Richmond, Virginia • Convention and Visitor Guide • October 2026
Richmond Convention Center: Events, $10 Parking, Hotels & Directions
The Greater Richmond Convention Center (GRCC) is Virginia’s largest exposition and meeting facility, located in downtown Richmond. It hosts trade shows, conferences, competitions, festivals, graduations and corporate events.
Before visiting, confirm your event’s assigned entrance at 5th and Marshall Streets, use the separate parking-garage address at 351 North 3rd Street, and budget for the official $10 per-entry or $26 overnight parking charge.
Convention center address: 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 804-783-7300
Greater Richmond Convention Center: Quick Facts
| Official name | Greater Richmond Convention Center |
|---|---|
| Other search name | Richmond Convention Center |
| Venue address | 403 N. 3rd Street, Richmond, VA 23219 |
| Parking GPS address | 351 N. 3rd Street, Richmond, VA 23219 |
| Main event entrances | 5th and Marshall Streets, Ballroom or Exhibit Hall Pavilion depending on the event |
| General telephone | 804-783-7300 |
| Security assistance | 804-783-7341 |
| Convention sales | 804-783-7336 |
| Entire facility | More than 700,000 sq. ft. |
| Contiguous exhibit hall | 178,000 sq. ft.; four divisible sections |
| Grand Ballroom | 30,550 sq. ft. |
| Meeting rooms | 36 individual rooms |
| Lecture hall | 258 fixed seats |
| GRCC garage | 401 spaces, including 10 accessible spaces |
| Parking charge | $10 per entry; $26 overnight |
| Parking re-entry | Not included; ticket is not transferable |
| Garage hours | Typically 6 AM–11 PM on most days |
| Connected hotel | Richmond Marriott, 500 E. Broad Street, via enclosed skywalk |
| Public Wi-Fi | GRCC_PUBLIC_FREE; valid email address required |
| Official website | richmond-center.com |
Richmond Convention Center Events and Tickets
Greater Richmond Convention Center hosts consumer shows, professional conferences, industry expos, competitions and cultural events throughout the year. Admission and event schedules are generally managed by individual organizers.
Recent Public Events Shown on the Official Calendar
| Event | Published dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Lucky Leaf Expo Richmond | August 28–29, 2026 | Past event |
| Collect-A-Con Richmond | August 29–30, 2026 | Past event |
| ImmerseCon | July 11–12, 2026 | Past event |
| Determined 2 Win Scholarship Gala | June 27, 2026 | Past event |
How to Find Your Next Event
Visit Greater Richmond Convention Center’s official events calendar.
Check the organizer’s website or ticket page if the venue calendar has no listing for your date.
Save registration details, ticket requirements, the hall or ballroom name and entry time.
Some events involve bag checks, screening or additional organizer restrictions.
Plan around the $10 garage entry rate, operating hours and walking route.
Important: A past event at the venue does not guarantee that it returns on the same dates in a future year.
Richmond Convention Center Parking: $10 Entry and $26 Overnight
The GRCC Parking Deck is located at 351 North 3rd Street, at 3rd and Marshall Streets. It connects directly to the convention center via the third level and provides 401 parking spaces.
Regular Garage Parking
$10
Per entry at the attached Greater Richmond Convention Center Parking Deck.
Overnight Parking
$26
Overnight charge; an authorized overnight permit must be displayed as required by garage regulations.
Parking Spaces
401
Six-level parking deck, including 10 designated accessible spaces.
Typical Garage Hours
6 AM–11 PM
Open on most days during these hours. Confirm arrangements for late events and overnight stays.
Vehicle Height Limits
| Garage level | Maximum clearance |
|---|---|
| Level 2 | 7 feet 8 inches |
| Upper levels | 6 feet 7 inches |
| Vehicle length | Vehicles longer than 19 feet are prohibited |
Check clearance before entering. Roof-mounted racks, cargo boxes, tall vans and oversized trucks may not fit. The garage requires front-in parking; backing into stalls is prohibited.
Nearby Parking Alternatives
| Parking choice | Visitor guidance |
|---|---|
| GRCC Parking Deck | 351 N. 3rd St.; attached, current published $10 entry and $26 overnight |
| Marriott Parking Deck | Entrance at 500 E. Broad St.; connected to the convention campus, rates posted at entry |
| Other downtown garages | Check operator pricing, open hours, vehicle clearance and pedestrian route |
How to Use the Attached Garage
- Navigate to 351 N. 3rd Street, Richmond, VA 23219.
- Check the posted rate and clearance before entering.
- Park front-in within a marked space.
- Save your level and location.
- Use the third-level building connection to reach the convention center.
