Palmer Events Center

Went to the armadillo Christmas bazaar at the events center. It was one of the stops on a scavenger hunt and was super cute. There are lots of stalls with goods, handicrafts and other great gift items. They also have some places to grab a bite to eat, a couple of bars and live music. I didn’t stay long, but it was a cute little place that would be great for buying gifts. There is an admission fee, but I am not sure the amount, as we were provided our tickets.

My friend and I went to the Coffee festival and it was a great experience. We met a a few people, talked to a lot of engaging vendors and bought a few things. It was really enjoyable.

The place was easy to find, ample parking and the restrooms seemed to be able to handle the large crowds. It worked well for Classic Game Fest and the family had fun.

At the Atmadillo Christmas Bazaar. Beautiful art, music and merriment. Rhrough 12/21/25. Clean space, clean attended bathrooms and a freat event.

My husband I came here to attend the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar. We won't be returning and here's why: Pros: A good number of vendors to enjoy. Decorated nicely for Christmas with Christmas music playing Everyone was very friendly and the vendors weren't being pushy with their products. We could leave our car in the garage and walk down the street to have lunch at Terry Black's. After lunch we walked around some more. Cons: It was very female oriented. I saw a lot of men walking around holding bags for their significant other. I came across only 5 or 6 at most booths geared towards men. The prices for products being sold from vendors was really marked up and in some cases way too expensive for what you'd be buying. The #1 reason why we will never go back. Cost! We started by parking in their garage and that was only $10.00. We thought that was really reasonable. We entered through the entrance only to find out that they are charging $25.00 per person to enter. Let me get this straight. We were charged a total of $50.00 for the privilege of going inside to buy things. We both immediately regretted our decision to buy the tickets anyway in hopes that what we are about to see would be worth it. No, it's not worth it. Do NOT go. We left so frustrated. 50 bucks to walk around and look at stuff being sold. I hate leaving poor reviews but if I can keep another person from being ripped off I will.

Just went there for Market for Makers event and I have been there for different events as well. Big space for events and well organized. Plenty of place to park. Its 10 dollars per parking. I will definately park there to go eat Terry Black's BBQ if I have to cause we know the parking there is very tight.

I attended the ANNUAL 2025 Classic Game Fest Great Fun as always .

Levitation 2025 was my first visit to PEC and I was very pleased with how easy it was to navigate the venue. The location of the outside vendors and inside vendors made it easy to figure which line to get in, and the layout of the indoor stage area wasn't in direct conflict with the merch booths. The sound outside was great, but kind of varied inside. Notably, The Sword's sound was a little muddy and muffled, but Acid Bath were crisp and vibrant. Overall it was still a great experience and I look forward to attending events in the future!

I haven't been to the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar since the Before Times, and I finally had time to pop in on the last day this year. Over 120 booths were set up with artists displaying their works and wares, including leather bags, hats, textiles, jewelry, fine art, mosaics, candles, and miscellaneous crafts. Everything was pretty high-end, not much under $50, most quite a bit more. A couple of bars were set up serving specialty mixed drinks ($10 for a small cup) and beer, and a pizza place was in back ($9 for a large slice), with a few picnic tables set up just like at Costco. No one takes cash, cards only, so bring your plastic. At the center back was the raised stage with rows of chairs set up in front and space at the back to accommodate dancers. Bands play sets at scheduled times starting at lunchtime, then mid afternoon and around supper time. People filled the chairs when we were there, but you can hear the music all over the area, and it makes a pleasant atmosphere. Parking in their garage was a flat rate of $8 (they do take cash) and entry into the Bazaar was $12 per day. It was easy to purchase tickets online using the QR code posted on a sign by the line, and that kept us from standing in it to buy tickets at the door. They scan the tickets straight from your phone, for the uninitiated. This is the Modern Way at many venues and restaurants, and worth learning. The room was fairly crowded when we were there on the last Friday of this year's event. They usually have an outdoor vendor section, but it was around 20 degrees outside this year so we didn't think anyone would be braving that. Palmer has multiple events during the year and is set up well with the adjoining garage. A nice airy, clean venue for events.

