Walter E. Washington Convention Center
This convention center sits in the heart of downtown Washington's convention and entertainment district, and it has a Metro entrance. There is no public parking at the center itself, but more than 3,000 spaces lie within a three-block radius. Glitter is not allowed inside.
Before you go
- Indoor or outdoor
- Indoor convention center
- Official site
- eventsdc.com
- Next festival here
- Awesome Con, Apr 23 to 25, 2027
Worth knowing before you go
- There is no public parking at the Convention Center.
- Parking rules are heavily enforced in the surrounding residential areas.
- Glitter is not allowed in the Convention Center.
- Only dogs count as service animals, and comfort or emotional support dogs are not permitted.
Festivals here
Venue basics: Metro entrance to the building · No public parking on site · 3,000+ spaces within three blocks.
Is it for you
Choose it if
- You want to arrive by Metro in the middle of downtown.
- You want plenty of restaurants close by.
Think twice if
- You were counting on parking at the building itself.
- You use glitter in costumes or make-up.
Getting there and parking
The center is in the heart of downtown's convention and entertainment district, with restaurants, bars, shopping, hotels and live sports around it. There is a Metro entrance, along with entrances at Mt. Vernon Place and L Street, North and South.
There is no public parking at the Convention Center. More than 3,000 spaces in surface lots and garages sit within a three-block radius, and parking rules are heavily enforced in the surrounding residential areas.
Accessibility
Public sidewalks around the center have curb cuts for wheelchair access. Automatic doors are at the Mt. Vernon Place, L Street North and South, and Metro entrances. Elevators are near meeting rooms, common areas and exhibit halls, and telephones, drinking fountains and restrooms throughout the building are wheelchair accessible.
Twelve metered spaces on 9th Street and three on 7th Street between Mt. Vernon Place and L Street are designated for vehicles with disability permits or tags.
Service animals are authorized, and dogs are the only animals allowed to serve as service animals. Aggressive dogs are prohibited, as are dogs whose sole function is comfort or emotional support.
Confirm your specific needs with the venue before you travel (eventsdc.com).
Camping
We don't yet have confirmed information about camping at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The venue's own pages are the place to check: eventsdc.com.
Food, water and what you can bring
All food and beverage inside is provided through DC Eats, with local, healthy options. The center is surrounded by dozens of dining spots, from artisan pizza shops to Michelin-starred restaurants. Glitter is not allowed in the Convention Center.
Recently at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Passport DC Reel
From the venue · Apr 20, 2026
Awesome Con 2026 *Recap*
Awesome Con
A little history
The current center opened in 2003, two blocks from the original 1874 site. The old convention center was demolished in 2005, and a parking lot built in its place now hosts special events.