Virginia Beach Convention Center: Free Parking, Events, Hotels & Directions
Visiting the Virginia Beach Convention Center for a trade show, expo, conference, competition or special event? Find the correct entrance, October 2026 parking rules, upcoming event dates, exhibition halls, nearby hotel areas and practical travel information.
Virginia Beach Convention Center at a Glance
| Official name | Virginia Beach Convention Center (VBCC) |
|---|---|
| Address | 1000 19th Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23451 |
| Contact | (757) 385-2000 |
| vbcc@vbgov.com | |
| Official venue | Visit Virginia Beach Convention Center |
| Location | 19th Street, near Parks Avenue and the Virginia Beach Oceanfront |
| Parking | Free standard parking under the currently postponed paid-parking program |
| Parking inventory | Over 1,300 spaces advertised immediately for venue visitors; additional spaces are shared with the Sports Center |
| Exhibition halls | Halls A, B, C and D |
| Exhibit hall area | 150,012 sq ft combined |
| Ballroom | 31,029 sq ft combined |
| Meeting facilities | Second-floor meeting suites and premium tower spaces |
| Airport | Norfolk International Airport (ORF) |
| Public admission hours | Set by each event organizer |
| Public Wi-Fi | Complimentary in pre-function areas |
Reviewed October 20, 2026. Venue publications differ in how they count shared parking across the convention center and Sports Center; the free-parking status is more important for an ordinary visit than treating all shared spaces as dedicated VBCC inventory.
Virginia Beach Convention Center Parking: Free Now, What Changes in 2027?
The City of Virginia Beach originally published a new paid parking arrangement for the Convention Center and the neighboring Sports Center. The city’s current parking notice says implementation has been postponed until April 1, 2027.
Free standard venue parking
Visitor parking is available in lots along 19th Street, subject to capacity, posted restrictions and event staff directions.
Some high-demand events may have separate operational arrangements, so check the organizer’s information.
April 1, 2027
This is the city’s announced postponement date for the paid parking program, not the date of an existing 2026 parking charge.
Any final implementation should be verified nearer the date.
Proposed parking fee structure — not currently in effect
| Duration | Proposed cumulative charge |
|---|---|
| First hour | $1 |
| Up to two hours | $3 |
| Up to three hours | $6 |
| Four hours | $10 |
| Daily maximum | $10 |
Where should you park?
The convention center’s public lots are positioned on both sides of 19th Street. Another approach is available from the 1000 block of Virginia Beach Boulevard, depending on traffic routing and lot access.
- Set your destination to 1000 19th Street. Do not use a nearby Oceanfront municipal garage as your first choice.
- Enter via 19th Street. Follow venue and event parking signs.
- Choose an available legal space. Never block accessible stalls, emergency routes or loading docks.
- Identify your entrance. The main visitor entrance is approached from the 19th Street frontage.
- Save your vehicle location. Note which side of 19th Street you parked on.
Parking rules for trucks and trailers
The March 2026 venue user guide prohibits oversized vehicles, trucks, trailers and RVs from ordinary VBCC public parking lots. Exhibitors requiring freight access must follow assigned loading-dock instructions.
| Parking situation | Action |
|---|---|
| Standard passenger vehicle | Use the designated visitor parking areas. |
| Accessible parking | Use a designated accessible stall with the required placard or license plate. |
| Large event / full lot | Follow attendants and check legally available overflow options. |
| Oversized vehicle or RV | Contact the venue or organizer for an appropriate alternative. |
| Exhibitor freight truck | Use the scheduled loading-dock route and unloading window. |
| Beach sightseeing after event | Check the separate municipal Oceanfront parking rules before leaving your car elsewhere. |
Virginia Beach Convention Center Events: October–December 2026
The venue accommodates public expos, conventions, meetings, exhibitions and large seasonal events. The following selected listings are from the official 2026 Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau event-planning calendar.
| Dates | Event | Planning guidance |
|---|---|---|
| October 25, 2026 | Virginia Bridal & Wedding Expo | Confirm public admission, show hours and organizer ticket requirements. |
| November 9–11, 2026 | BGAVA Annual Meeting | Association meeting; attendee registration requirements apply. |
| November 16–18, 2026 | DGS Public Procurement Forum | Professional conference; check delegate registration and badges. |
| November 27–29, 2026 | 42nd Annual Virginia Beach Christmas Market | Public holiday marketplace; confirm current ticket and visitor hours. |
| December 4–8, 2026 | VSTE Annual Conference | Professional education conference; check registration. |
These are selected entries from the official 2026 planning calendar, not guaranteed live admission schedules. The venue’s web event list did not expose a complete live set during the latest review. Event dates and admission arrangements can change.
