VOL. 16 - DETROIT, MI
SEPTEMBER 2026, COMING SOON
OPEN CALL ⚡️ OPEN NOW ⚡️
Designing the future
in Detroit.
Every September, the festival brings design to life across the city. The 2026 calendar showcases how Detroit designers innovate to solve problems, build resilience, and move the needle on what’s possible.
FESTIVAL THEME
DESIGN MOVES THE FUTURE
This year, we're shifting focus from theory to practice, with the festival theme centering on the ways that Detroit designers are shaping the future of our city and beyond.
With 100+ events spanning every corner of the city, the festival calendar features exhibitions, product launches, talks, tours & more.
DESIGN SOLUTIONS FOR
Climate Resilience & Sustainability
Studios designing for the future of water, energy, and a warmer city.
Mobility, Transportation & Access
Streets, transit, and how Detroiters move.
Color & Materials
Local fabrication, repair and circular practice.
Civic & Community-led Design
Design with neighborhoods, not for them
2025 IN REVIEW
FROM THE ARCHIVE
PRE-FESTIVAL TIMELINE
SUMMER 2026
APR 21
Event submissions close.
JUN 15
Venue host call closes
JUL 15
Host & lineup announced
AUG 01
Full schedule published
SEPT 01
Festival begins
FESTIVAL COUNCIL
DESIGN MOVES THE FUTURE
Thirteen Detroit designers, educators, and cultural leaders shape each year's program by selecting hosts, advising curators, and stewarding the festival's direction.
ABOUT THE COUNCIL
The council is volunteer, rotating, and intentionally cross-disiplinary, spanning architecture, graphic design, industrial deisgn, education, and community practice. Members serve one-year terms.
PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
BRANDS & PRODUCTS
SPONSOR & BRAND PARTNERS - 2026
Put your brand alongside Detroit's creative community.
Detroit Month of Design is the largest, most diverse design festival in the country, produced by Design Core Detroit in the US's only UNESCO City of Design. Partnership packages range from neighborhood-level activations to citywide presenting sponsorships.
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WHAT PARTNERSHIP LOOKS LIKE
01 Co-branded venue & wayfinding presence
02 Programming credit across design districts
03 Editorial features online & in print
04. On-the-ground brand activations
IN THE PRESS
SELECTED COVERAGE
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WORKSHOPS
TALKS
EXHIBITIONS
OPEN STUDIOS
TOURS
ALL EVENTS
MEDIA PARTNERS
2025 FESTIVAL
MONTH OF DESIGN SPONSORS
