Downtown Riverside · California · Convention Visitor Guide
Know Where to Park, Enter and Stay Before Your Riverside Event
Heading to Riverside Convention Center for a conference, exhibition, community event or gala? Find the correct Lot 33 entrance, event registration, nearby walkable hotels, venue facilities, Metrolink access and practical directions all in one place.
Event calendar
Riverside Convention Center Events & Tickets
The center hosts industry conferences, educational conventions, trade exhibitions, charity events, cultural gatherings, weddings and private functions. Not every event is open to walk-in visitors. Registration rules, ticket prices and public access depend on the event organizer.
Upcoming Confirmed 2026 Events
| Dates | Event | Who should check admission? |
|---|---|---|
| October 16, 2026 | Legacy Ball: Golden Hour | Fundraising event; published event listing shows 6–10 PM and $150–$175 ticket range. Verify final admission. |
| November 3–6, 2026 | ACM SIGSPATIAL 2026 | Academic and industry conference; advance attendee registration applies. |
| November 19–21, 2026 | Community College League of California Annual Convention | Professional convention; check registration category, program and hotel blocks. |
Event dates and publicly available organizer information reviewed October 15, 2026. Calendar listings may change. Private meetings and set-up activity may not be publicly listed.
Check Your Event in Four Steps
- Open the Riverside Downtown Partnership convention events calendar.
- Find the correct month, event name and date.
- Confirm whether the gathering allows public attendance.
- Use the specific organizer for tickets, badges, entry time and cancellation information.
Attendee Checklist
- Confirm admission or registration type.
- Save the exact event room.
- Review check-in and start times.
- Check required ID and bag rules.
- Confirm whether parking is hosted.
- Keep ticket or QR confirmation available.
Where to park
Riverside Convention Center Parking: Lot 33, Rates & Payment
The main visitor parking facility is City Lot 33, immediately adjacent to the convention center. The venue provides the parking entrance address separately from its main Fifth Street location.
Riverside Convention Center
3637 Fifth Street
Riverside, CA 92501
Use for attendee navigation and general building location.
Convention Center Lot 33
3698 Third Street
Riverside, CA 92501
Official parking entry is at the Third and Main Street area.
Official Parking Costs
| Parking arrangement | Published amount | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Lot 33 day parking | $20 | Official venue-publicized daily visitor charge. |
| Hosted event parking | $15 per vehicle/space/day | Rate offered to an organizer that arranges hosted parking, not automatically an attendee discount. |
| Special event rate | May differ | Check event notice, on-site signage and parking instructions. |
| Overflow public parking | Varies by facility | Downtown Riverside city lots, garages and meters follow their own policies. |
| Bus, RV or trailer | By arrangement | Special approval and additional fees may be required. |
How to Reach and Use Lot 33
Use 3698 Third Street rather than only entering the convention center’s Fifth Street address.
The venue’s official driving directions identify Main Street leading toward the parking entrance at Third Street.
Check the actual rate, accepted payment method, entry conditions and any organizer instructions.
Record the lot area and keep any ticket or payment proof required for the visit.
Large events may have temporary signage and separate visitor queues.
Other Downtown Parking and the Difference in Rules
Riverside has separate city-managed garages, surface lots and metered spaces. Some downtown parking programs offer limited free periods or different evening/weekend rules, but these should not be assumed to apply to Convention Center Lot 33 during a paid event.
Downtown Riverside also provides an event-oriented valet program at participating locations. The city’s published 2026 information lists $20 regular and $30 special-event valet charges when the service operates; this is a separate program from Lot 33 and is not guaranteed to operate at every location.
Map and local wayfinding
Riverside Convention Center Address & Map
Official Venue Address
Riverside Convention Center
3637 Fifth Street
Riverside, California 92501
United States
Phone: (951) 346-4700
Email: info@riv-cc.com
Driving from Surrounding Areas
| Approach | Official route guidance |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles / Ontario | Follow the relevant I-10/I-15/SR-60 connection toward Riverside; Main Street leads toward Third Street parking. |
| Orange County | SR-91 East toward downtown Riverside; official directions reference University Avenue, Mission Inn Avenue, Orange Street and Third Street. |
| San Bernardino | Use I-215/SR-60 West toward Riverside and the Main Street approach. |
| San Diego / Temecula | I-15 North to SR-91 East toward Riverside, then follow the downtown approach. |
| Palm Springs | I-10 West toward SR-60 West and downtown Riverside. |
These routes are general starting points from the official venue directions. Road closures and traffic may change the appropriate exit or final approach.
