Find the Right Entrance, Parking Lot, Event & Hotel
Everything you need for a visit to Riverside Convention Center: Lot 33 parking, event calendars, floor plans, downtown hotels, airport connections, accessible routes and practical event-day advice.
The Riverside Convention Center is a boutique convention and event venue at 3637 Fifth Street, Riverside, CA 92501. It sits in the historic downtown district near the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, Fox Performing Arts Center and several convention hotels. The facility hosts professional conferences, exhibitions, business meetings, weddings, galas and community events.
Riverside Convention Center Address & Location Map
Riverside Convention Center
3637 Fifth Street
Riverside, CA 92501
Phone: 951-346-4700
This is the venue address for conventions, trade shows, meetings and social events.
Get Venue Directions ↗Convention Center Lot 33
3698 Third Street
Riverside, CA 92501
The convention center identifies its designated parking entrance at Third and Main Streets.
Driving to the public entrance does not necessarily put your vehicle at the parking gate.
Navigate to Parking ↗Riverside Convention Center Parking: Lot 33 Rates & Alternatives
The venue offers surface parking immediately adjacent to the convention center through City Lot 33. The published standard visitor charge is $20 per vehicle, per day, but special-event arrangements may alter what attendees pay.
| Parking type | Published price | Important condition |
|---|---|---|
| Lot 33 standard visitor parking | $20/day | Special-event pricing may apply. |
| Organizer-hosted Lot 33 parking | $15/vehicle/day billed to host | Event organizer pays under an approved arrangement; not necessarily an attendee charge. |
| Additional city garages | Varies | Separate city rules, rates and payment systems. |
| Street parking | Varies | Follow posted limits and restrictions. |
| Oversized vehicle parking | By arrangement | Buses, trailers and recreational vehicles require approval and may incur extra charges. |
How to use Lot 33
- Check event-specific parking instructions.
Look for validation, host-paid parking or a temporary rate.
- Navigate to 3698 Third Street.
The venue identifies the parking entrance at Third and Main Streets.
- Follow the permitted entry route.
Observe signs, parking staff and any event closures.
- Confirm payment requirements.
Use the approved payment process for that event.
- Save your parking location.
Record where you parked and follow marked walkways into the convention center.
Parking alternatives
Downtown public garages
The City of Riverside operates other downtown lots and parking structures. These can be useful if Lot 33 is full or your event directs drivers elsewhere.
Compare street addresses, walking distance, hours and current fees.
Hotel parking
Guests staying at Marriott Riverside, Hyatt Place, Hampton Inn or another downtown property may prefer to park at their hotel and walk to the event.
Hotel parking is separate from Lot 33 and may carry its own daily or overnight charge.
Riverside Convention Center Events in 2026
Riverside Convention Center accommodates conferences, business expos, community events, trade shows and private celebrations. Unlike an arena with a fixed ticketing system, event admission is usually controlled by each organizer.
Monthly Convention Event Listings
The Riverside Downtown Partnership publishes Riverside convention and sports event calendars, including monthly 2026 listings.
These listings are useful for finding the event organizer, the date and the general event schedule.
View 2026 Event Calendars ↗Visit Riverside Events
The Riverside Convention & Visitors Bureau maintains a broader calendar for events, festivals, entertainment and things to do in Riverside County.
Not every destination event takes place inside the convention center.
Explore Riverside Events ↗How to verify your convention or exhibition
- Locate the current month’s event calendar.
Use the Riverside Downtown Partnership calendar and check the exact event date.
- Identify the organizer.
Confirm whether the event is a public expo, ticketed show, private conference or invitation-only meeting.
- Find admission information.
Visit the organizer’s official registration or ticketing page for current prices, hours and rules.
- Check the room or ballroom assignment.
The center has multiple halls, ballrooms and meeting spaces.
- Confirm parking conditions.
An organizer may provide instructions different from the standard $20 Lot 33 arrangement.
Riverside Convention Center Floor Plans & Capacities
The venue provides more than 68,000 square feet of flexible indoor meeting and exhibit space, with 22 meeting rooms and facilities capable of serving groups ranging from approximately 10 to 2,500 people.
