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Dulles Expo Center Calendar 2026: The 5 Biggest Shows You Can’t Afford To Miss

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Planning your next major outing in Northern Virginia? The Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, VA, remains the premier destination for massive consumer trade shows, annual conventions, and specialty markets in the Washington D.C. Metro area. As of today, December 26, 2025, the calendar for 2026 is rapidly filling up with high-profile events, ranging from the region's largest home improvement expo to massive recreational vehicle showcases. Whether you are a homeowner, an outdoor enthusiast, a collector, or just looking for a fun weekend activity, the upcoming schedule offers something for every interest.

To help you navigate the year, we've compiled a list of the biggest, most anticipated events confirmed for the 2026 Dulles Expo Center calendar, ensuring you have the freshest information on dates, themes, and what to expect from this dynamic venue.

The 5 Must-See Events on the Dulles Expo Center 2026 Schedule

The Dulles Expo Center, a sprawling 100,000 square foot facility, is gearing up for a packed year. Here are the top five shows dominating the early 2026 schedule, offering immense value and drawing crowds from across Fairfax County and beyond.

1. The Ultimate RV Show (January 8–11, 2026)

Kicking off the year is one of the region's most popular events for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts: the Ultimate RV Show. This showcase is considered one of the largest RV shows in the area and is a major draw for prospective buyers and seasoned RV owners alike. A significant highlight that sets this event apart is the free admission, making it an accessible experience for everyone curious about the RV lifestyle.

  • Dates: January 8–11, 2026
  • Highlights: Attendees can explore over 130 fully-staged new RVs, from luxurious Class A motorhomes to compact travel trailers and fifth-wheel models. The show features special pricing and financing options, making it the perfect place to shop for a new recreational vehicle.
  • Topical Authority Keywords: RVs, Recreational Vehicles, Camping World, Travel Trailers, Motorhomes, Free Admission, Outdoor Lifestyle.

2. The Nation’s Gun Show (January 2–4, 2026)

A recurring and highly-attended event at the Chantilly venue, The Nation's Gun Show is a staple on the Dulles Expo Center calendar. This show attracts a large audience interested in firearms, ammunition, accessories, and militaria. It is a major trade show for vendors and collectors in the Mid-Atlantic region.

  • Dates: January 2–4, 2026
  • Highlights: The event typically features hundreds of tables with vendors selling new and antique firearms, shooting supplies, knives, swords, and related collecting items. It serves as a significant marketplace for the firearms community in Northern Virginia.
  • Topical Authority Keywords: Firearms, Ammunition, Gun Show, Militaria, Collectors, Second Amendment, Chantilly VA.

3. Capital Remodel + Garden Show (February 20–22, 2026)

For homeowners looking to transform their living spaces, the Capital Remodel + Garden Show is the largest home show in Chantilly and a premier event for design inspiration. This three-day event is essential for anyone planning a renovation, landscaping project, or seeking interior design advice.

  • Dates: February 20–22, 2026
  • Highlights: The show brings together a vast array of home improvement professionals, including remodeling contractors, interior design companies, and landscaping companies. Attendees can browse new products, attend workshops, and consult with experts on everything from kitchen remodels to garden design and outdoor living spaces.
  • Topical Authority Keywords: Home Improvement, Remodeling Contractors, Interior Design, Landscaping Companies, Garden Show, Kitchen Remodels, Home Renovation.

4. Super Pet Expo Chantilly (March 13, 2026)

The Super Pet Expo is a favorite among local pet owners and animal lovers, providing a fun, educational, and interactive experience. It's a massive convention dedicated to all things related to domestic pets, drawing thousands of visitors to the Dulles Expo Center each spring.

  • Dates: March 13, 2026
  • Highlights: Expect to see live animal demonstrations, pet product vendors, and opportunities to meet and greet various breeds. The expo often features educational seminars on pet health, training, and nutrition, making it a valuable resource for pet enthusiasts.
  • Topical Authority Keywords: Pet Expo, Super Pet Expo, Animal Lovers, Pet Health, Dog Training, Pet Products, Veterinary Services.

5. Capital Art & Craft Festival (Multiple Dates)

While not a single event, the Capital Art & Craft Festival is a crucial, recurring fixture on the Dulles Expo Center schedule, held three times a year—in the spring, fall, and winter. These festivals are a haven for handmade goods, unique gifts, and supporting local and regional artisans.

  • Dates: Multiple annual dates (Spring, Fall, Winter) (Note: The December 2025 event is a great indicator of the recurring winter date.)
  • Highlights: The show features hundreds of artists and craftspeople selling everything from fine art and pottery to jewelry, textiles, and gourmet foods. It is the perfect place to find unique, handcrafted items and support the artistic community.
  • Topical Authority Keywords: Craft Fair, Fine Art, Handmade Goods, Artisans, Pottery, Jewelry, Capital Craft Festival, Regional Artists.

Beyond the Big Five: Other Recurring Dulles Expo Events and LSI Keywords

The diverse programming at the Dulles Expo Center ensures a constant rotation of niche and specialized shows throughout the year, adding significant topical authority to the venue's reputation. These events often include major consumer expos and specialized trade shows that cater to specific interests, proving the versatility of the Chantilly venue.

Other popular and recurring event types that frequently appear on the calendar include:

  • Collector Shows: The International Gem & Jewelry Show is a regular feature, along with the Big Flea Antiques Show & Market, attracting collectors of precious stones, antiques, and vintage items.
  • Specialty Festivals: Events like the DMV Chocolate & Coffee Festival and the Heritage India Festival draw specialized crowds looking for unique cultural and culinary experiences.
  • Pop Culture & Entertainment: The venue has hosted large-scale events such as the SuperNOVA Gaming Convention and popular traveling exhibits like Jurassic Quest, as well as various Comic Cons.
  • Holiday Markets: The Northern Virginia Christmas Market is a major annual event that dominates the late fall schedule, offering a wide range of holiday shopping options.

Venue Logistics: Why Dulles Expo Center is Northern Virginia’s Top Venue

The Dulles Expo Center's popularity is not just due to the quality of its events but also its logistical advantages. Located in Chantilly, Virginia, it is easily accessible from all points in the D.C. Metro Area and is only six miles south of Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

The facility boasts over 100,000 square feet of flexible event space, allowing it to host multiple large-scale shows simultaneously. Crucially for attendees, the center offers over 1,200 spaces of free parking, a major convenience in the region that often saves visitors significant time and money.

Whether you're planning to attend the Capital Remodel + Garden Show to find a new contractor or visiting the Ultimate RV Show to explore your next adventure vehicle, the Dulles Expo Center provides a comprehensive, well-located, and accommodating venue for all major Northern Virginia trade shows and conventions.

Dulles Expo Center Calendar 2026: The 5 Biggest Shows You Can’t Afford to Miss
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dulles expo center calendar

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