Located in Abbotsford next to the Abbotsford International Airport, the TRADEX Trade and Exhibition Centre is one of the largest indoor event venues in British Columbia. It hosts a wide range of events throughout the year, including trade shows, festivals, markets and sporting competitions. Just over an hour from Vancouver, TRADEX is a key hub for both local and regional events in the Lower Mainland.
TRADEX Centre in Abbotsford
The Abbotsford TRADEX Centre is located at 1190 Cornell Street, which is next to the Abbotsford Airport. The venue spans 120,000 square feet of exhibition space, with two large halls of 60,000 square feet each. When in full use, the building can accommodate up to 10,000 guests.
TRADEX is known for its flexibility and can be transformed for a wide variety of uses—from trade expos and music festivals to conventions and television productions.
Food & Beverage Events
One drink-related event held at the TRADEX is the BC Beer & Beverage Festival. It features a variety of craft beers and beverages from local producers. This event normally happens in the spring.
Trade Shows at TRADEX
TRADEX is home to several high-profile trade shows that attract thousands of attendees annually. Notable events include the following:
- Vancouver Motorcycle Show – a major showcase of new motorcycles, gear, stunt shows and training demos (January).
- Fraser Valley Home & Backyard Living Expo – a free event with vendors and displays for home renovation and landscaping ideas (late January or early February).
- Earlybird RV Show – a must-visit for RV enthusiasts featuring motorhomes, travel trailers, and RV gear (February).
- Western Canada Golf Expo – a golf-focused consumer show (in the spring, some years, although not recently).
- Snowbird RV Show – a fall RV showcase for those planning adventures or retirement travel (September).
- West Coast Women’s Show – held in both spring and fall, this lifestyle expo celebrates women in business, fashion, health and more.
Artisan & Holiday Markets
- Olde Farmhouse Vintage Market – a market offering vintage décor, antiques, and collectables. (Note: This event is sometimes held at other venues.)
- West Coast Christmas Show – a seasonal holiday market with artisan vendors, home décor, food, and gift ideas (November).
Other Popular Events
The following events have also taken place at the TRADEX Centre, although in some cases not for a few years:
- Insomnia Music Festival – a one-night electronic dance event (March).
- Jurassic Quest – an interactive dinosaur-themed attraction with life-sized animatronics and family-friendly activities.
- Classic & Custom Car Show – a showcase of vintage, muscle, and modified cars. (Event status to be confirmed.)
- Spring Break Up Country Music Festival – featuring live performances by emerging and established country artists.
More Information
In addition to the many events listed in this article, TRADEX hosts provincial sports tournaments, craft fairs, agricultural showcases, and film shoots throughout the year.
For more information about the event centre, see the TRADEX website.
To learn about other venues in the Lower Mainland, see our articles about BC Place Stadium and the Vancouver Convention Centre.
To learn about other events happening throughout the Lower Mainland over the course of the year, see the Festivals & Events page on the VancouversBestPlaces.com website. You’ll also find information on the Hello BC and Destination Vancouver websites.