Creatives and architecture buffs, mark your calendars: DesignPhiladelphia celebrates 20 years this October. The citywide festival, taking place from October 1 to 13, commemorates the city's past and present-day design and architecture—and is the oldest of its kind in America.
The festival hosts educational talks, hands-on workshops, lively presentations, venue tours and open houses throughout the city, including at Cherry Street Pier and the Center for DesignPhiladelphia. Cherry Street Pier along the ever-evolving Delaware River Waterfront is an open-air building home to designer studios, rotating art and photography galleries, and seasonal food and craft vendors. The Center for DesignPhiladelphia, formerly known as The Center for Architecture and Design, is DesignPhiladelphia’s headquarters—with a mission to expand design access across all ages and various disciplines (“K through career”) with design associations and their annual fall festival.
“This year, we are sharing reflections from some of the founders and early-year participants about the importance of being the first design festival of its kind in the country and what the festival could and should become in the future,” said Rebecca Johnson, Executive Director of DesignPhiladelphia and AIA Philadelphia in a press release.
The festival highlights local practicing architects, designers and creative professionals. Their works on display range from streetwear to student digital media, documentary films, market artisans, and more. Also on deck this year is a weekend Kids Fest and the return of the Beaux Arts Ball—a celebration where design, art, fashion, and community collide—at Lynnewood Hall on November 2, 2024.
Join the free kickoff celebration at Cherry Street Pier on October 1 from 5:30 to 9pm and check out the complete schedule on DesignPhiladelphia.org.