediately beside the convention district. Staying nearby can help visitors attending multiday conventions, wedding events, trade shows or festivals.
Embassy Suites by Hilton
800 Convention Center Blvd, McAllen, TX 78501
An all-suite property beside the event district. A useful choice for families or guests wanting extra room space and convenient convention access.
Hotel location ↗Cambria Hotel McAllen Convention Center
701 S Ware Road, McAllen, TX 78501
Close to the convention center with hotel dining and an event-area location. Confirm current rates and airport transport arrangements.
Hotel location ↗La Quinta Inn & Suites
801 S Ware Road, McAllen, TX 78501
Convenient for guests who want a nearby hotel and prefer to compare included amenities such as breakfast or parking.
Hotel location ↗Home2 Suites by Hilton McAllen
525 S Ware Road, McAllen, TX 78501
Suite-style accommodation close to the event district, particularly useful for longer visits or guests needing additional living space.
Hotel location ↗Floor Plan, Seating Capacity and Meeting Rooms
The center has approximately 174,000 square feet of multifunctional facility space. Its large exhibit hall can be divided into sections, while the ballroom and meeting rooms support events with smaller seating requirements.
Published exhibit hall layouts
| Space | Area | Theater | Banquet | 10 × 10 booths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Exhibit Hall | 60,818 sq. ft. | 5,600 | 2,000 | 273 |
| Exhibit Hall A | 27,555 sq. ft. | 2,300 | 1,000 | 129 |
| Exhibit Hall B | 33,262 sq. ft. | 2,700 | 1,248 | 156 |
Figures are from the published Visit McAllen meeting-planner guide. Listed capacities are configuration examples rather than guaranteed admission limits for every event.
Other facility spaces
Grand Ballroom
Approximately 10,412 square feet of column-free ballroom space, suitable for receptions, banquets and large meeting formats.
Meeting Rooms
Approximately 25,000 square feet across 16 carpeted meeting rooms, supporting workshops, seminars and smaller group functions.
Boardrooms
Published boardroom facilities include approximately 908 square feet of dedicated executive meeting space.
Outdoor Venue
Oval Park provides an event-friendly setting for music, community celebrations and outdoor activities.
Oval Park at McAllen Convention Center
Oval Park is the landscaped 2.4-acre outdoor event space connected to the district’s main entrance. It features landscaped grounds, a water fountain, reflecting pond and a performance platform.
It is used for outdoor celebrations, community events, concerts and the annual Fiesta de Palmas festival.
Planning to attend an outdoor festival?
- Check event-specific outdoor opening hours and admission requirements.
- Expect different entrance routes or crowd barriers during major festivals.
- Verify whether folding chairs, pets, outside food or coolers are permitted.
- Bring weather-appropriate clothing and sun protection when needed.
- Follow event staff guidance around the pond and busy walkways.
How to Rent McAllen Convention Center
The venue supports corporate events, expos, conferences, weddings, quinceañeras, banquets and other organized gatherings. Final rental costs depend on room type, schedule, attendance, services and contractual requirements.
- Define the event. Decide whether you need an exhibit hall, ballroom, meeting room or outdoor space.
- Estimate attendance. Include visitors, vendors, staff, performers and required accessible circulation areas.
- Select proposed dates. Include setup, rehearsals and move-out days if applicable.
- Prepare the service list. Note catering, audiovisual equipment, stage, security, utilities, internet and furniture requirements.
- Contact the venue. Call (956) 681-3800 and request an event planning proposal.
- Review the detailed estimate. Verify minimums, deposits, mandatory services, cancellation conditions and setup charges.
- Finalize your booking. Follow the venue’s current contract, safety and payment procedures.
