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The Cincinnati Home + Garden Show is set to make a grand return to the renovated convention center in early 2026.
Tickets are now available for the highly anticipated event, marking a major milestone for the newly renovated convention center.
The Cincinnati Home + Garden Show is officially returning to downtown Cincinnati. After a hiatus due to extensive construction, the region’s longest-running home and landscaping expo will welcome visitors back to the Duke Energy Convention Center this winter.
Tickets for the 2026 show are now on sale, offering residents their first chance to step inside the transformed venue.
This year’s event is scheduled for two weekends in late February and early March. According to the official show website, the expo will run from February 20–22 and February 27–March 1, 2026. The return of this massive event signals the completion of a major phase in downtown Cincinnati’s revitalization efforts.
Organizers have promised a fresh experience to match the upgraded surroundings. The show will feature hundreds of exhibitors, celebrity guests, and immersive garden displays. For many attendees, however, the venue itself will be a primary attraction.
Major upgrades at the renovated convention center
The Duke Energy Convention Center has undergone a sweeping transformation over the last 18 months. Local reports say that the $240 million renovation project was designed to modernize the facility and make it competitive with other top-tier convention destinations in the Midwest. The project has completely overhauled the building’s exterior and interior infrastructure.
One of the most striking changes is the new façade. The redesign stripped away the old, heavy concrete walls in favor of an angular, glass-heavy exterior. This change allows natural light to flood the pre-function spaces and concourses, creating a more open and inviting atmosphere for guests attending the Home + Garden Show.
Inside, the upgrades are equally extensive. The renovation includes modernized meeting rooms, expanded ballrooms, and improved flow between exhibit halls. According to CityBeat, the project also prioritized energy efficiency and state-of-the-art technology upgrades throughout the facility. These improvements ensure that the renovated convention center can host large-scale events more sustainably and effectively than before.
Another significant addition is the new rooftop terrace. This outdoor space offers panoramic views of the downtown skyline, providing a unique setting for future events and receptions. While the Home + Garden Show is primarily an indoor event, the terrace represents the new flexibility the center offers to meeting planners and visitors.
What to expect at the 2026 show
The 2026 Cincinnati Home + Garden Show will be the first major consumer show to test these new facilities. Marketplace Events, the show’s producer, has lined up a robust schedule of attractions to celebrate the return. More than 350 experts in home renovation, landscaping, and interior design will be on-site to offer advice and showcase products.
A highlight of this year’s show is the celebrity guest lineup. Craig Conover, star of Bravo’s Southern Charm and founder of the lifestyle brand Sewing Down South, will appear at the show on February 27 and 28. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear him speak and participate in a meet-and-greet session.
The “Garden Showcase” remains a central feature of the event. Local landscapers will construct elaborate indoor gardens inside the exhibit hall, allowing visitors to walk through blooming displays in the dead of winter. This year, the show also introduces “Umbrella Alley,” a whimsical, Instagram-ready installation sponsored by Berlin Gardens.
For those looking for interactive fun, the show will feature a new golf simulator experience by Cinema Sounds. Visitors can test their swing and compete for prizes. Additionally, the show has partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cincinnati, giving attendees a chance to win a 10-day trip to Hawaii to help build a home on the Big Island.
Impact of the renovated convention center
The reopening of the facility is about more than just one event; it is a catalyst for the downtown economy. The closure of the center for renovations forced many annual events to relocate or pause, impacting local hotels, restaurants, and retail shops that rely on convention traffic. The return of the Home + Garden Show marks the reactivation of this economic engine.
City officials expect the renovated convention center to draw larger conventions and more visitors to the region. The project is part of a broader “Convention District” strategy, which includes a new Elm Street Plaza. This two-acre park, located just outside the center, will serve as an outdoor recreation and event space, further integrating the convention center with the surrounding neighborhood.
Future developments are also in the pipeline. A new convention headquarters hotel is planned for the district, which will eventually add 800 rooms and further support the center’s capacity to host national events. For now, however, all eyes are on the successful reopening of the main hall.
Ticket information and special days
Tickets for the show are currently on sale online. General admission is priced at $13 when purchased in advance through the official website, a savings of $2 off the door price of $15. Children aged 12 and under are admitted free, making it an affordable outing for families.
The show also offers special admission days to honor community members. “Hero Day” will take place on both Fridays of the show (February 20 and 27). On these days, active military personnel, veterans, fire, police, and first responders receive free admission with valid ID.
Additionally, February 27 is designated as “Ohio Lottery Day.” Visitors who present a non-winning Ohio Lottery ticket at the box office will receive a $5 discount on their admission. These promotions are designed to encourage broad community participation as the city celebrates the return of this staple event.
Residents interested in home improvement or simply curious to see the changes downtown can purchase tickets now. The 2026 Cincinnati Home + Garden Show promises to be a fitting housewarming party for the city’s newly polished gem.
Also read:
Cincinnati’s $200 Million Convention Center Overhaul: A Game Changer for the City
