Detroit Month of Design is Back!
Here are 10 Events I’m Looking Forward To
Every September, Detroit transforms into a citywide celebration of creativity, culture, and collaboration. Now in its 15th year, Detroit Month of Design runs September 1–30, 2025, featuring 95 events and over 500 creatives across the city. From immersive installations to hands-on workshops, it’s a showcase of why Detroit holds the distinction of being the first and only UNESCO City of Design in the U.S. With so many incredible events on the calendar, I narrowed it down to 10 I’m especially excited about this year:
1. Eastern Market After Dark - September 18
The signature event of the festival. Think night market meets open studios, with artists, musicians, and galleries taking over Eastern Market for one unforgettable evening.
2. Black Tech Saturdays Digital Empowerment Summit - September 26
Where innovation meets intention. Designed to bridge the digital divide and spotlight Detroit’s thriving tech community, this two-day educational experience brings together changemakers, creatives, technologists, and ecosystem leaders.
3. “FOR THE LOVE OF” Runway Show - September 6
Detroit designers showcase handmade collections inspired by the theme “For the Love of…”, highlighting craftsmanship, storytelling, and the city’s bold fashion scene.
4. 6 Mile Street Festival - September 6
A neighborhood celebration of art, music, and local businesses. It’s family-friendly and rooted in community, which is at the heart of Month of Design.
5. Designing Detroit Exhibition - Open Tues–Sat, 12–6pm
Ten years after becoming a UNESCO City of Design, this exhibition looks back on Detroit’s transformation and forward toward its creative future.
6. Inclusion by Design: Artists, Community & the Creative Economy - September 17
A powerful panel featuring Detroit’s cultural leaders on how art and design fuel community growth, representation, and sustainable development.
7. Housing Revolution - September 10
A behind-the-scenes look at Detroit’s Cochrane Residence, a groundbreaking home built using digital fabrication and AI to make housing more affordable and sustainable.
8. Chromesthesia: Capturing Sound & Color in Art and Music - September 14
Inspired by Judy Bowman’s artwork and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, this event blends collage-making, sound, and storytelling into a collaborative art experience.
9. Detroit Warehouse Art & Design Fair - September 19
A three-day fair inside an iconic Detroit industrial space featuring contemporary, affordable work from emerging artists and designers.
10. Open Studio at DIVE Studios - September 13
Nine resident artists open their doors to the public. Expect in-progress projects, conversations with creatives, and a peek inside Detroit’s studio culture.
Whether you’re into fashion, music, architecture, or community conversations, this year’s festival has something for everyone. You can check out all of of the events here.