Rail, buses and airports
Metrolink, Riverside Transit & Airport Transportation
Convention visitors who do not need a car can use regional rail, public buses or a direct airport transfer. Public transit availability depends on your arrival location and event’s finish time.
| Transportation | How to use it | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Metrolink | Arrive at Riverside–Downtown Station, then plan the final connection or walk to the venue. | Current train route, platform, departure time and return service. |
| Riverside Transit Agency | Use local bus service toward downtown Riverside. | Exact stop, transfers, fares and service calendar. |
| Ontario International Airport (ONT) | Compare rental car, taxi or rideshare for a direct convention-hotel transfer. | Pickup point, journey time and total price. |
| Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) | Regional road or multi-stage transportation into Riverside. | Longer distance, traffic and connection times. |
| Bike | The venue identifies bike racks at its Plaza. | Bike storage conditions and safe travel routes. |
Arriving by Metrolink: Simple Steps
- Open Metrolink’s official trip planner.
- Choose Riverside–Downtown as your destination station.
- Check the correct service day and last return train.
- Plan the last leg toward 3637 Fifth Street, using a pedestrian route or local transport.
- Allow extra time to reach your event’s actual registration area.
Overnight stays
Hotels Near Riverside Convention Center
The Riverside Convention & Visitors Bureau lists several nearby hotels. Choose based on your walking route, the event’s room block, accessibility, breakfast, cancellation rules and total parking cost.
Marriott Riverside at the Convention Center
3400 Market Street, Riverside, CA 92501
The visitor bureau identifies it as adjacent to the convention center. Marriott currently advertises daily self-parking at $30.
Good for: Conference travelers prioritizing the shortest hotel-to-venue journey.
Official Marriott room and policy details →Hyatt Place Riverside/Downtown
3500 Market Street, Riverside, CA 92501
Close to the convention district and popular with conference attendees. Check the actual breakfast inclusion and parking rate for your reservation.
Good for: Visitors comparing a practical downtown hotel with short convention access.
Hampton Inn Riverside Downtown
3505 Market Street, Riverside, CA 92501
Hilton identifies the hotel as within a five-minute walk of the Convention Center. Its current self-parking listing is $29 per day.
Good for: Guests who prefer Hilton lodging and included breakfast.
Official Hilton location and parking →The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
3649 Mission Inn Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501
About one block from the venue according to the visitor bureau. A landmark property popular with visitors wanting a distinctive downtown stay.
Good for: Guests combining conference attendance with historic architecture, dining and leisure.
Home2 Suites Riverside Downtown
3870 Fifth Street, Riverside, CA 92501
Listed by the local visitor bureau with suite-style accommodation, kitchenettes, breakfast and an outdoor pool.
Good for: Multi-day trips and guests who prefer more in-room facilities.
Compare Downtown Riverside Hotels
Additional lodging may be available around the Mission Inn, Market Street and downtown corridors.
Compare: Room rate, parking, accessibility, taxes, breakfast and walking distance to your event entrance.
Official Riverside hotel directory →Room layouts and facilities
Riverside Convention Center Floor Plans, Meeting Rooms & Capacity
The center has more than 68,000 square feet of flexible indoor exhibit and meeting space with upper and lower concourses, 22 meeting rooms, ballrooms and multi-purpose event facilities.
Exhibit and Conference Spaces
Flexible exhibit halls and meeting facilities support conferences, trade shows, workshops and general sessions.
Final capacities depend on classroom, theater, banquet, reception or exhibit configurations.
Ballrooms and Breakout Rooms
Useful for keynote sessions, banquets, business meetings and smaller programs. Rooms may be configured to suit different needs.
The published room capacity chart is the appropriate reference before promising a specific attendee count.
Upper and Lower Concourses
Designed for circulation, registration, sponsor activity and breaks between meeting spaces. Individual event layouts can affect visitor movement.
Outdoor Plaza and Gardens
The complex features an approximately 20,000-square-foot outdoor meeting area and extensive landscaped areas, useful for receptions and networking.
How to Use the Official Floor Plan
Use your registration email rather than guessing where the main conference activity occurs.
Locate the assigned room, nearby concourse and convenient visitor entrance.