Flexible indoor areas that accommodate trade-show booths, large gatherings, displays and conventions.
Adaptable spaces for general sessions, conferences, banquets, weddings and receptions.
22 meeting rooms provide choices for training, breakout sessions, seminars and smaller gatherings.
Circulation and gathering areas useful for event check-in, attendee networking and receptions.
Part of approximately 20,000 square feet of outdoor meeting and relaxation area.
Nearly two acres of landscaped grounds, offering outdoor event opportunities when booked and approved.
Facility sizes at a glance
| Feature | Published detail | Visitor relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Flexible indoor event area | Over 68,000 sq ft | Multiple exhibition, meeting and ballroom formats |
| Meeting rooms | 22 | Separate conference and breakout areas |
| Group size range | 10–2,500 people | Varies by room and event arrangement |
| Outdoor event area | About 20,000 sq ft | Open-air receptions and event activities |
| Landscaped grounds | Nearly two acres | Outdoor space around the venue |
How to find the right meeting room
- Save the exact room name.
Use the invitation or event agenda rather than just the venue name.
- Review the official floor plan.
Match the assigned event space to the building level and closest public approach.
- Locate registration before the event starts.
Badge pickup may be in a concourse or pre-function area rather than inside your meeting room.
- Follow onsite event signage.
Temporary partitions and scheduled room configurations may change the normal layout.
Hotels Near Riverside Convention Center
One of the center’s biggest visitor advantages is downtown walkability. Several hotels are located on Market Street or nearby blocks, allowing attendees to reach the venue without a long drive.
Marriott Riverside at the Convention Center
3400 Market Street, Riverside, CA 92501
A full-service convention hotel immediately adjacent to the venue, with business amenities, onsite dining and meeting facilities.
Best for: Conference delegates prioritizing short daily walks and full-service hotel facilities.
Hyatt Place Riverside/Downtown
3500 Market Street, Riverside, CA 92501
Modern hotel close to the venue, restaurants and downtown attractions.
Best for: Business travelers comparing room layouts, breakfast and hotel prices.
Hampton Inn Riverside Downtown
3505 Market Street, Riverside, CA 92501
Convenient downtown lodging with access to the convention center and nearby entertainment.
Best for: Visitors prioritizing practical amenities and short conference trips.
Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501
A landmark hotel renowned for its historic architecture, courtyards, restaurants and spa facilities.
Best for: Guests combining meetings with a distinctive Riverside experience.
Home2 Suites Riverside Downtown Convention Center
3870 Fifth Street, Riverside, CA 92501
Suite-style hotel offering another option for multi-night conventions and guests wanting more room functionality.
Best for: Families, business groups and extended stays.
Raincross Hotel Riverside
4045 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501
Independently operated downtown lodging farther from the main convention hotel cluster.
Best for: Travelers comparing simpler accommodation with full-service hotel prices.
Choosing the best hotel
| Your priority | Good first comparison | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Closest full-service hotel | Marriott Riverside | Parking, conference room blocks, breakfast |
| Short downtown walk | Hyatt Place | Total rate and hotel amenities |
| Practical stay | Hampton Inn | Breakfast, cancellation and parking |
| Historic experience | Mission Inn | Fees, room type and parking |
| Longer trip | Home2 Suites | Kitchenette, room space and rates |
Getting to Riverside Convention Center from Airports & Train Stations
Riverside is in Southern California’s Inland Empire, with convenient regional road access and rail connections. Ontario International Airport (ONT) is the main nearby airport to compare for convention trips, around 16 miles from central Riverside.
Ontario International Airport
Convenient for many Riverside conference visitors. Taxis, rideshare and rental cars provide direct travel options.
Check airport pickup zones and actual travel time around peak commuting periods.
Los Angeles International Airport
A longer-distance alternative with more flight options. The additional drive can become significant during Southern California traffic.
Compare the full travel cost rather than airfare alone.
Metrolink
Riverside–Downtown Station provides regional passenger rail access. You will need to walk or arrange local transportation to reach the convention center.