How to find tickets and event entry information
- Identify the event by name. Verify that the venue is the Virginia Beach Convention Center, not the neighboring Sports Center.
- Check the date. Confirm the public admission day, which may differ from conference setup or teardown dates.
- Find organizer information. Public show admission and professional conference registration are managed differently.
- Review registration and ticket requirements. Some events use attendee badges or online preregistration.
- Save arrival instructions. Note doors-open time, hall, ticket, ID requirements and any event-specific bag restrictions.
Virginia Beach Convention Center Map & Driving Directions
Virginia Beach Convention Center is at 1000 19th Street, near the eastern end of Interstate 264 and a short distance inland from the Oceanfront.
From Interstate 264 East
- Follow I-264 East toward the Oceanfront.
- Approach the eastern end of the expressway. The convention center will be on the right.
- Turn right onto Parks Avenue. Use the first light as directed by the venue.
- Turn right again onto 19th Street.
- Follow signs to the main entrance and parking lots.
From Norfolk International Airport
Norfolk International Airport (ORF) is the principal commercial airport serving the area. The venue publishes a reference journey of approximately 20 minutes by car under suitable traffic conditions.
Follow Norview Avenue toward I-64 East, then I-264 East to the Oceanfront, and use the Parks Avenue / 19th Street approach.
From the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
Follow Route 13 to the Hampton Roads approach, then Route 60 / Shore Drive toward Virginia Beach. Continue via Atlantic Avenue and turn west onto 19th Street for the convention center.
Use real-time directions to account for traffic and any lane restrictions.
Public Transportation, Airport Access & Walking
Virginia Beach is served by Hampton Roads Transit, including regular bus services and seasonal Oceanfront routes.
Hampton Roads Transit
For year-round travel, consult HRT’s current bus map and trip planner. Use the convention center’s complete address as the final destination.
Routes, transfer points and service hours depend on your starting location.
VB Wave Trolley
Seasonal Oceanfront service typically operates from mid-May through Labor Day. The Atlantic Avenue trolley serves the beachfront corridor rather than providing a guaranteed direct stop at the convention center door.
Do not assume summer service will be running for an October or December event.
Transport planning steps
- Check your starting location. It might be an Oceanfront hotel, Norfolk airport or another Hampton Roads community.
- Use the HRT trip planner. Enter 1000 19th Street, Virginia Beach as the destination.
- Review the last walking portion. A bus stop may be several blocks from the public entrance.
- Check the return schedule. Evening conferences and shows may end after some local routes stop running.
- Use a taxi or rideshare when appropriate. Confirm the event’s approved passenger drop-off location.
Floor Plans, Exhibit Halls, Ballroom & Meeting Rooms
Virginia Beach Convention Center provides over 250,000 square feet of programmable event space. Its major public exhibition rooms, ballroom, second-floor meeting suites and tower spaces accommodate different event types.
Exhibit halls A–D
| Space | Area | Published standard 10×10 booths |
|---|---|---|
| Exhibit Hall A | 37,503 sq ft | 220 |
| Exhibit Hall B | 37,503 sq ft | 220 |
| Exhibit Hall C | 37,503 sq ft | 220 |
| Exhibit Hall D | 37,503 sq ft | 220 |
| All halls A–D | 150,012 sq ft | 880 |
The published exhibit-hall ceiling height is 40 feet. Booth capacity depends on the approved floor layout and required safety aisles.
Ballroom configurations
| Ballroom | Square footage | Published theater seating |
|---|---|---|
| Ballroom One | 10,472 | 1,048 |
| Ballroom Two | 10,085 | 1,014 |
| Ballroom Three | 10,472 | 1,046 |
| Combined Ballroom One–Three | 31,029 | 3,108 |
Meeting suites and tower
Meeting Suites 1–5
Second-level meeting facilities are grouped into suites with room labels such as 1A, 2B and 5C. Flexible partitions create different seating arrangements.