For planners, compare the actual approved setup with your expected attendance.
Organizers may close, divide or assign event spaces differently from the permanent venue plan.
Accessible attendance
Accessibility, Parking & Special Assistance
Visitors requiring an accessible route should confirm both the arrival facility and the specific event room. Downtown city parking documentation identifies accessible parking across municipal facilities, but individual spaces remain subject to availability and applicable requirements.
Accessible Parking
Check the signed accessible spaces at the selected public parking facility, including Lot 33 as available. Carry the appropriate valid parking credential.
Entrance and Meeting Route
Request the most suitable accessible route to your assigned event room, ballroom or concourse from venue staff.
Communication and Seating
For accessible seating, assisted listening or communication accommodations, contact the event organizer early enough for arrangements.
Contact the Venue
Call (951) 346-4700 or email info@riv-cc.com for venue-specific questions.
Event and guest policies
Riverside Convention Center Bag, Food & Security Rules
Entry procedures are event-specific. The venue’s published facility guidelines cover organizer responsibilities, safety, catering, alcohol, decorations, deliveries and other operational conditions.
| Question | Practical guidance |
|---|---|
| Is there a universal clear-bag rule? | No current blanket clear-bag requirement was verified in the official venue guidelines reviewed. Individual organizers can establish bag restrictions. |
| Can belongings be inspected? | Venue event staff reserve the right to inspect event areas and establish bag-check stations. |
| Can I bring alcohol? | Outside alcohol is prohibited. The venue controls permitted alcohol service under its licensing requirements. |
| Are outside food items allowed? | Food arrangements are governed by venue and event policies. Ask about medical or dietary accommodations ahead of time. |
| Can I decorate a booth? | Adhesive stickers, confetti, aerosol decorations and open-flame candles are restricted or prohibited under the facility guidelines. |
| Can I bring a large display vehicle? | Vehicle exhibits require Riverside Fire Department permits and other safety arrangements. |
| Can I leave and re-enter? | The organizer’s event-specific ticket and security rules govern re-entry. |
Read official Riverside Convention Center facility guidelines →
Inside the venue
Catering, Wi-Fi, Exhibitor Services & Deliveries
Food and Catering
The center promotes an in-house culinary and event catering program, including farm-to-fork inspired menus, hosted meals and refreshments for meetings and social events.
Public food counter availability depends on the event.
Audio/Visual Services
The center offers event production support through service partners. Organizers should confirm equipment, internet, technical labor and presentation needs before the event.
Concierge and Guest Services
The venue emphasizes guest-oriented concierge services, event wayfinding and planning assistance. Staff can help direct visitors to the correct spaces.
Exhibitor Support
Professional exhibition contractors and service vendors are listed on the venue’s official services page. Your organizer determines which vendors are approved for your show.
Freight and Package Delivery Requirements
The facility guidelines require organizers to coordinate deliveries and pickups with the assigned Convention Service Coordinator.
Published Package Address Format
Attn: Event Name
Event Date
Vendor Name and Booth Number
Riverside Convention Center
3637 Fifth Street
Riverside, CA 92501
Storage charge: The facility guidelines provide for $50 per day if materials are received more than 48 hours before the event or left more than 48 hours afterward.
Exhibitor Move-In Checklist
- Get the official exhibitor manual and booth assignment.
- Check advance delivery and move-in windows.
- Confirm approved freight and service contractors.
- Order electrical, AV and internet services if needed.
- Arrange fire permits for vehicle displays where applicable.
- Do not use public visitor parking for large freight unloading.
- Book collection or return shipping before the event closes.
For organizers
How to Book Riverside Convention Center for an Event
The venue accepts inquiries for conferences, exhibitions, corporate functions, weddings, social events, charity gatherings and other programs. Pricing is customized to the required spaces and services.
Prepare the event title, public or private format, expected attendance and preferred dates.
Identify indoor halls, ballrooms, breakout rooms, concourse space and any outdoor reception requirements.
Estimate catering, AV, exhibits, accessibility, registration, signage, loading and staffing needs.
Decide whether your organizer should host Lot 33 parking or communicate the regular visitor parking rate.
Use the Riverside Convention & Visitors Bureau’s form and provide contact details, preferred dates, hotel room needs and event requirements.
Confirm deposits, insurance, final payment, services, room-change charges and cancellation terms before signing.
