“From massive convention center modernizations to the growth of distinctive off-site venues like stadiums and entertainment districts and a slate of fresh hotel offerings across the state, 2026 truly represents a new chapter for meetings, events and corporate gatherings in the Golden State,” said Caroline Beteta, president & CEO of Visit California. “California is more than a place to meet — it’s a place to connect, celebrate and be inspired.”
MAJOR RENOVATION
L.A. Convention Center renovation underway
Construction has officially begun on a $2.6 billion modernization and expansion of the L.A. Convention Center (LACC). The renovation will add 190,000 square feet of space and create a contiguous hall spanning over 750,000 square feet, plus expand meeting and multi-purpose rooms. The milestone project positions Los Angeles to welcome larger global conferences, multi-track events and Olympic-scale gatherings.
UNIQUELY-CALIFORNIA VENUES
OCVIBE to unveil first phase of opening
OCVIBE, a new immersive entertainment district in Orange County, spans over 100 acres along the river situated around the iconic ARTIC and Honda Center. Opening in phases, the district’s anticipated 2026 openings include the Market Hall, a 50,000-square-foot culinary space featuring 21 chef-driven concepts and six bars; the Weave, a flexible working space; the Concert Hall, a 5,700-person venue; and Urban Park, the heart of OCVIBE.
ONT Field to open for Ontario Tower Buzzers’ debut
ONT Field in Ontario is a 190-acre sports and entertainment district and is now home to the Ontario Tower Buzzers, the new Los Angeles Dodgers' Single-A affiliate team. The field is slated to open in April 2026, just in time for baseball season, and features more than 75,000 square feet of food and beverage offerings, seats 4,500 and includes themed “neighborhoods” offering distinct atmospheres.
West Harbor, LA’s newest waterfront entertainment destination
Opening in summer 2026, West Harbor will redefine the Los Angeles Waterfront as a dynamic new destination for groups of any size. Spanning 42 acres at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, the development features restaurants, retail, recreation and a 6,200-seat amphitheater. The opening also comes with a launch point for Harbor Breeze Cruises, where visitors can experience private group charters and whale watching directly from the site.
Lucas Museum of Narrative Art to open in 2026
Slated to open in September 2026 in Los Angeles’ Exposition Park, the highly anticipated Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will showcase storytelling through painting, photography, film and sculpture in its impressive 100,000 square feet of gallery space. Founded by legendary filmmaker George Lucas, the 11-acre campus also features two state-of-the-art theaters, classroom and studio spaces and a dedicated space for special events.
Reimagined Old Lumberyard set to open
Slated to debut its first phase in May 2026, the Old Lumberyard in downtown Truckee, a reimagined historic industrial site, is now a mixed-use commercial and retail open-air gathering space. The second phase of the project is also set to break ground later in 2026 which includes an over 10,000 square foot event center and boutique hotel.
NEW HOTEL OFFERINGS
Napa Valley expands properties perfect for group hosting
Leading a wave of openings in Napa Valley is Casa Mani Resort Napa Valley, a complete transformation of the former Embassy Suites, now joining Hilton’s Curio Collection. The resort offers more than 15,000 square feet of adaptable indoor and outdoor event space, including five meeting rooms, two boardrooms and landscaped garden and courtyard venues designed to foster collaboration and creativity. Also debuting as a distinctive group venue, the Napa Valley Car Club combines automotive culture with wine country sophistication. Its Barn Event Space accommodates up to 150 guests among rotating displays of vintage and exotic cars, with curated driving experiences that showcase the region’s scenic routes.
Mammoth’s new mountainside venue
Limelight Hotel Mammoth, which debuted earlier this month, blends contemporary mountain style with vibrant après-ski energy. With 8,000 square feet of event space, six indoor/outdoor venues and just steps from The Village’s gondola, the Limelight Hotel offers flexible space for any event with mountain views that steal the show.
Santa Cruz’s first luxury property debuts
La Bahia Hotel & Spa recently opened in Santa Cruz, introducing the city’s first luxury resort. Designed as a celebration of the town’s storied coastal character, the property holds 155 rooms and 16 suites with unobstructed ocean views, plus 13,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, a 4,000 square foot ballroom, rooftop deck and four distinct culinary concepts.
Other noteworthy hotel openings with event space include:
- The Kali Hotel & Rooftop, part of the Marriott Autograph Collection, in Inglewood conveniently located near SoFi Stadium
- Rosewood San Francisco, situated in the burgeoning Transbay District with access to iconic landmarks
- Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara reopens in 2026 following an extensive restoration, unveiling refreshed interiors and culinary offerings
- Several of Beverly Hills’ most iconic hotels, including The Beverly Hilton, Beverly Wilshire, and L’Ermitage Beverly Hills, are undergoing major renovations to debut refreshed luxury experiences in 2026
- Parker Palm Springs unveiled their newest event space on its 13-acre property: an open-air amphitheater with flexible seating and natural acoustics
- Set to reopen in 2026 after new ownership and a complete renovation, the iconic Hotel De Anza in San Jose features seven unique event spaces
- Originally designed as a cultural hub, the Chateau Big Bear underwent a thoughtful restoration with enhancement on functionality for events
For a full overview of all 2026 hotel, entertainment and attraction developments, explore Visit California’s recent press release here.
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ABOUT VISIT CALIFORNIA:
Visit California is a nonprofit organization with a mission to develop and maintain marketing programs – in partnership with the state’s travel industry – that keep California top-of-mind as a premier travel destination. For more information about Visit California and for a free California Official State Visitor's Guide, go to visitcalifornia.com. For story ideas, media information, downloadable images, video and more, go to media.visitcalifornia.com.