NYCxDESIGN Festival

Imagine a live or virtual panel discussion on a design topic of your choosing, a pop-up activation within your venue, or an installation in a bustling public space — among other creative formats.

A co-developed event would receive premier promotion across NYCxDESIGN’s channels, and we would conduct focused outreach efforts to engage your target community. These co-produced events could unfold during NYCxDESIGN’s annual Festival or at other strategic moments throughout the year. 

Let’s explore the possibilities together!

What to Expect

The Festival includes two major trade/consumer fairs—ICFF and the Afternoon Light Design Fair—alongside talks, keynotes, tours, product launches, and receptions.

Design Disciplines

NYCxDESIGN spans architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, interior design, product and industrial design, graphic design, lighting and sound design, as well as technology, art, and entertainment by design—reflecting the breadth of New York City’s creative community.

Plan Your Visit

Use the Festival calendar on the NYCxDESIGN website to search events by date, time, borough, neighborhood, discipline, and format. Interactive maps, the Festival app, and the printed guide will help you navigate and build your itinerary.

Event Access

Event entry varies: Some require RSVPs, some are ticketed, some are open to walk-ins. Always check individual event listings for details, including dates and times.

Accessibility

ADA accessibility information is provided within each individual event listing.

Getting Around

Festival maps indicate nearby subway stations. Public transportation is strongly encouraged for easy access across neighborhoods.

Plan Ahead

Take time to explore your interests and build your schedule in advance—popular events may fill quickly.

Tools & Resources

Use the NYCxDESIGN Festival app, including its social features, and explore the printed guide for neighborhood maps and curated listings. Many events are free to attend.

Festival Highlights

Look for Festival highlights for curated recommendations and must-see experiences.

Visiting from Out of Town

Explore our Stay x Design section for hotel partnerships and special rates during Festival week.

A Citywide Festival

NYCxDESIGN is not a single-location event. It is a citywide platform of independently hosted events across studios, showrooms, retail spaces, auditoriums, schools, museums, and public spaces throughout New York City.

Design Disciplines

The Festival represents the full spectrum of design, including architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, interior design, product and industrial design, graphic design, lighting and sound design, as well as technology, art, and entertainment by design.

Festival Visibility & Promotion

NYCxDESIGN promotes the Festival through an integrated campaign, including:

• Out-of-home advertising (LinkNYC, taxi tops, urban screens) 

• Website and Festival calendar 

• NYCxDESIGN Festival app 

• Printed guide and maps 

• Social media and press outreach 

Events benefit from both citywide exposure and neighborhood clustering, with many activations concentrated geographically and highlighted on Festival maps.

Maps & Discovery

Festival maps—available on the website, app, and printed guide—help visitors navigate neighborhoods and discover events. Being part of a strong local cluster can increase visibility and attendance.

Getting Around

Maps indicate nearby subway stations, and public transportation is strongly encouraged for easy access across the city.

Event Planning Tips

• Clearly communicate RSVP, ticketing, or open access policies 

• Provide accurate dates, times, and location details 

• Include ADA accessibility information in your event listing 

• Consider timing your event alongside nearby activations to benefit from neighborhood traffic 

Submission Guidelines

Detailed submission requirements (including image specs and listing details) are provided within the Event Host registration form on this website.

Festival Highlights

Be aware of key Festival highlights and anchor events, which drive significant attendance and press attention throughout the week.

Visiting from Out of Town

If you or your guests are traveling, explore our Stay x Design section for hotel partnerships and preferred rates during the Festival.

We’re Here to Help

Our team is here to support you. For any questions, please contact:
[email protected]