Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026

Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026 ConventionGetting around

Phoenix Convention Center.

July 18–23, 2026·100 N. 3rd St., Phoenix, AZ 85004

The 69th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod meets at the Phoenix Convention Center, in the heart of downtown. This page is a non-affiliated guide for delegates, advisors, and visitors: where the venue is, what’s within walking distance, and what’s worth a short ride into the Valley.

Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026 ConventionMap

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Open in OpenStreetMap →

Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026 ConventionThe venue

Phoenix Convention Center

100 N. 3rd St., Phoenix, AZ 85004

Light Rail
Valley Metro Washington/3rd St and Jefferson/3rd St stations are at the convention center’s doorstep.
Airport
Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) is ~4 miles east. Light Rail runs from the airport (via the PHX Sky Train shuttle at 44th St & Washington) to the venue in about 25 minutes.
Parking
The convention center operates several garages on Washington, Jefferson, and Monroe streets. Street parking is metered downtown.

Phoenix in July

Plan around the heat.

Phoenix routinely tops 110°Fin July, and the asphalt and overnight lows stay warm. This is not the weather you’re used to. Drink water continuously, not just when you’re thirsty. Plan outdoor activities for sunrise (5–8 AM) or after sundown. Carry water on every walk, even short ones. Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion. The convention center, malls, and museums are all aggressively air-conditioned — use them.

Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026 ConventionWithin walking distance

Downtown, on foot.

All within roughly half a mile of the convention center — walkable in the early morning or after sundown.

  • Heritage Square

    Phoenix's last block of Victorian-era homes; Rosson House Museum tours and shaded garden seating.

  • Arizona Science Center

    Five floors of interactive exhibits, planetarium, IMAX. Kid-friendly, fully air-conditioned.

  • Children's Museum of Phoenix

    Across from Heritage Square. Designed for under-10s; runs full days indoors.

  • Symphony Hall & Herberger Theater

    Active summer programming; check schedules for evenings during the convention.

  • CityScape

    Downtown shopping and dining block at Washington & 1st St. Casual lunch options between sessions.

  • Chase Field

    Home of the Arizona Diamondbacks; a retractable-roof, fully-cooled stadium two blocks east.

  • Footprint Center

    Phoenix Suns and Mercury arena; concerts and events year-round.

Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026 ConventionA short rail ride

Valley Metro Light Rail.

The light rail runs north along Central Avenue. Most of these are 5–10 minutes from the convention center.

  • Phoenix Art Museum

    Encanto/Central station. American, Asian, European, Latin American collections.

  • Heard Museum

    Encanto/Central station. Pre-eminent collection of Native American art and history.

  • Encanto Park

    Encanto/Central station. Lake, gardens, paddle boats — best at sunrise or evening.

  • Roosevelt Row Arts District

    Roosevelt/Central station. Murals, galleries, independent coffee.

Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026 ConventionA short drive

Beyond downtown.

Best as half-days, evenings, or arrival/departure-day plans. Drive times are from the convention center without traffic.

  • Desert Botanical Garden

    15 min east

    Unmatched cactus and succulent collection. Go at opening (8 AM) — they offer summer flashlight tours after sundown.

  • Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)

    25 min north

    World-class — instruments and audio from every region. Easily a half-day, fully indoors.

  • Camelback Mountain (Echo Canyon)

    20 min northeast

    Iconic hike. In July, only at sunrise — the trail is closed during heat advisories. Bring more water than you think.

  • Sedona

    2 hr north

    Red-rock country. 3,000 ft higher and noticeably cooler than Phoenix. A reasonable Friday-arrival or post-convention day trip.

  • Grand Canyon (South Rim)

    3.5 hr north

    Pine-forest elevation, mid-80s in July afternoons. Long day trip, better as overnight.

  • Saguaro National Park (West)

    1.5 hr south

    Outside Tucson. The classic saguaro forests; sunrise visits are unforgettable.

Ad Crucem NewsLCMS 2026 ConventionSunday, July 19

Worship on the Sunday of convention.

The convention itself typically holds a corporate worship service on Sunday morning. For visitors and family who would prefer a regular congregation experience, the LCMS Pacific Southwest District includes a number of Phoenix parishes within easy reach of downtown.

The Synod’s parish locator is the canonical source — it lists every LCMS congregation in the Valley with service times, addresses, and pastors:

locator.lcms.org →

This guide is editorial and unofficial. Hours, programming, and accessibility details change — verify before you go. Ad Crucem News is not affiliated with, endorsed or authorized by the venues, attractions, or transit operators listed above, nor with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod or the Phoenix Convention Center.