Use your exact meeting-room label to identify the appropriate corridor.
Tower spaces
Premium spaces include the Tower Café Lounge, Board Room, VIP Lounge and Observation Deck.
The observation deck has a published floor area of approximately 500 square feet.
How to locate your assigned room
- Read your confirmation. Look for the exhibit hall letter, ballroom number or meeting-suite label.
- Find the appropriate level. Exhibit halls and ballroom spaces differ from the upstairs meeting suites.
- Open the venue floor-plan resource. Compare your label with the diagram.
- Identify the nearest public entrance and registration location.
- Use directional signage inside. Large events may have separate attendee and exhibitor routes.
Hotels Near Virginia Beach Convention Center
Hotels close to the Oceanfront and the ViBe Creative District can be practical for convention attendees. Your ideal location depends on whether you prefer a short venue commute, beach access or a larger selection of restaurants.
19th–22nd Street / ViBe District
Useful for travelers prioritizing a shorter journey to the convention center and access to local cafés, restaurants and neighborhood businesses.
Check the actual walking route and parking included with your booking.
Atlantic Avenue Hotels
Best suited to visitors who want beach views and Boardwalk access outside event hours.
These properties are not necessarily directly across from the convention center, even when described as “near VBCC.”
Central Oceanfront Resorts
Useful when your event includes client meetings, dining or other activities beyond the exhibition schedule.
Compare room blocks, parking, resort charges and travel time.
Inland Virginia Beach Hotels
Properties farther from the Oceanfront may offer different room rates. Factor in the need for a vehicle, ride or other transport before booking.
How to choose your hotel
| Your priority | Location strategy |
|---|---|
| Early morning conference | Prioritize a short, reliable route to 1000 19th Street. |
| Beach and Boardwalk | Look along Atlantic Avenue or nearby Oceanfront streets. |
| Dining within walking distance | Compare the ViBe District and Oceanfront restaurant areas. |
| Lower total trip cost | Compare room price, taxes, hotel parking and transport. |
| Accessible travel | Confirm accessible hotel room features and the route to your venue entrance. |
Accessibility, Visitor Services & Payments
The venue provides accessible parking under applicable regulations and supports accessible event participation. Specific seating, mobility arrangements and support services may be determined by the event organizer.
| Visitor need | Practical guidance |
|---|---|
| Accessible parking | Use signed accessible spaces with the appropriate parking placard or plate. |
| Accessible entry | Contact the venue for the entrance and route nearest your assigned event space. |
| Accessible event seating | Request seating and other accommodations through the organizer when registering or purchasing tickets. |
| Free public Wi-Fi | Complimentary access is advertised in pre-function areas. |
| Exhibitor Internet | Dedicated booth connectivity is ordered separately through Smart City Networks. |
| Venue payments | Since September 2026, the venue uses cashless payment methods during events and at its Business Center. |
| Accepted payment examples | Credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. |
| General assistance | Call (757) 385-2000. |
Exhibitor Information: Loading Docks, Utilities & Booth Setup
Exhibitors should follow their show-specific service manual rather than using general visitor instructions for deliveries.
Published freight facilities
| Exhibitor facility | Official specification |
|---|---|
| Cargo bays | 21 |
| Loading ramps | 5 |
| Exhibit hall overhead doors | 21 ft 6 in wide × 15 ft 6 in high |
| Ballroom overhead doors | 11 ft 6 in wide × 15 ft 6 in high |
| Loading dock parking | By event authorization or permit only |
| Electrical and water | Order through approved venue procedures |
| Dedicated Internet | Through Smart City Networks |
Exhibitor setup checklist
- Obtain the organizer’s exhibitor manual. Save move-in dates, booth assignment and show contractor details.
- Confirm deliveries. Freight trucks must use the assigned access route and unloading time.
- Arrange utilities. Order power, water or data services before deadlines.
- Review insurance and safety rules. The event manager may require documentation for contractors and activities.
- Follow load-in and load-out appointments. Do not leave trailers in public parking lots or loading areas without permission.