- Follow your event’s registration and pavilion signs.
- If parking overnight, confirm the permit and operating requirements.
Which Richmond Convention Center Entrance Should You Use?
The convention center instructs most attendees to use an entrance at 5th and Marshall Streets, selecting the appropriate pavilion for the event.
Exhibit Hall Pavilion
For trade shows, large public events and activities assigned to the divisible exhibit halls.
Useful entrance: 5th and Marshall, when designated by the organizer.
Ballroom Pavilion
For functions assigned to the Grand Ballroom and nearby meeting rooms.
Useful entrance: Ballroom-side access at 5th and Marshall.
Parking Deck Connection
Convenient for visitors who use the attached GRCC garage. The deck connects to the convention complex at the third garage level.
Other Accessible Entrances
The venue lists accessible approaches including 3rd and Marshall and entrances along 5th Street. Actual doors open depend on event activity.
Arrival Decision Checklist
Look for Exhibit Hall A, B, C or D, Grand Ballroom or a numbered meeting room.
Follow Ballroom Pavilion or Exhibit Hall Pavilion directions.
Use the 5th and Marshall entrance where designated or the approved garage connection.
Check elevators and the step-free route if needed.
Badge collection, bag screening or queues can affect entry during large conventions.
Greater Richmond Convention Center Map and Directions
The venue’s main address is 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, VA 23219. The attached garage has a different address at 351 North 3rd Street.
Official Driving Routes
| Approach | Published driving guidance |
|---|---|
| I-95 North | Exit 74C for Medical College of Virginia; follow Broad Street signs, then turn from Broad onto 3rd Street |
| I-95 South / I-64 East | Exit 75 for 3rd Street; continue across Marshall Street to the parking deck |
| I-64 West from airport direction | Exit 190 for 5th Street; continue via Jackson Street to 3rd Street |
Richmond Convention Center Floor Plans and Capacities
The Greater Richmond Convention Center contains more than 700,000 square feet of space, with a large contiguous exhibit hall, a divisible Grand Ballroom, 36 meeting rooms and a lecture hall.
| Facility | Official published capacity or size |
|---|---|
| Whole convention complex | More than 700,000 square feet |
| Contiguous exhibit hall | 178,000 square feet |
| Exhibit hall sections | Four divisible sections |
| Exhibitor booths | Approximately 900 standard 10-by-10-foot booths, layout dependent |
| Grand Ballroom | 30,550 square feet |
| Ballroom divisions | Three sections, with five configuration options |
| Individual meeting rooms | 36 |
| Flexible meeting space | More than 80,000 square feet including ballroom |
| Lecture hall | 258 fixed seats |
Choosing the Right Room Type
Exhibition Hall
Suitable for consumer shows, large trade shows, sports competitions, product displays and major conventions.
Grand Ballroom
Suitable for galas, banquets, awards presentations, corporate receptions and general sessions.
Meeting Rooms
Useful for breakout sessions, workshops, association meetings, classes and corporate training.
Lecture Hall
A fixed-seat, 258-person venue for presentations, lectures and panel discussions.
How to Review the Floor Plan
- Open the official floor plans and specifications page.
- Choose your designated Exhibit Hall section, Ballroom Pavilion or meeting room.
- Review entry and elevator routes.
- For exhibitors, confirm booth numbers and approved service areas.
- For planners, request scaled layouts from the GRCC Event Manager before finalizing seating.
Hotels Near Richmond Convention Center
Downtown Richmond provides several convention-friendly hotels. One directly connects by skywalk; other hotels are within a walk or short local trip.
| Hotel | Address | Why consider it? |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond Marriott | 500 E. Broad Street | Connected by enclosed skywalk; convenient for early sessions and frequent room breaks |
| Hilton Richmond Downtown | 501 E. Broad Street | About two blocks away, with hotel dining and fitness amenities |
| Delta Hotels Richmond Downtown | 555 E. Canal Street | Full-service alternative approximately six blocks away |
| Quirk Hotel Richmond | 201 W. Broad Street | Boutique hotel with rooftop and dining amenities in downtown Richmond |
| Linden Row Inn | 100 E. Franklin Street | Historic accommodations within the broader downtown area |
| Courtyard Richmond Downtown | 1320 E. Cary Street | Hotel near Shockoe Slip; requires a longer walk or other transport |
Which Hotel Is Best for Your Visit?
For Speakers and Exhibitors
Consider the connected Marriott, especially for events requiring early access or frequent movement between a guestroom and the convention hall.
For Downtown Dining
Hilton Richmond Downtown and Broad Street hotels provide convenient access to downtown restaurants and entertainment.