What is included or charged separately?
| Service | Published planning guidance |
|---|---|
| Parking and Wi-Fi | Listed as complimentary with meeting rentals. |
| Basic staging, chairs and tables | Listed as included in venue meeting-planner amenities; confirm specific quantities and configuration. |
| Microphones, sound and displays | AV services and equipment may require separate rental arrangements. |
| Catering | Subject to exclusive in-house catering and concession rules. |
| Event security | Requirements and costs depend on event type and operational needs. |
| Electrical and other utilities | Venue-controlled service; additional charges may apply. |
Accessibility and Venue Rules
The convention center serves public events with accessible access needs. Confirm accessible seating, parking, entrance choice and event-specific accommodations with the venue or organizer.
Important event and exhibitor rules
| Topic | Published rule |
|---|---|
| Smoking | The convention center is a nonsmoking facility. |
| Outside food and drinks | Subject to exclusive catering/concession rules and event restrictions. |
| Animals | Animals generally are not permitted except as required under applicable disability-access law. |
| Decorations | Glitter, confetti, streamers, helium balloons and prohibited adhesives are not allowed. |
| Open flames | Prohibited inside the facility. |
| Fog machines | Require prior approval and event-coordinator arrangements. |
| Alcohol | BYOB is prohibited; service follows venue catering and security rules. |
| Loading dock | For authorized loading/unloading, not general parking. |
| Fire exits | Required aisles, exit routes and fire equipment must remain unobstructed. |
Visitor Checklist Before Leaving Home
- Confirm 700 Convention Center Blvd is the correct building.
- Check the event’s current date, time and admission method.
- Know whether your event uses Exhibit Hall A, Hall B, a ballroom or Oval Park.
- Verify parking and entrance instructions for that specific event.
- Save your ticket, badge or registration confirmation.
- Check venue rules for outside food, bags and re-entry.
- If staying overnight, compare nearby convention-district hotels.
- Confirm special-access accommodations in advance.
McAllen Convention Center FAQs
1. Where is McAllen Convention Center in Texas?
McAllen Convention Center is located at 700 Convention Center Boulevard, McAllen, TX 78501, in the city’s Convention Center District.
2. Is parking free at McAllen Convention Center?
The venue advertises complimentary parking with meeting rentals, and some public events provide free adjacent parking. Check the specific event’s instructions because parking arrangements can vary.
3. What events take place at McAllen Convention Center?
Events include trade shows, consumer expos, conventions, festivals, banquets, community celebrations and private meetings. Upcoming public events are listed on the official Experience McAllen calendar.
4. Where can I buy McAllen Convention Center tickets?
Start with the official event listing and follow the organizer’s authorized ticket instructions. Depending on the event, tickets may be sold through Ticketmaster, directly by the organizer or at the door.
5. Is McAllen Convention Center the same as McAllen Performing Arts Center?
No. McAllen Convention Center is at 700 Convention Center Boulevard, while the neighboring McAllen Performing Arts Center is at 801 Convention Center Boulevard.
6. How many people can the convention center accommodate?
The full exhibit hall has a published theater-layout capacity of up to 5,600 and banquet-layout capacity of 2,000. The permitted number varies by event configuration and safety requirements.
7. Are hotels within walking distance?
Yes. Nearby options include Embassy Suites by Hilton McAllen Convention Center, Cambria Hotel, La Quinta Inn & Suites and Home2 Suites. Confirm the exact walking route for your hotel.
8. What is Oval Park at the convention center?
Oval Park is a landscaped 2.4-acre outdoor area next to the venue, featuring a fountain, reflective pond and performance platform for community events and festivals.
9. Can I rent the convention center for weddings or meetings?
Yes. The venue supports conventions, weddings, banquets, business meetings and private functions. Call (956) 681-3800 for availability, pricing and contractual requirements.
10. What is the McAllen Convention Center phone number?
The main venue contact number is (956) 681-3800. The Experience McAllen box-office information page separately lists (956) 681-3801 for ticket-related questions.
Official Information and Contact Details
McAllen Convention Center
700 Convention Center Boulevard
McAllen, Texas 78501
General venue: (956) 681-3800
Box office: (956) 681-3801