You might want to sit down for this one. If you were planning to head over to the Dulles Expo Center schedule for your usual rotation of gun shows, craft fairs, or pet expos in 2026, things are looking radically different than they have for the last few decades.
Basically, the venue as we know it is vanishing.
It’s been the heartbeat of Northern Virginia’s hobbyist scene for ages. Located right in Chantilly, it was that massive, reliably beige building where you could buy a handmade quilt in the morning and a tactical holster in the afternoon. But the rumors are true: the center is slated to be repurposed, with a massive IKEA project taking over a huge chunk of the footprint.
But don't panic just yet. While some promoters are scrambling, there are still a few "last hurrah" events trickling through the early months of 2026 before the wrecking balls (or at least the Swedish furniture trucks) arrive.
💡 You might also like: Wingate by Wyndham Columbia: What Most People Get Wrong
The 2026 Schedule Shakeup: What’s Still On?
Honestly, the transition is messy. Some long-term organizers like the Capital Art and Craft Festival have already announced they are jumping ship to a brand-new venue called the DTC Expo & Event Center over at Dulles Town Center in Sterling. That new spot is roughly 120,000 square feet and is expected to open its doors around the second quarter of 2026.
However, if you're looking at the current 2026 window for the original Chantilly location, here is what is currently holding the line:
- The Nation’s Gun Show: This is the big one. They have dates tentatively pegged for February 6-8, 2026. It's usually one of the most crowded events on the calendar.
- Capital Remodel + Garden Show: Scheduled for February 20-22, 2026. If you need to see a guy about a sunroom or buy a specialized rake, this is your window.
- Chantilly Family Boat Show: Running March 6-8, 2026. It's always a bit surreal seeing 30-foot cabin cruisers parked inside a building, but it's a staple.
- Super Pet Expo & Repticon: These are currently listed for March 13-15, 2026. Yes, you can still go look at massive pythons and boutique dog treats for at least one more spring.
The Big Move to Sterling
You’ve gotta realize that "Dulles Expo Center" is becoming a bit of a moving target. Many people use that name to refer to the Chantilly location, but the DTC Expo in Sterling is where the 2026 "Fall" schedule is actually migrating. The Capital Art and Craft Festival, which has been a mainstay since forever, is planning its grand return at the Sterling location in the latter half of 2026 once construction wraps up.
📖 Related: Finding Your Way: The Sky Harbor Airport Map Terminal 3 Breakdown
Why the Schedule is Changing
It’s basically a classic case of real estate evolution. The Dulles Expo Center has sat on prime land for years. With the expansion of the Silver Line and the general boom of Loudoun and Fairfax counties, big-box retail and mixed-use spaces are worth more than a hall that sits empty half the week.
While it's sort of sad for those of us who grew up going to the DMV Chocolate and Coffee Festival there, the new DTC Expo in Sterling promises a more modern experience. It's built into a mall environment, so you can actually get a decent lunch without relying on "expo center hot dogs"—which, let’s be real, were always a gamble.
How to Handle the Transition
If you are an exhibitor or just a regular attendee, you've got to be careful about where you’re driving. Always double-check your tickets for the "Chantilly" vs. "Sterling" distinction.
👉 See also: Why an Escape Room Stroudsburg PA Trip is the Best Way to Test Your Friendships
- Check the Specific Hall: The original center has North and South halls. In early 2026, some events might only use one side as the other begins its transformation.
- Verify the Organizer's Site: Don't trust the general venue calendar as much as the specific event's page. The InterGem Jewelry Show, for example, is already looking for new local venues for its 2026 dates because of the closure.
- Parking Pro-Tip: Parking in Chantilly was always free and massive. The new Sterling location at the mall might feel a bit more cramped during peak holiday shopping seasons, so plan accordingly.
What Most People Get Wrong
A common mistake is thinking the "Dulles Expo" and the "Dulles Town Center" are the same thing. They aren't. They are about 15 minutes apart. If you put the wrong one in your GPS, you're going to be staring at a Cheesecake Factory when you should be looking at antique rifles.
As we move through 2026, the old Chantilly schedule will likely thin out until it disappears entirely. It’s the end of an era for one of the most diverse event spaces in the Mid-Atlantic.
Your next move: If you have tickets for an event after March 2026, go to the official website of that specific show (not the venue site) right now. Look for a "Venue Update" or "Location Change" notice. Many shows are currently signing leases with the new Sterling facility or the Fredericksburg Expo Center to fill the gap left by the Chantilly closure.