Book Virginia Beach Convention Center for a Conference or Event
Event planners can request large exhibit configurations, ballroom spaces, meeting suites and premium tower areas. Pricing depends on room selection, dates, event complexity and services.
Prepare this information before contacting sales
- Event name, organizer and contact details.
- Preferred dates and alternate dates.
- Estimated visitors, delegates, exhibitors and staff.
- Expected exhibit booths and hall layout.
- Meeting rooms, ballroom and catering arrangements.
- Audiovisual, electricity, Internet and water requirements.
- Freight loading and contractor plans.
- Hotel room-block requirements.
- Accessibility arrangements and other special needs.
Request an event proposal
- Open the official convention planning page.
- Review floor areas and potential layouts.
- Prepare your request for proposal. Include dates, projected attendance and services.
- Contact the Virginia Beach convention sales team. The published convention-sales telephone is 1-800-700-7702.
- Review the proposal. Confirm rental costs, deposits, utilities, labor, cancellation conditions and exhibitor rules.
Before You Go: Virginia Beach Convention Day Checklist
- Address: 1000 19th Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23451.
- Parking: The 2026 standard arrangement remains free.
- Event: Verify date, opening time and registration requirements.
- Entrance: Follow the event’s assigned public access route.
- Room: Save your exhibit hall letter, ballroom or meeting-suite number.
- Payment: Bring card or digital wallet for cashless venue purchases.
- Exhibitor logistics: Follow assigned move-in rules and loading permits.
- Accessibility: Request necessary arrangements in advance.
- Transportation: Check return routes, airport pickup or rideshare arrangements.
- Hotels: Review hotel parking fees and cancellation rules separately.
Va Beach Convention Center: 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the address of Virginia Beach Convention Center?
The Virginia Beach Convention Center is located at 1000 19th Street, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451, near Parks Avenue and the Oceanfront.
2. Is parking free at Virginia Beach Convention Center in 2026?
Yes. The City of Virginia Beach has postponed its proposed paid parking program for the Convention Center and Sports Center until April 1, 2027. Standard visitor parking remains free under the current arrangement, subject to lot availability and event instructions.
3. What parking rates are planned for 2027?
The postponed plan lists cumulative charges of $1 after one hour, $3 after two hours, $6 after three hours and a $10 daily maximum. The city states implementation is postponed until April 1, 2027; confirm the final policy before that date.
4. How many exhibition halls are there?
There are four main exhibition halls, A through D. Together they provide 150,012 square feet of exhibit space, according to the venue’s published floor-plan capacities.
5. What are the convention center’s opening hours?
Public opening and closing times depend on the specific event. Review the organizer’s schedule, registration confirmation or ticket for doors-open and admission hours.
6. Where can I find upcoming events and tickets?
The official Visit Virginia Beach Convention Center event calendar and individual event organizers provide event dates, ticket links, registration and admission requirements.
7. What is the Virginia Beach Convention Center phone number?
The main telephone number is (757) 385-2000. The convention sales team can also be reached through 1-800-700-7702.
8. Which airport serves the convention center?
Norfolk International Airport (ORF) is the primary nearby commercial airport. The venue describes the drive as approximately 20 minutes under suitable conditions, although traffic can increase travel time.
9. Is free Wi-Fi available at the convention center?
Yes. The venue advertises complimentary public Wi-Fi in pre-function areas. Exhibitors requiring dedicated Internet services should make separate arrangements through the approved provider.
10. How do I rent space at Virginia Beach Convention Center?
Contact the Virginia Beach convention sales team, review the venue floor plans and submit an event inquiry with your preferred dates, attendance, room requirements and technical needs. The published sales telephone is 1-800-700-7702.
Official Virginia Beach Convention Center Resources
Use these primary resources for the final steps that require live event information, registration, booking or current parking policy checks.
Venue overview, event information, addresses and resources.
Current parking update, proposed rates and contact for parking management.
Driving routes, venue entrances, parking locations and airport directions.
Current event listings and organizer information.
Published event dates, venue labels and estimated event attendance.
Detailed exhibit hall, ballroom, meeting-room and tower specifications.
Freight deliveries, exhibitor restrictions, venue operations, parking and equipment requirements.
Venue rental and event planning resources.