The Philadelphia’s design community came out Wednesday night to kick off the 2026 DesignPhiladelphia Festival
Jermaine Jenkins, Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships, DesignPhiladelphia and AIA Philadelphia
launched with its Kickoff + Awards Celebration at the brand new Forman Arts Initiative Campus, giving guests one of the first behind the scenes looks at the incredible new space while celebrating the people helping shape Philadelphia’s creative community
Guests were among the first event attendees to get a look inside the developing arts campus, (and outdoor space above) while celebrating the designers, architects, artists and creatives helping shape Philadelphia.
DesignPhiladelphia runs through October 11, with more than 100 events, exhibitions, tours, talks, workshops and parties happening throughout the city. This year’s theme, Design Revolution, explores how design shapes the way we live, from architecture and housing to fashion, public spaces and the neighborhoods around us.
You definitely don’t have to be an architect or designer to enjoy the festival. I went through the schedule and found a few events that caught my eye.
DesignPhiladelphia 2026: 6 Cool Events You’ll Want to Check Out
Tonight there’s a really cool fashion show, in the cool, gritty space at Suburban Station….
Dear Philly Fashion Show | Friday, October 2
This might be one of the coolest events of the festival. Drexel alum and Project Runway Season 22 designer Varvara “Bobby” Diakonenkova presents Dear Philly, a fashion show held underground at Suburban Station.
The collection is inspired by Philadelphia and incorporates sculptural silhouettes and architectural elements. After the show, the party continues at the W Philadelphia’s WET Deck.
Fashion, Philly and a party. What’s not to love?
Old City Creative Block Party | Saturday, October 3
Spend Saturday afternoon exploring design in one of Philadelphia’s most historic neighborhoods. The Old City Creative Block Party takes over N. 3rd Street between Arch and Race with makers, activities and interactive experiences.
It’s also a good excuse to spend the afternoon walking around Old City, shopping and grabbing something to eat.
Who Designs the City? | Wednesday, October 7
Who actually decides what Philadelphia looks and feels like?
Pulitzer Prize winning architecture critic Inga Saffron and Streets Dept. founder Conrad Benner come together for a conversation about architecture, public space, street art and who gets a voice in shaping Philadelphia.
The discussion takes place at STEP OUTSIDE at 16th and JFK.
Ewing Cole: In Our Second Half-Century | Thursday, October 8
Here’s an opportunity to get inside a building many Philadelphians pass but rarely visit: the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.
EwingCole celebrates its history and looks toward the future through models, immersive displays and technology highlighting the architecture and design firm’s work.
Philadelphia Architects Scavenger Hunt | Friday, October 9
This sounds like fun. Teams will head through Center City solving architecture and Philadelphia themed clues and challenges before returning for prizes and an awards celebration.
The hunt begins at CICADA Architecture on Locust Street.
We Outside! | Saturday, October 10
DesignPhiladelphia gets social with a Saturday night gathering at Frankie’s Summer Social Club featuring a DJ, food, mocktails and Philadelphia’s creative community.
One of the things I like about DesignPhiladelphia is that it reminds us design isn’t something that only happens inside architecture firms or galleries. It’s everywhere in Philadelphia. It’s our rowhouses, parks, streets, SEPTA stations, fashion, public art and the way old buildings find new lives.
Some events require tickets or advance registration and others are free, so check the DesignPhiladelphia schedule before heading out.
The festival continues through October 11, 2026.
SAVE THE DATE: The DesignPhiladelphia Beau Arts Ball at Girard College
2026 Beaux Arts Ball
Be Revolutionary: America Turns 250
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Girard College
2101 South College Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19121
Attire: Be Revolutionary: America Turns 250
Have a great week, and I hope to see you. xoxo HughE
