From May 14 to 20, the NYCxDESIGN Festival returns to New York City, reaffirming its role as a global design destination. Bringing together a vast international community of designers, innovators, and cultural leaders, the festival transforms the city into a vibrant platform for creativity, collaboration and exchange.

Throughout the week, more than 163,000 participants from across the city—including global brands, schools and universities, cultural institutions, emerging studios, and independent makers—come together through exhibitions, installations, talks, tours, parties, and cultural programs that highlight New York’s expansive design ecosystem. The celebration amplifies the importance of the city’s creative energy, drawing a mix of local, domestic, and international attendees, with one-third of festival-goers traveling from outside New York City to participate.



"The NYCxDESIGN Festival has played an integral role in bringing together New York City's exceptional creative talent and reinforcing the city's role as a global design hub. This year's theme, Design Connects Us, reflects the strength of the city's creative sectors in bringing together people and ideas from across industries and communities, and NYCEDC is proud to support another year of programming that celebrates creativity, collaboration, and innovation across the five boroughs."

Jeanny Pak, Interim President & CEO of New York City Economic Development Corporation

Program Highlights (May 14–20):

• May 14, Opening Night Party
  The festival officially opens with an evening event at Halo Twenty Eight, featuring culinary experiences by Pinch Food Design and beverages from Massican Wines and Fort Hamilton Distillery, bringing together creatives and industry leaders.

• May 14–19, Design Pavilion by Lexus, Times Square
  An immersive installation blending design, craft, art and technology, with daily programming engaging visitors of all ages.
  
  
• May 14–20, Exhibition SHINE, The Seaport
  Presented with COOL HUNTING and curated by Harry Allen, the exhibition showcases original lighting pieces exploring innovation and personal expression.
  
  
• May 14–20, Oui Design! by Villa Albertine
  A citywide program celebrating French design through exhibitions, talks, and open studios, including a major showcase at the Payne Whitney Mansion.
  
  
• May 15, FRATO Opening Breakfast
  The Portuguese brand hosts an intimate gathering at its Midtown showroom to present its latest collection.
  
  
• May 15, Panel & Reception by Fisher & Paykel
  A conversation on the theme of legacy at the brand’s Experience Center, followed by a reception curated by chef Sam Mason.
  
  
• May 15, Friday Night on the Town
  Evening events across key design districts including TriBeCa, SoHo, NoMad, and the Meatpacking District, with showroom activations and collaborations supported by Italian Trade Agency and International Contemporary Furniture Fair.
  
  
• May 15–19, Keynote Program
  Highlights include a talk by Santiago Calatrava at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, alongside a guided experience of the Oculus with Gabriel Calatrava, and a night boat tour led by lighting designer Hervé Descottes.
  
  
• May 15–19, Salon Series
  Curated with INC Architecture & Design, featuring open studios and conversations, including a special session hosted by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars with design director Domagoj Dukec.
  
  
• May 15–19, NYCxDESIGN Tours
  Guided experiences exploring urban development and cultural landscapes, in collaboration with institutions such as New York City Department of Transportation and American Society of Landscape Architects, alongside visits to leading design schools including Pratt Institute and Fashion Institute of Technology.
  
  
• May 16–19, Afternoon Light Design Fair
  A curated fair featuring international brands and studios, open to both trade and public audiences.
  
  
• May 17–19, International Contemporary Furniture Fair & WANTED, Javits Center
  A central hub for global design dialogue, focusing on shared values and innovation.
  
  
• May 18, NYCxDESIGN Awards
  Presented by Interior Design, recognizing excellence across the regional design landscape.
  
  
• May 18–19, Italian Design Spotlight
  Curated tours across SoHo, NoMad, and Madison Avenue highlighting Italian excellence in design and manufacturing.
  
  
• May 19, Future Now AI Summit, Cornell Tech
  A full day dedicated to artificial intelligence as a creative tool, featuring speakers from Adobe, IBM, and MIT Media Lab, among others.
  
  
• May 20, Closing Party in DUMBO
  The festival concludes with a celebration following a day of activations across the district, including contributions from Snøhetta.
  
  

Across all five boroughs, hundreds of events activate key districts such as SoHo, DUMBO, Harlem and NoMad, reinforcing NYCxDESIGN’s role as a leading global platform where design, culture, and innovation intersect.

VISIT INFORMATION

Dates
May 14–20, 2026

Festival Hours
Hours vary by event and location across the city

Location
New York City (citywide across all five boroughs)

Official Website
www.nycxdesign.org