Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center – Building
#44 of 100 things to do in Dallas
The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, originally the Dallas Memorial Auditorium and the Dallas Convention Center, is a meeting hall, event/convention center and civic center in the Convention Center District of downtown Dallas, Texas. Wikipedia
Dallas, Texas is a city known for its vibrant energy, and at the heart of its downtown action lies the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas (KBHCCD) . This award-winning venue is not just a meeting space; it is a bustling hub of entertainment, culture, and major events, welcoming over one million visitors annually .
Whether you are planning to attend a massive fan convention, a thrilling auto show, a world-class concert, or an athletic competition, this guide provides everything you need to know—from ticket prices and opening hours to activities for adults and kids, parking logistics, and future developments.
Located at 650 S Griffin St, Dallas, TX 75202, the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center is a landmark of Texas hospitality . The facility boasts an impressive one million square feet of total event space, including 434,224 square feet of dedicated meeting space with more than 80 configurable meeting rooms . It has the capacity to serve up to 15,000 guests for dining, making it a self-contained city within a city .
Contact Information:
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Phone: +1-214-939-2700
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Email: [email protected]
Hours & Admission: Planning Your Visit
One of the most important aspects of planning is understanding that the convention center operates primarily based on its event schedule.
Opening Hours
While the administrative offices have standard hours, the public exhibit halls open according to specific events. Generally, most public events and box offices operate between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM . However, major conventions like FAN EXPO Dallas or concerts may extend hours into the evening. Always check the specific event page for exact timings.
Ticket Prices (Pay-as-you-Event)
The convention center does not have a “general admission” fee to walk inside. Instead, access is granted via tickets for specific shows. Here are real-world examples of pricing structures to expect:
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Oddities & Curiosities Expo: General Admission is approximately $20, while children under 13 enter free .
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Unicorn World: Children under 2 are free; all others require a timed-entry ticket purchased in advance .
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Consumer Shows (Auto Show, Home Show): Prices vary but usually range from $10 to $25 for adults, with discounts for seniors and children.
Tickets for nearly every event are sold online in advance. Pro Tip: Many high-demand events like Collect-A-Con or ThriftCon require advance purchase and do not allow refunds .
Activities for Adults & Children: Something for Everyone
The beauty of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center is its ability to cater to diverse interests simultaneously. You might find a craft beer festival in one hall and a robotics competition in another.
👨💼 Adults: Business, Networking, and Niche Hobbies
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Trade Shows & Professional Development: The center hosts massive B2B events like IntraLogisteX Dallas (supply chain solutions) and the Future of Work USA . These are excellent for professionals looking to network and see industry innovations.
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Hobbyist Conventions: Adults love Collect-A-Con (trading cards, anime, and pop culture) and the Longhorn State Tattoo Expo .
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Cultural Events: The venue regularly hosts the Taiwan EXPO USA, showcasing global culture, art, and technology .
👧 Children & Families: Magic, Unicorns, and Pop Culture
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Unicorn World: This is a must-do for families with young children. It features life-sized animatronic unicorns, an enchanted forest walk-through, themed arts and crafts, and rides .
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FAN EXPO Dallas: Perfect for teens and tweens, this event includes celebrity meet-and-greets, comic book artists, cosplay parades, and gaming zones .
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Oddities & Curiosities Expo: While it sounds spooky, this expo is family-friendly. Kids love looking at the unique taxidermy, preserved specimens, and weird art (though parental guidance is advised for very sensitive children) .
Getting There: Parking & Public Transport (DART)
The convention center is exceptionally easy to reach, located near the intersection of several major interstates .
🚗 Driving & Parking
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On-Site Parking: The facility has a parking garage and surface lots managed by ACE Parking. They accommodate almost any vehicle type .
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Pricing: Rates are “per day, per entry” (no in/out privileges). Prices vary by event; major concerts or auto shows usually have higher event parking rates ($10 – $20) than a slow trade show day.
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Address for GPS: 650 S Griffin St, Dallas, TX 75202.
🚆 Public Transportation (DART)
This is often the best option to avoid traffic.
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DART Station: The Convention Center Station is located on-site at the intersection of Botham Jean Boulevard and Memorial Drive, right beneath the building . It services the Red and Blue rail lines.
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Union Station: If you are taking Amtrak or the Trinity Railway Express (TRE), get off at the Eddie Bernice Johnson Union Station, which is just 2.5 blocks northeast of the venue .
Major Annual Events You Can’t Miss
To help you plan your trip, here are recurring signature events held at KBHCCD:
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FAN EXPO Dallas (Summer): The largest comic con and pop culture festival in the region .
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Dallas Auto Show: Featuring the latest vehicles, concept cars, and test drive tracks .
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Collect-A-Con (Fall): The nation’s largest trading card and pop culture collectibles show .
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Small Business Expo (Fall): A massive networking and educational event for entrepreneurs .
The Future: A $3 Billion Redevelopment
If you are planning a visit beyond 2026, you will see major changes. The city is undertaking a $3 to $4 billion redevelopment project to modernize the center and the surrounding district. By roughly 2029, expect expanded exhibit space, new infrastructure, and enhanced public plazas, making it an even more attractive destination .
Tips for Your Visit
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Wear Comfortable Shoes: The venue is massive. You will likely walk miles covering different exhibit halls.
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Check the Calendar: Visit the official website’s [events page] to see exactly what is happening on your dates .
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Book Hotels in Advance: Major conventions sell out hotels in the Downtown district months in advance.
Stay Connected: Social Media & Official Links
To stay updated on last-minute events, ticket drops, and convention center news, follow the official channels of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center and its resident events.
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Official Website: www.dallasconventioncenter.com
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Facebook: Check @DallasConventionCenter for event announcements.
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Instagram: Follow @DallasConventionCenter for behind-the-scenes photos of setup and major events.
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X (Twitter): Follow @DallasConvCtr for real-time traffic and event updates.
Note: Social media handles are managed by the venue’s marketing department. Searches for the exact handle names listed above will lead you to their verified pages.
If you have any experience with this place, please share it with us in the comments below!