Our city is one that is defined by design. From the wheel spoke design of our streets, to the unique architecture that frames our downtown, Detroit is a city where creativity, culture, and collaboration intersect.
For 16 years, Design Core Detroit has been presenting the Detroit Month of Design. The event is a wide-reaching, electric, and beautifully diffuse festival, held together by a shared belief in the real-world value of creativity.
The festival brings hundreds of artists, creators, storytellers and activists from around the world who show up each year with curiosity, intention, and the desire to connect.
Design Core Detroit, an economic development organization using design to grow our regional economy. The organization provides business support & development programs, visibility opportunities, and connects designers to resources and each other.
Every year, Design Core Detroit chooses a committee that curates the festival calendar. Some of the committee members this year include Tracy Reese, Jonathan Bailey, Niles Heron, Asia Hamilton, Delanie Wheeler, Dion Walcott and more.
For 2026, Design Core Detroit is focused on design solutions for Climate Solutions & Sustainability, Mobility, Transportation & Access, Color, Materials, & Product, and Civic & Community-Led Design.
On the website, Detroit Month of Design notes that they are “Shifting focus from theory to practice through exhibitions, talks, tours, product launches, workshops & events centering the ways that Detroit designers are shaping the future of our city and beyond.”
The Michigan Chronicle has curated a short list of some of the ‘Must See’ Events and Tours taking place this month. Find more information about the events on the official website at https://www.detroitmonthofdesign.org/events
Festival Opening Celebration Thu, Sep 03 | Little Village Detroit
The event will begin with an outdoor activation from 5:00-7:00pm at the 9300 and 9301 Kercheval green spaces, with the opening of the outdoor River Trail, featuring architectural installations, interactive art installations, music, food and more.
Dear Detroit: Write A Love Letter To Your Future Self Fri, Sep 04 | Pages Bookshop
Open for in-person visits starting September 4 during Pages Bookshop open hours (Wednesday-Saturday, 12pm-6pm), guests can choose from a curated selection of stationery, craft their letter, and drop it in our mailbox to be delivered one year later. A digital version of the experience is also available online, with letters emailed to you after a year. Open to all ages.
In Rotation: Footwear & Fashion Design Sat, Sep 05 | XHIBITION
The Detroit Month of Design joins forces with XHIBITION for an evening celebrating footwear, fashion and Detroit as a global creative capital. The evening will also debut Amadeus Roy’s new sneaker produced by Reebok, created following his win at the 2025 Art of the Sneaker competition presented by Reebok and MARTK’D. Guests can check out original artwork by Rick Williams and a pop-up from Art Over Everything.
Where We Belong: The Architecture of Home — an interactive studio & installation Sept 10-20, 2026. | The Boulevard, 3939 Woodward Detroit, MI. Opening reception: September 10 | Family day, salon, and benefit auction: September 20. Presented by Abayomi CDC with The Tone, as part of Detroit Month of Design.
Show Your Spirit Opening Day Fri, Sep 11 | Coleman A. Young Municipal Center
On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM stop by the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center (CAYMC). This immersive evening will feature sculptures, architectural designs, and digital mixed media set against a curated musical backdrop, utilizing both indoor and outdoor spaces of the CAYMC. The event holds significant importance for Detroit and the CAYMC, a moment when civic identity, creative expression, and the future of Detroit’s urban landscape intersect.
Black Culture Across Borders Sun, Sep 13 | Scarab Club
A talk exploring the links between Black communities and creative cultures on both sides of the 49th parallel, featuring some of Canada and Detroit’s leading architects, artists and activists. Moderated by Detroit Month of Design Director Kiana Wenzell.
Black Women in Architecture Brunch presented by Noir Design Parti Sun, Sep 20 | The LOVE Building
For Detroit’s in-person segment, NDP will convene a brunch and interactive discussion among the city’s Black women in architecture, students, and allies for a video recording. Discussions will include career experiences, mentors and mentee relationships, and participants’ visions for inclusive design in Detroit.
The Cookout: Reimagining The Black BBQ Through Art and Food Fri, Sep 25 | Hunt Street Station
The Cookout is an immersive art and cultural experience that reimagines the Black BBQ through wearable art, food, music, and community. Featuring bonnets and durags crafted from classic BBQ staples, the event transforms everyday traditions into bold expressions of creativity and cultural storytelling. Guests can enjoy a curated barbecue by Smokey G’s, boozy and non-alcoholic ice cream from Ice Cream Detroit, classic cars, spades, field games, music, and a shared celebration of Black joy.
Community Arts Partnerships Director’s Choice Exhibition & Reception Wed, Sep 30 | CCS – Taubman Center
Community Arts Partnerships (CAP) Directors Larry Lunsford and Lynn Blasey selected 50 artworks created by K-12 students in community-based out-of-school programs for the Director’s Choice Exhibition. The artworks were professionally prepared for exhibit and the exhibit and reception were designed and planned by CAP’s Bloomberg High School Arts Interns with the support of CAP’s Exhibition Coordinator. Young artists and their families will be present to talk about their art and experiences in CAP programs; they will also receive awards packages and be celebrated for their artistic achievement. After the event, the artwork will be installed at the Skillman Foundation headquarters for a calendar year before being returned to the young artists.
You can reach Biba at Biba.Adams@MIChronicle.com