What a beautiful event center friendly staff easy parking great views we have been to several events here roller derby and a cat expo such beautiful skyline too

I've been coming here for years and it needs a major upgrade -- my recent visit for the symphony was the last straw. It's a bit complicated and hard to get to because it technically shares a building with The Long Center. The parking is $8, and you're essentially forced to pay it because there is virtually no other parking anywhere near the venue, plus there are different entrances -- traffic if always a nightmare when you leave, and if you go through the wrong one, you're stuck walking all the way around the garage to get to the events center. The drink prices are comically expensive inside the events center. The restrooms are teeny tiny, not well-kept, and half of the doors to the stalls are broken. It is always freezing inside and there is next to no cell service (they have free wifi but it is spotty at best). It looks extremely old and feels extremely old -- it desperately needs a refresh.

On Dec 29th, I came to this venue to watch The Austin Symphony for the 1st time. The Symphony was excellent! This was the first time I went to venue and found the space to be large enough to have a variety of events here. The mixed beverages were rather pricey (I paid $19.00 which included a tip for a double gin and tonic). There is ample parking in the parking lot adjacent to the venue for $8.00; however disabled Veteran parking is free of charge. However, the bartenders were extremely pleasant.

It's the perfect place for an expo. I've been to about four events at this location and no matter how busy and it appears on the outside, it always feels quite spacious and organized on the inside. There is plenty of garage parking at a flat rate of $8/car, and the venue itself is large and clean, with plenty of clean restrooms inside. Though I have encountered a few pushy and ill-mannered staff members at times, the friendly staff members and fun expos more than make up for the short-lived negativity. A few events I've attended were: College Fair- so many schools were there to represent and chat with perspective students. I highly recommend attending this exciting event with your college-bound teen. Bridal Extravaganza- every bride-to-be should go to at least one bridal extravaganza! Perfect for the whole bridal party, or just you and your groom. There are so many vendors who can provide you with unique and fun ideas for your wedding. They even have a runway show! By the way, go hungry, leave stuffed. My now husband enjoyed the catering and wedding cake vendors the most. City Wide Garage Sale- booths and tables galore! It's a garage sale as big as Texas, y'all. Neat stuff, good prices. Fun to just go and look! I recommend going at least once. Once was enough for me. The Austin Marathon Packet Pickup Expo- I volunteered to work one of the packet pickup booths. As someone who has participated in a handful of fun-runs (marathon runners, I salute you), this was the most streamlined and organized packet pickup I've seen! The expo itself was full of athletic gear, accessories and fun giveaways and freebies.

The center it self was very beautiful and clean, but the cooler thing was the show I went to here. I saw the Texas roller derby here and it was an amazing show, one of the coolest things I have ever seen. I recommend coming here for whatever they have going on, but if you have the opportunity to see the roller derby match you have to go.

I enjoy exhibiting at the Palmer because of the ease in moving in and not having to pay for parking. It is very customer friendly. The location is also great as it is located on Barton Springs Road. The staff is very friendly. The facility itself is very clean.

This is a cool events center right in the middle of the park! The Palmer Events Center is a place that holds festivals, conferences and the like for Austinites. The place is large, with indoor and outdoor facilities, movable walls and restrooms. The place was clean, and the signage was well done so you could easily find the various areas and restrooms. The building design allows for people to move around the floor plan easily and swiftly. The large covered area allows for food trucks to park in the shade, which is nice. They didn't have many drinking fountains. The restrooms are a bit disappointing, tiny and cramped and not very clean for such a big events space. Parking was easy, there is a garage next door, and a large lot on the other side of the grassy knoll.