For Boutique Accommodation
Quirk Hotel and Linden Row Inn offer different styles from a standard convention hotel.
For Budget Comparisons
Compare group blocks, hotel parking, breakfast and cancellation conditions rather than choosing by room price alone.
Richmond Airport, GRTC Pulse and Public Transit
Greater Richmond Convention Center is downtown, with access to GRTC bus routes and Richmond International Airport (RIC) in the wider metro area.
GRTC Pulse
Richmond’s bus rapid transit service operates along the Broad Street corridor. Check the current station, direction and walking route to the convention entrance.
Richmond International Airport
GRCC describes the airport as roughly 15 minutes from downtown under favorable traffic. Actual times vary, particularly around rush hour.
Taxi and Rideshare
Useful for direct airport transfers and visitors with luggage. Check the current pickup and drop-off arrangements.
Hotel Transportation
Some downtown hotels advertise local shuttles. Those should not be assumed to provide a complimentary airport transfer.
Arrival by GRTC
- Check the official GRTC service information.
- Choose an available Broad Street or downtown route.
- Confirm the closest appropriate stop.
- Walk toward the event’s designated 5th and Marshall entrance.
- Check return services for evening or weekend events.
Transit cost: Check current GRTC fare policy and route availability before travel; do not assume a permanent schedule or frequency.
Accessibility, Wheelchairs and Lactation Lounge
GRCC identifies accessible entrances across its convention complex and provides elevators, accessible restrooms and additional guest support services.
| Need | Official venue guidance |
|---|---|
| Accessible garage arrival | GRCC deck connection at 3rd and Marshall; accessibility routes are available |
| Exhibit Hall Pavilion entry | Accessible approaches include 3rd and Marshall, 4th Street/Cyber Cafe, and 5th and Marshall |
| Ballroom Pavilion entry | Accessible approaches at 5th and Marshall and 5th Street |
| Wheelchairs | Limited loan availability, first-come-first-served through Security; remain on the premises |
| Public Wi-Fi | GRCC_PUBLIC_FREE; email registration required |
| Lactation lounge | Ballroom Pavilion, first floor, near Room B15c |
| Security assistance | 804-783-7341 |
VCU Health Lactation Lounge
The venue’s permanent lactation lounge is located in the Ballroom Pavilion on Level 1 near Meeting Room B15c. It provides a private space with seating, a table, electrical supply and a lockable door.
Accessibility Planning Steps
Event locations can differ greatly across the building.
Review the garage connection or appropriate accessible street-level entrance.
Request any necessary accessible seating or event-specific support.
Loan wheelchairs are limited, so availability is not guaranteed.
Food, Cashless Concessions and Free Wi-Fi
Aramark is the exclusive food-and-beverage provider at Greater Richmond Convention Center. On-site dining availability depends on the events taking place in the facility.
Food Court
On the second level of the Exhibit Hall building, with cafeteria-style meals, sandwiches, salads, soups and refreshments during participating events.
Cyber Cafe
Grab-and-go options near the Exhibit Hall Pavilion, with event-related information and business facilities.
Exhibit Hall Concessions
Food and beverage stations are arranged according to each show’s requirements and may not operate during every event.
Free Public Wi-Fi
Connect to GRCC_PUBLIC_FREE and provide a valid email address. Dedicated exhibitor or event internet may have an additional charge.
Can You Bring Outside Food?
General outside food or beverages are not permitted without Aramark approval. The venue allows an empty personal clear water bottle for use at refill stations and recognizes applicable medical exceptions.
Contact venue services in advance if you have dietary or medical requirements that cannot be addressed through ordinary concessions.
Exhibitor Guide: Freight, Utilities, Catering and Rigging
Exhibitors should use the organizer’s exhibitor service kit to coordinate booth space, loading windows, power and other services.
| Exhibitor requirement | What to do |
|---|---|
| Hall assignment | Confirm Exhibit Hall A–D, booth number and setup schedule |
| Freight | Follow organizer-assigned loading directions; do not deliver to the public entrance without approval |
| Electricity, water and internet | Order through the official venue utility-service process |
| Food sampling | Request approval under Aramark’s exhibitor sampling rules |
| Rigging | Must be handled through Encore, the exclusive rigging provider |
| General audiovisual | Encore is preferred; other AV vendors may be possible under venue rules |
| Exhibitor setup | GRCC is not a union facility; follow specific event and venue requirements |
| Loading vehicles | Request truck and trailer directions, not regular garage parking |
Exhibitor Checklist
- Save the exhibitor manual and the latest floor plan.
- Confirm move-in and move-out dates.
