The design year is already in full swing, with design events taking place around the world to showcase the latest in cutting-edge furniture, interior and product design, bringing the global creative community together in all its glory.
But, rest assured, there'll be no fomo with this AD event guide. Here are 15 design events to have on your radar in 2026.
AlUla Arts Festival, 16 January – 14 February
The AlUla Arts Festival 2026 is the largest edition yet, taking place in January and February in Saudi Arabia’s AlUla desert. It features Desert X AlUla, a site-specific outdoor exhibition under the theme “Space Without Measure”, with works by international artists. Arduna presents over 80 regional and global artworks, previewing the new contemporary art museum in collaboration with Centre Pompidou. The festival also includes design exhibitions, multimedia installations and immersive experiences inspired by AlUla’s 7,000-year history. By combining local heritage with international art, the festival promotes cultural exchange and positions AlUla as a destination for contemporary art and creativity.
Nomad St Moritz, 12–15 February
Architecture, art, nature and design collide in the flagship winter version of this upscale travelling show, which sees collectors, curators and gallerists coming together in an inspirational setting – the newly restored Villa Beaulieu in Arona – to see world-class, inventive pieces displayed in dialogue with each other. This year will also see Nomad’s American debut – Nomad Hamptons at the Watermill Centre in June.
ID Delhi, 19–22 February
With a series of design events that celebrate Indian craftsmanship and explore global trends, India’s preeminent design festival includes ID Exhibit at NSIC Exhibition Grounds, where more than 150 designers and luxury brands show furniture, decor and lighting; special projects such as last year’s India by Design, which reimagined the country’s design heritage through a contemporary lens; and the ID Symposium, a series of talks and panel discussions featuring renowned architects, design experts and thinkers. ID Mumbai will also return later in the year, from 9 to 11 October.
Collectible, 12–15 March, Brussels
This international fair, dedicated to 21st-century collectible design and known for its curatorial vigour, returns this year for its ninth European edition. A focused group of galleries and design studios will present the best in today’s cutting-edge design, as well as looking ahead to what is to come; and a new section titled Tablescapes will highlight contemporary design at the table.
Design Shanghai, 19–22 March
Asia’s foremost design event showcases the latest in furniture, accessories, lighting and new materials from China’s burgeoning design scene and around the world, bringing Eastern and Western cultures together. Established global brands and up-and-coming Chinese designers alike will show new work, with a focus this year on the seemingly contradictory themes of new technology and reconnecting with nature.
Salone del Mobile, 21–26 April, Milan
The most important event of the European design calendar, Milan Design Week centres on the enormous Salone del Mobile trade fair north of the city, which hosts thousands of exhibitors showing the latest in high-end furniture, lighting and accessories. This year will see the debut of Salone Raritas, which will focus on collectible design in the form of unique, one-off pieces. Elsewhere in the city, showrooms will be abuzz with new collection previews and cocktail parties, and spectacular palazzi that are normally closed to the public will open their interiors and gardens to showcase designs from furniture and fashion houses alike.
Global Design Forum, 13–16 May, Istanbul
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For the first time, this annual thought-leadership programme, normally a part of the London Design Festival, will be held outside the UK and will move to Istanbul. Previous years have seen talks, conferences and workshops centred on themes such as sustainability, technology and ethical design; expect insight and debate on the hot topics currently occupying creative minds, from global design experts.
NYCxDESIGN, 14–20 May, New York
New York Design Week sees a full programme of events across the city, including installations, exhibitions and talks, spanning architecture, art and tech, as well as interior and product design. This year’s theme will be ‘Design Connects Us’, centring on sustainability and inclusivity. Its central show is ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair), a trade show for contemporary furniture, lighting and decor, on view 17–19 May at the Javits Convention Centre.
3daysofdesign, 10–12 June, Copenhagen
Copenhagen’s annual design festival has gone from strength to strength in recent years and is fast becoming one of Europe’s must-visit events. This is a city-wide event, with exhibitions and design showcases taking place in stores, galleries and historic buildings around the city, rather than focusing on one central trade fair. There’s a focus on Scandinavian design, both heritage brands and emerging designers.
Paris Design Week, 10–14 September
A more bitesize version of the annual design extravaganza in the French capital each January, the autumn edition still has much to offer, including the Maison&Objet trade fair, along with pop-up installations, showroom exhibitions and events around the city. After a European hiatus over the summer, this is the place to find ideas and inspiration for the season ahead.
London Design Festival, 12–20 September
The UK’s foremost design event blends one-off, public design installations (Lee Broom’s Beacon lighting artwork on the South Bank of the Thames being a shining example from the 2025 edition) with a host of design districts around the capital, each with its own focus and vibe.
Downtown Design Riyadh, 15–18 September
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After a successful first edition last May, Downtown Design returns to Riyadh’s Jax District, highlighting the energy and innovation that characterise Saudi Arabia’s design scene. Original, high-quality design and limited-edition pieces from the Kingdom and around the world will again be the focus of this ambitious new kid on the block, juxtaposing forward-thinking ideas against the historic backdrop of Diriyah.
Dubai Design Week, 3–8 November
The region’s leading design festival returns for its 12th edition to shine a light on the established and emerging talent from across the region and beyond. Downtown Design will again act as the focal event, bringing together the best of the latest collections from global brands and local designers, while further pop-up events and installations will take place throughout Dubai Design District and around the city.
Cairo Design Week 19-28 November
Cairo Design Week launched in 2022 as Egypt’s first major design festival, showcasing local talent and bridging heritage with innovation. By 2024, it expanded across Heliopolis, Downtown and Zamalek, featuring exhibitions, workshops and talks in architecture, fashion and product design. The 2025 edition became one of MENA’s largest creative platforms, with 100+ designers, 150 exhibitors and 80 speakers, activating the city through installations and pop-ups.