This place is great for a lot of events. It is not that big so there is no need for binoculars to see activity. You can easily be right down at the action. The bathrooms are good, kept clean and there is ample parking at a cost of course. Food and drink costs are a bit high as at most venues. I attended the Austin Record Convention recently and it was a perfect fit. I have actually been coming here for years and watched many changes. Works. That is what is important.

This is a pretty nice event center with ample space for most all events. I came for a TCEQ-sponsored event and visited most major rooms both upstairs and downstairs. Restrooms were clean and vary in size depending on their location within the building. Parking is $8, which seems a little steep.

Nice center for events. Sometimes difficult to get in and out, mostly because of it's location. Can also run out of parking quickly for the larger events. Centrally located so not too far from anywhere, which is both good and bad :).

Nice center, have to pay attention to turn into the driveway to the parking garage. Not most expensive not cheapest parking I've been to ($8). Center is big and open for different events.

Visited this event center for a work staff development day of more than 300 people. Parking was right next to the bundling which was convenient for its proximity to downtown. Food was provided by the event center and it was delicious and kept hot. We had bacon, sausage, eggs, fruit, coffee, and tea. There was plenty of space for such a large crowd.. Bathrooms were clean and close to main event room. I will advise you to bring a sweater it was chilly inside the building. If you go upstairs to the second floor they have a balcony with seating. I was able to capture this amazing view of Austin.

This is a gorgeous event space! I have been here a handful of times since living here in Austin. Every year I attend the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar and one time for the Livestrong packet pickup. The inside is huge. Both events I have seen here there was plenty of space for what they needed. I really have no complaints or critiques. The architecture of the building is newer and beautiful as well. Palmer Events Center shares a parking garage with the Long Center and it seems to work well. The building is always clean well taken care of too. If you are looking for a large space I would definitely recommend the Palmer Events Center.

I remember this from the '70 we loved it but, were never able to see it in person. It didn't last long, then it came back in the '80's, but, they "cleaned" it up first off the incline platform wasn't incline anymore it became flat and the girls didn't have a "killer instinct" anymore. They made it "nice" but, in my option, that killed it. This is exactly as I remembered the first time it was a blast.

The building is really nicely maintained, the restrooms were clean, and the facility was well-kept as far as the landscaping outside and the detailed exterior designs that need to be taken care of. The building had a lot of wood work and stone work that seemed to need regular maintenance but none of this seemed like it was neglected. The only reason I give them a minus two stars is the fact that after all the above compliments that I mentioned, their provided garage parking lot was actually not kept in the same condition as the building itself. It was really dirty, old and not taken care of. The staircase had rust, trash, leaves, and all sorts of other stuff along with a weird smell. I honestly feel that if you are wanting to take care of a building then the parking lot should be taken care of just as much.

Reception at the expo only had lager, IPA, beer, wine -- no water or soft drinks. Several bartenders serving alcohol-only beverages at multiple aisles, WTF? Where's the drinks for the designated drivers?! Restrooms have no paper towels and no automatic door openers, and no foot openers, either. Taps hardly have any water, either. Who does that? Even Walmart has better water pressure in most stores! Really horrible venue! You'd think Austin would have better Convention Centre facilities, alas it does not.

Been here a few times for various events: City Wide Garage Sale, Food Fests, Classic Game Fests, etc. Parking and entry is easy for the most part (depending on the event) and the events seems to always go off without issue.

I saw the Austin Symphony perform a show here. The exterior of the building impresses me, so I was anxious to get a glimpse at the interior. Unfortunately, I wasn't as blown away by the inside. The space is enormous - high ceilings and a long seating area. In the back, facing the stage, were bleachers where I made myself as comfortable as possible (I'm cheap). Sitting in what would be equivalent to the nosebleeds at a baseball stadium was fine at first because we were right in front of the beverage counters. Despite the easy access to alcohol, we couldn't see a thing and the acoustics weren't wonderful. We worked our way up front to do a little dancing and suddenly the symphony was sounding a heck of a lot better. It was like walking into where the other half lives... Drink prices were moderate, staff was friendly and helpful. Overall, a decent venue, but nothing memorable. The space wasn't as magical as I had imagined, but it serves its purpose for concerts, expos, community events, etc. I think I prefer the more comfortable seating of Bass Concert Hall, but I suppose we are lucky to have such a place to welcome our visitors to Austin. Palmer Events may be worth a visit, depending on your reason for dropping by.

