agriculture

National FFA Convention 2026

October 28 - 31, 2026

Venue: Indiana Convention Center

Expected Attendance: 60,000+

Official Website →

The largest annual youth event in Indianapolis. Future Farmers of America students from across the country descend on downtown for career shows, competitions, concerts, and award ceremonies. Blue corduroy jackets everywhere.

Insider Tips

Budget-friendly is key — most attendees are students. Old Spaghetti Factory, Yard House, and India Garden are great value picks
Downtown restaurants get very busy — eat early (before 6 PM) or late (after 8:30 PM) to avoid the rush
The Convention Center is huge — download the FFA app for a map and schedule
October weather in Indy is unpredictable — bring layers
Group-friendly restaurants: Kilroy's, Yard House, and Bakersfield can handle large parties

Where to Eat & Drink

Our picks for National FFA Convention 2026 attendees

Bakersfield Mass Ave

restaurant $$

Mexican / Tacos

“Street tacos, 100+ tequilas, and whiskey — the Mass Ave spot for a fun, lively dinner”

334 Massachusetts Ave

🚶 12 min walk from Convention Center

India Garden

restaurant $$

Indian

“Best Indian food downtown — the lunch buffet is a local favorite and incredible value”

207 N Delaware St

🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center

American / Bar Food

“Massive menu, strong drinks, open late — the go-to post-event hangout for convention crowds”

201 S Meridian St

🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center

Italian

“Budget-friendly Italian in a historic building — perfect for families and groups on a budget”

210 S Meridian St

🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center

Yard House

restaurant $$

American / Craft Beer

“Over 100 beers on tap and a massive menu — connected to Circle Centre Mall near the Convention Center”

15 W Maryland St

🚶 5 min walk via skywalk from Convention Center

Browse All Venues

Neighborhoods to Explore

Where to Stay

Convention hotels with skywalk access to downtown venues

“On the corner of Illinois and Market — walking distance to everything downtown”

120 W Market St

🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center

“Connected to Convention Center via skywalk — revolving rooftop restaurant with city views”

1 S Capitol Ave

🚶 Connected via skywalk from Convention Center

“Largest hotel in Indiana — connected to the Convention Center via skywalk”

10 S West St

🚶 Connected via skywalk from Convention Center

“Connected to Convention Center and 200+ venues via the downtown skywalk system”

241 W Washington St

🚶 Connected via skywalk from Convention Center

“All-suite hotel with free cooked-to-order breakfast and evening reception — great value for families”

110 W Washington St

🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center

“Sleep in a converted Pullman train car inside historic Union Station — connected to Convention Center via skybridge”

123 W Louisiana St

🚶 Connected via skybridge from Convention Center

“Solid convention hotel adjacent to Lucas Oil Stadium and connected to the Convention Center”

350 W Maryland St

🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center

Omni Severin Hotel

hotel $$$

“Historic luxury hotel across the street from Union Station — a downtown Indy landmark since 1913”

40 W Jackson Pl

🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center

The Alexander

hotel $$$

“Boutique art hotel in the Autograph Collection — modern design, walkable to everything downtown”

333 S Delaware St

🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center

Bottleworks Hotel

hotel $$$$

“Stunning boutique hotel in the restored 1930s Coca-Cola bottling plant — rated #1 boutique hotel in the US”

850 Massachusetts Ave

🚶 15 min walk from Convention Center

Parking

Pro tip: Pre-book parking on SpotHero to save money during events. Walk-up rates spike during major conventions.

Capitol Commons Garage

parking $$$$

“Closest garage to the Convention Center — but you'll pay for the convenience”

20 N Capitol Ave

🚶 Adjacent from Convention Center

Plaza Park Garage

parking $$$

“Good value for Convention Center and Lucas Oil events — cheaper than Capitol Commons”

30 S Missouri St

🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center

“Best value downtown parking — $2 for up to 3 hours, connected to Circle Centre Mall and skywalk system”

48 W Maryland St

🚶 5 min walk via skywalk from Convention Center

Pan Am Plaza Garage

parking $$$

“Large garage between the Convention Center and Lucas Oil — entrances on Capitol Ave and Illinois St”

201 S Capitol Ave

🚶 3 min walk from Convention Center

“Skywalk-connected to Gainbridge Fieldhouse — solid option for Pacers games and events”

155 S Delaware St

🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center

“Best daily rates near the Convention Center — max $18 for 24 hours”

301 S Meridian St

🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center

“South entrance to Circle Centre — escalator access to the mall and skywalk system”

26 W Georgia St

🚶 5 min walk via skywalk from Convention Center

Express Park Garage

parking $$

“24/7 garage right on Pennsylvania Street — early bird rate $15 if you enter before 9 AM”

20 N Pennsylvania St

🚶 7 min walk from Convention Center

“One of the cheapest garages downtown — $8 max daily rate”

101 N New Jersey St

🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center

Market Tower Garage

parking $$

“Central downtown garage steps from Monument Circle — $24 max daily”

139 N Illinois St

🚶 8 min walk from Convention Center

“Skybridge to JW Marriott — great for Victory Field and Convention Center west side”

401 W Washington St

🚶 5 min walk from Convention Center