Check the relevant train line and current timetable before booking.
Riverside Transit Agency
Local bus services operate in the Riverside area. Use the official route planner to find the stop and service that fit your origin and conference start time.
Evening and weekend schedules can differ from weekday services.
Driving routes
| Coming from | Official suggested route |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles area | SR-60 East toward Riverside, Main Street exit, then toward Third Street parking |
| Ontario / Pasadena | I-10 East to I-15 South, then SR-60 East toward Riverside |
| Orange County | SR-91 East toward Riverside, then downtown streets toward Third and Main |
| San Bernardino | I-215 to SR-60 West, using Main Street for the convention parking approach |
| Temecula / San Diego | I-15 North to SR-91 East toward Riverside and the downtown district |
| Palm Springs | I-10 West to SR-60 West, continuing toward the Main Street exit |
Accessibility, Restrooms & Visitor Assistance
For visitors with mobility, hearing, vision or other access requirements, the most useful first step is confirming the specific event room and the shortest accessible route from arrival to registration.
Plan your accessible arrival
- Ask about designated accessible parking in or near Lot 33.
- Confirm the step-free public entrance.
- Request details of elevators or accessible circulation routes.
- Ask about event-specific seating and communication accommodations.
- Arrange additional support before traveling.
Venue assistance
- Event registration and concierge assistance
- Wayfinding and directions to meeting rooms
- Restrooms and onsite support services
- Food and beverage facilities during applicable events
- Information about permitted outdoor event access
Convention center: 951-346-4700
Food, Alcohol, Security & Event Rules
The Riverside Convention Center has facility policies covering catering, safety, permitted activity and event operations. Guests should also follow any stricter rules published by their event organizer.
| Topic | What visitors or organizers should know |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | The convention center is the exclusive authorized provider; outside alcohol is not permitted. |
| Food service | Event catering is coordinated with the venue. Commercial distribution of food may require county health permits. |
| Security checks | The venue may inspect function rooms and establish bag-check stations at entrances. |
| Outside vehicles | Vehicles are not allowed on surrounding concrete pads or sidewalks without management approval. |
| Display vehicles | Vehicles used in indoor exhibitions require appropriate Riverside Fire Department permits. |
| Public tickets | Admission and refunds are controlled by event organizers. |
| Event hours | Event contracts may permit scheduled functions from early morning through midnight, with additional charges for extensions. |
| Freight and booths | Loading, installation and equipment requirements must follow the event manual and venue approvals. |
How to Book Riverside Convention Center for an Event
The venue accommodates corporate conferences, trade shows, professional meetings, banquets, weddings, retreats and other social functions. Event organizers should begin with the space, date and attendance requirements rather than requesting a single generic rental price.
Six steps for event organizers
- Define the proposed event.
Prepare dates, purpose, expected guests, daily schedule and accommodation needs.
- Compare available spaces.
Use the official floor plans for exhibit halls, ballrooms, meeting rooms, terraces and outdoor areas.
- Prepare your event layout.
Plan registration, seating, aisles, accessible circulation, stage, storage and catering.
- Identify service needs.
List electrical power, internet, sound, lighting, furniture, security, catering and loading requirements.
- Submit a request for proposal.
Use the Riverside Convention & Visitors Bureau’s official RFP form.
- Confirm the final contract.
Review rental space, deposits, cancellation provisions, vendor requirements and all event deadlines.
Exhibitor deadlines and permits
| Requirement | Official guidance |
|---|---|
| Food sampling or distribution | May require a Riverside County Health Permit; provide it at least 10 days before the event. |
| Indoor exhibit booths / special displays | May require a Riverside Fire Department special-event permit. |
| Approved event diagrams | Venue requires approved diagrams 30 days before the event where applicable. |
| Selling merchandise | Appropriate California seller’s permit documentation may be required. |
| Oversized event vehicles | Advance arrangements necessary for parking or movement. |
| Additional event time | Extra hours, setup and rapid room changes can incur separate fees. |
Restaurants, Attractions & Things to Do Nearby
Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
Historic Riverside landmark with distinctive architecture, courtyards, dining and seasonal events. A convenient sightseeing stop near the convention center.