- Book freight handling and service equipment ahead of deadlines.
- Arrange electrical service, internet and additional utilities.
- Check booth height, signage and display restrictions.
- Confirm food sampling and catering permissions.
- Discuss rigging with Encore before ordering equipment.
- Review insurance, staffing and accessibility conditions.
How to Book Greater Richmond Convention Center for an Event
The venue welcomes proposals for exhibitions, conferences, meetings, banquets, receptions and other organized activities.
Prepare proposed dates, estimated attendance, exhibit booths, room requirements and event purpose.
Compare the 178,000-square-foot Exhibit Hall, Grand Ballroom, meeting rooms and fixed-seat Lecture Hall.
List catering, staging, audiovisual, rigging, internet, utilities, security and special accommodations.
Open GRCC Plan an Event and complete the inquiry form.
A sales manager will discuss availability, suitable spaces and booking conditions.
Once confirmed, work with the assigned Event Manager on operations and final layout.
Sales telephone: 804-783-7336.
Things to Do Near Richmond Convention Center
Downtown Richmond offers civic landmarks, museums, dining and entertainment convenient for visitors extending their conference trip.
Virginia State Capitol
Historic government landmark near the convention district, with visitor access and tours subject to current schedules.
Broad Street Arts District
Art galleries, restaurants, shops and other downtown cultural attractions.
American Civil War Museum
Historical exhibits and educational programming in Richmond; check admission and hours before visiting.
James River Park System
Outdoor recreation, scenic paths and river views for travelers with more time outside the convention program.
Convention Visitor Checklist
- Confirm your event date, admission and hall assignment.
- Save the venue address: 403 N. 3rd Street.
- Save the garage address: 351 N. 3rd Street.
- Budget $10 per entry or $26 for approved overnight parking.
- Remember no re-entry on a parking ticket.
- Check garage vehicle height restrictions.
- Find the correct entrance at 5th and Marshall.
- Bring card or mobile payment for on-site concessions.
- Request accessible seating or assistance when needed.
- Save the general phone: 804-783-7300.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Richmond Convention Center located?
The Greater Richmond Convention Center is located at 403 North 3rd Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, in downtown Richmond.
2. How much does parking cost at Richmond Convention Center?
The official GRCC attached parking deck currently charges $10 per entry or $26 for overnight parking. The deck is at 351 North 3rd Street.
3. Can you leave the GRCC parking garage and re-enter?
No. The official parking rules state that the parking ticket does not permit re-entry after departure and is not transferable.
4. What entrance should I use for Richmond Convention Center?
The venue generally directs attendees to 5th and Marshall Streets, using the Ballroom Pavilion or Exhibit Hall Pavilion entrance depending on their event. Organizer instructions take priority.
5. Is there a hotel connected to Richmond Convention Center?
Yes. Richmond Marriott at 500 East Broad Street is connected to Greater Richmond Convention Center by an enclosed skywalk.
6. How big is Greater Richmond Convention Center?
The convention complex has more than 700,000 square feet of total space, including a 178,000-square-foot contiguous exhibit hall, a 30,550-square-foot Grand Ballroom and 36 meeting rooms.
7. What events are coming to Richmond Convention Center?
The center hosts trade shows, conventions, public exhibitions, competitions and meetings. The public calendar reviewed in October 2026 did not confirm new October–December dates, so visitors should check the official live calendar and their event organizer.
8. Does Richmond Convention Center have free Wi-Fi?
Yes. Complimentary basic Wi-Fi is available in public spaces through the network GRCC_PUBLIC_FREE, with a valid email address required for access.
9. Is Richmond Convention Center wheelchair accessible?
The venue provides accessible entrances, elevators, restrooms and limited loan wheelchairs. Guests should confirm the suitable entrance and any required seating or mobility assistance before arrival.
10. How can I book Greater Richmond Convention Center for an event?
Prepare your preferred dates, attendance and facility requirements, then submit the official online event inquiry or call convention sales at 804-783-7336. A sales manager can discuss availability, pricing and the contract process.
Official Richmond Convention Center Resources
Final Visitor Recommendation
Greater Richmond Convention Center is a convenient downtown venue for conventions, trade shows, competitions and professional meetings. Its attached parking garage, walkable hotels and Marriott skywalk simplify attendance.
Before visiting: verify the public event or private registration details, follow the correct 5th and Marshall entrance instructions, and remember that the attached garage is $10 per entry without re-entry privileges. For multi-day conferences, consider the connected Richmond Marriott or another hotel near Broad Street.
Independent visitor guide reviewed October 2026 against official Greater Richmond Convention Center information. Parking, schedules, entrance access and event policies may change.