Important Terms from the Facility Guidelines
- Venue charges are generally prepaid five business days before the event, subject to approved credit terms.
- The guidelines describe a 30-day insurance-certificate deadline for events booked more than 30 days in advance.
- Changes to room setups can create additional charges.
- Setup, move-in, extended hours and extra labor must be arranged with the assigned coordinator.
- Special vehicles, outdoor displays and certain decorations require additional approval.
Around the venue
Downtown Riverside Attractions After Your Conference
Downtown Riverside offers restaurants, coffee shops, theaters and cultural attractions near the Convention Center, making it practical to add a short outing between sessions or after an event.
Historic Mission Inn
The landmark hotel and surrounding downtown block are popular for historic architecture, dining and local sightseeing.
Fox Performing Arts Center
A downtown performance venue near several convention hotels. Check show tickets and performance hours separately.
The Cheech Marin Center
An art destination in central Riverside. Confirm exhibition hours and admission before planning a visit.
Downtown Restaurants
Market Street, Main Street and Mission Inn Avenue provide numerous restaurant and café options. If attending a ticketed event, verify re-entry before leaving for a meal.
Before leaving
Riverside Convention Center Visitor Checklist
- Confirm the event date and public admission rules.
- Save the event room, start time and registration location.
- Set Lot 33, 3698 Third Street, as the driving destination.
- Check whether parking is regular, special-event or organizer-hosted.
- Prepare a valid parking payment method.
- Verify the latest event bag and security instructions.
- Confirm Metrolink or RTA return service if not driving.
- Check hotel parking charges separately.
- Request accessibility accommodations in advance if necessary.
- Follow organizer instructions for booth freight and setup.
Frequently asked questions
Riverside Convention Center FAQs
1. Where is Riverside Convention Center located?
Riverside Convention Center is at 3637 Fifth Street, Riverside, California 92501, in downtown Riverside.
2. Where is Riverside Convention Center parking?
The designated adjacent parking area is City Lot 33, at 3698 Third Street near Third and Main Street in downtown Riverside.
3. How much is Riverside Convention Center parking?
The venue currently advertises $20 daily parking at Lot 33, with special-event prices potentially different. Organizers may arrange hosted parking at a published $15 per vehicle per day rate, but this is not an automatic public discount.
4. Is parking free at Riverside Convention Center?
Lot 33 is not generally free for convention attendees; the venue publishes a $20 daily price. Other downtown city parking facilities have their own rules, and some events may provide hosted parking.
5. Where can I find Riverside Convention Center events?
Riverside Downtown Partnership publishes monthly convention-center event calendars. Confirm registration, ticketing and admission requirements through each event’s organizer.
6. What hotels are near Riverside Convention Center?
Nearby hotels include Marriott Riverside at the Convention Center, Hyatt Place Riverside/Downtown, Hampton Inn Riverside Downtown, the Mission Inn Hotel and Spa, and Home2 Suites Riverside Downtown.
7. How big is Riverside Convention Center?
The venue offers over 68,000 square feet of flexible indoor exhibit and meeting space, 22 meeting rooms, and approximately 20,000 square feet of outdoor meeting space.
8. Can I get to Riverside Convention Center by Metrolink?
Yes. Riverside–Downtown is the relevant Metrolink station for regional rail visitors. Plan the final walking or local transport connection and check train schedules before leaving.
9. Is Riverside Convention Center accessible?
Visitors requiring accessibility arrangements should contact the venue and event organizer. Downtown municipal parking facilities identify accessible spaces, and specific entrance, seating and assistance needs should be confirmed before attending.
10. How do I book Riverside Convention Center for an event?
Prepare the event dates, attendance estimate, room and exhibition needs, hotel requirements and services, then submit the Riverside Convention and Visitors Bureau’s official request-for-proposal form or contact the Convention Center at 951-346-4700.
Authoritative resources
Official Riverside Convention Center Links & Contacts
Use the official resources below for the final step: ticket confirmation, parking directions, downloading floor plans, booking an event or requesting specific accommodations.
Riverside Convention Center
3637 Fifth Street, Riverside, CA 92501
Phone: (951) 346-4700
Email: info@riv-cc.com
Information reviewed October 15, 2026. This is an independent visitor guide, not an official Riverside Convention Center publication. Parking, event schedules, registration requirements and facility policies can change.