The Fargo Convention Center
A new chapter is taking shape in Downtown Fargo.
The future Fargo Convention Center is planned for the site of the existing Fargo Civic Center, transforming a longtime community gathering place into a modern destination for conventions, meetings, events and experiences.
Designed to welcome visitors while serving the community, the Convention Center will connect guests to the energy of Downtown Fargo from locally owned restaurants and shops to hotels, entertainment, public spaces and the Red River.
More details are coming as planning and design move forward.
Built on Fargo's Past. Designed for its Future.
The vision for the Fargo Convention Center starts with something familiar: the Fargo Civic Center. The proposed design reimagines portions of the existing building into a modern, flexible convention facility while honoring its history while making room for what’s next.
The design reaches even further into Fargo’s past, drawing inspiration from the railroad bridges that helped shape the city. Wood, steel and structural patterns inspired by those early bridges create a distinctive space connecting Downtown Fargo with the nearby Red River.
As Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo continues to grow, so does the need for larger places to gather. The future Convention Center will create new opportunities to welcome conventions, competitions, meetings, and events that our existing spaces simply can’t accommodate today.
It’s a gathering place rooted in Fargo’s story and built for where we’re going.
Years in the Making
Fargo's journey toward a dedicated convention center has been years in the making.
For more than a decade, community leaders have studied how additional convention and meeting space could help Fargo compete for events that the destination currently does not have the capacity to host.
In November 2024, Fargo voters approved a new 3% lodging tax dedicated to funding the construction, future capital improvements, maintenance and operation of a convention center.
Following the vote, the City of Fargo formed a Convention Center Project Committee to guide an extensive Request for Proposal process. Nine initial proposals were eventually narrowed to four finalists and, following additional review and due diligence, the Fargo City Commission selected the Downtown Civic Center proposal from EAPC Architects Engineers and Kilbourne Group as the first-ranked proposal in June 2026.
The City and development team are now working toward the next steps needed to bring the project to life.
Connected to Downtown Fargo
One of the defining features of the proposed Convention Center is its connection to the surrounding city.
The downtown location places attendees within walking distance of restaurants, coffee shops, shopping, entertainment and public spaces. The plans also envision connections to nearby hotels through Fargo's existing skyway system, giving visitors climate-controlled access throughout the year.
From Downtown Fargo to the Red River, the goal is to create a Convention Center that feels connected to the destination around it, not separated from it.
Project Timeline
Dates and project details are preliminary and may change as planning, design and construction progress.
2026 - Final Proposals & Project Selection
Finalists present detailed proposals, and the Downtown Civic Center concept is selected to move forward.
2026 - 2027 - Design & Development
The City and project team move into development agreements, design refinement, budgeting and project planning.
2027 - 2029 - Construction
Construction and transformation of the existing Civic Center are anticipated to take place during this period.
Fall 2029 - Target Opening
The current proposal anticipates a Fall 2029 opening for the Fargo Convention Center.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens Next?
The Convention Center is moving forward, but there's still work ahead.
The City of Fargo and project partners will continue working through development agreements, design, construction planning and other details that will shape the final facility.
That means some of what you see today, including renderings, layouts, amenities and timelines, may evolve as the project progresses.
We'll continue updating this page as plans are finalized and new information becomes available.
Check back soon for the latest on Fargo's future Convention Center.