I camped out here for a weekend in support of my good buddies who were showing at Renegade Craft Fair. I had a faint idea as to the layout of this auditorium based on photos of the past year's Renegade. The parking garage simplifies the parking situation, although the $7 parking fee was kind of lame (I know it's necessary to draw in revenue, but still!). I am assuming the structure is divided into Long Center and Palmer Events Center, so there are arrowed signs directing you in the proper direction. As for Palmer - it's pretty darn huge. I mean obviously, as they had to accommodate 200+ vendors (some shared booths). It is very much your typical auditorium. Massive, high ceilings, a little barren warehouse-feeling, but plentiful restrooms up the wazoo. There's several entrances rounding out the corners, so in case of an emergency/fire - you are set (look it's crucial to note these things!). I do know the wall nearest to the parking garage opens up to permit entry of larger display booths/trucks/whatever. In closing, it seems like a pretty adequate auditorium. Hurray?

This place is well designed for the number of different events held there. I've been there over the years for countless events from boats shows to wedding events. I'm the chair for the ABoR "Realty Round Up" real estate tradeshow and we're holding our event in Oct. of 2015. I for one am looking forward to it.

Great Center to hold an event, today we road the publicly available bikes which were $4.00 it would have been nice if the weather was a little better (less muggy) but can't really complain when it was expected. The event we came to was Paleo f(x), there were multiple vendors set up along with several different stages and meeting rooms. There were some problems my first day with registration but ever since the event has gone smoothly. The center was well air conditioned, plenty of shade and grass when you need to take a step outside.

Damnit... that damn Sarah is always one the damn step ahead of me damn. I thought FOR SURE I'd be the first to review Palmer (as I sit in the middle of it right now). Like the legendary Sarah, I LOVE the exterior. Be sure to notice the big-arse ceiling fans outside under the overhanging roof. Not small.... at all! I've been here several times but this time I'm reviewing not the City Wide Garage Sale (which I love dearly) but Palmer as a tradeshow venue. Love the free wireless. The food is ok for event food... nachos aren't bad once you hit the fixin's bar. But I can't find a plug ANYWHERE (literally they made it impossible to find one without paying a huge fee) and so my 4 minute battery life gets me nowhere (maybe 1/2 a game of internet spades if I go blind right off the top). And the current tradeshow is dead. We had more mosquitos visit our booth (one might have been a mosquito hawk posing as a large mosquito) than human visitors. And insides it's just really a huge concrete barn... So yeah, average at best once you enter. And bring extra batteries.

About the TATTOO CONVENTION SPECIFICALLY!! COOL COOL TIMES! Amazing tatts and tat-related products. Amazing Artists.... I have the top three recommendations of who to see in this order if they are not busy: 1. Ron Domstead 2. Chunk (shares a booth with Ron.....on the second row kind of in the center) 3. Jeff Ensminger. WOW. You will be glad you did this. So many different talented artists, so little time. It IS OPEN TODAY FROM 12-6!!!! Be there or stay a square! It is 15 dollars a person and seven dollars to park, it is cash only and you can always park away from the PEC for free just get ready to walk..... DO IT!

Had a blast taking my grandkids to the Discover the Dinosaur exhibits!! Nice and orderly setup!!

I don't know how many times I've been here for special events. But it's a decent space and there's plenty of parking. They usually charge around $8 for parking. I volunteered for the Austin Marathon and Half-Marathon Expo and the space is not that huge.