Fox Performing Arts Center
Downtown theater offering concerts, performances and entertainment. Check scheduled shows if your convention leaves time for an evening activity.
Downtown Pedestrian Mall
Restaurants, coffee shops, independent stores and downtown gathering places provide options for lunch or meetings outside the convention center.
Riverside Arts & Museums
The downtown cultural district includes museum and arts destinations, useful for visitors staying an extra day.
During popular conferences and seasonal downtown celebrations, restaurant demand can be high. Groups should book dining arrangements in advance.
Riverside Convention Center Visitor Checklist
- Confirm event date, time and admission.
- Save 3637 Fifth Street for the venue.
- Save 3698 Third Street for Lot 33.
- Check your event’s parking arrangements.
- Budget for the $20 standard Lot 33 price if applicable.
- Find the correct hall or meeting room.
- Bring tickets, badges and required identification.
- Review event bag and security requirements.
- Confirm hotel charges separately.
- Check airport or Metrolink connections.
- Arrange accessibility support in advance.
- Save the venue phone number.
10 FAQs About Riverside Convention Center
1. What is the Riverside Convention Center address?
Riverside Convention Center is at 3637 Fifth Street, Riverside, CA 92501, in downtown Riverside near the historic Mission Inn district.
2. Where is Riverside Convention Center parking?
The designated convention center parking entrance is City Lot 33, at 3698 Third Street, Riverside, CA 92501, near Third and Main Streets.
3. How much does parking cost at Riverside Convention Center?
The venue publishes a $20 per vehicle, per day standard Lot 33 rate. Special-event rates or organizer-hosted parking arrangements can apply.
4. Is parking free at Riverside Convention Center?
Parking is not universally free. Some event organizers provide complimentary or hosted parking for their attendees, but standard Lot 33 parking is listed at $20 per vehicle per day.
5. How can I find Riverside Convention Center events?
The Riverside Downtown Partnership publishes monthly convention center event calendars, while Visit Riverside maintains a broader regional events calendar. Verify ticketing and public admission with the individual organizer.
6. How big is Riverside Convention Center?
Riverside Convention Center offers more than 68,000 square feet of flexible indoor meeting and exhibit space, with 22 meeting rooms and the ability to serve groups from about 10 to 2,500 attendees.
7. Which hotels are close to Riverside Convention Center?
Nearby hotels include Marriott Riverside at the Convention Center, Hyatt Place Riverside/Downtown, Hampton Inn Riverside Downtown, Mission Inn Hotel & Spa and Home2 Suites Riverside Downtown Convention Center.
8. What airport is closest to Riverside Convention Center?
Ontario International Airport is the main nearby airport to compare for downtown Riverside convention trips, approximately 16 miles from the city center. Travel time depends on traffic.
9. Is Riverside Convention Center the same as Marriott Riverside?
No. Riverside Convention Center is the event venue at 3637 Fifth Street. Marriott Riverside at the Convention Center is an adjacent hotel at 3400 Market Street with separate parking and hotel policies.
10. How do I book an event at Riverside Convention Center?
Submit an event request through the Riverside Convention & Visitors Bureau’s official RFP form or call Riverside Convention Center at 951-346-4700. Provide dates, attendance, venue-space requirements and service needs.
More Southern California Convention Planning
Riverside Convention Center Official Maps, Events & Visitor Links
- Riverside Convention Center official website — venue details, services and meeting information.
- Official floor plans and parking — Lot 33 entrance, $20 published rate, driving directions and room layouts.
- Official facility guidelines — parking conditions, permits, alcohol service and event operational rules.
- Downtown Riverside convention events — monthly event calendar files.
- Official venue virtual tour — indoor spaces and outdoor areas.
- Riverside hotel listings — nearby accommodation options.
- Venue services and suppliers — event production and trade-show support.
- Official venue RFP — event booking inquiries.
Reviewed October 16, 2026. Event calendars, parking rates, hotel charges, venue policies and transit services can change. Check the event organizer’s instructions and current official venue information before booking or traveling.