Beautiful event center. Went here for SXSW conference. They have a lovely outside space where the opening reception took place. Inside it was a gamer's heaven. Near the river.

Very crowded

I've never been to the Palmer events center previously but the Austin Acro community goes over regularly to put down mats and practice acroyoga. It was my first time over and I was impressed with the architecture and set up. I'll be happy to eventually see the rest of the facility.

Can't complain at all. Have been there twice - once for the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar a couple of years ago (so fun!) and then today for a car show my brother-type was working. Nice, nice, large place. Parking is decent. Restrooms clean.

Huge parking garage - great for events - it's good to know you will always have a space to park! Even better, they have several plug-in charging stations for electric vehicles on every floor - right next to the elevator!!

Came to the city-wide garage sale, which is essentially a bunch off booths with people selling stuff that they think is worth a lot of money. Well it isn't, so get over it already. HOWEVER, I did find two Partridge Family vinyl LPs that I did not have before, and the first Dr. Demento album for a collective $10... So I'm bumping this place up a star.

They are really trying hard to make people welcome here. Very clean and good internal directions. Nice facilities

I was at the Palmer Events Center for SXSW Sreenburn, and found it was a really nice facility and loved the fact they have a parking garage!

I've been here a few times to pick up race-packets, so my experience with the center is a bit limited. I liked the way everything was set up and organized, and the building is well kept. I'm not a fan of the parking prices which are $7 a day, though I believe you can drive in & out with your ticket. Making racers pick up packets here is probably easier than holding the expos in a hotel, so I can't scoff at the parking situation too much.

If you are a small event organizer, do not hold your event here. Not only was the food and beverage vendor, Levy's, one of the most in hospitable ever, but the sales staff and the actual events staff do not communicate. I was over charged by over $800 for tables and chairs that were supposed to be included due to my food and beverage purchases. They tacked on the charges after the fact. I spent over $25,000 with the Austin Convention Center and its vendors and my attendee brought at least $250,000 into the local economy with their hotel, flight, transportation and food expenditures. I hope they enjoy the extra $800 because it will be the last money the Austin Convention Center gets from me except for parking.

Right next to the Long Center, the Palmer has some really interesting events. I missed the city-wide garage sale last weekend, but my wife and I did stop by the Renegade Craft Fair about a month ago. We were treated to a wide variety of handmade goods, from hip tees to cool prints. Craft fairs usually aren't my thing, but this show was nicely curated for Austin's creative community.

Legit event center, just went here for the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar. Plenty of floor space, plenty of parking, reasonable prices, etc.

Well, I've never rated an events center but here we go.. Ummm It's Big, It's Clean, It has plenty of parking. What else can you say about it??

Facilities are great, but the extremely loud mechanical noise distracts from conference speakers.

I've only been there for Screenburn, but it was a nice setup for that. Kinda hard to find free parking around there, but it seems like an overall cool area.

Here for the armadillo Christmas bazaar. Well organised, awesome live music the whole time, the place is clean and well set out.

I am a "presenter" of events and have used the PEC since it first opened. I've been renting COA facilities since 1980, and I must say, this building is the best. While I loved the Coliseum, it needed some severe rehabilitation and they City wasn't gonna do what needed to be done, plus, every year, the fire marshall lowered the capacity of that room. The PEC holds twice the crowd of the Coliseum, has overall better facilities, and a much better load-in/load-out dock...the coliseum had no dock, the building wasn't insulated, and so on. Now with the WiFi, it is nearly perfect. The restroom situation is a bit lacking, and Aramark, the contracted catering company is the pits, the absolute worst I've worked with in 30 years at these buildings. But, overall, PEC is a pretty swell edifice. One reviewer based her review on this hall's suitability as a concert hall for the symphony. Now, that is downright silly. And the ASO should be ashamed of presenting such music in a building designed primarily for trade shows and other mega events, NOT orchestral music. Just my two cents....