world Design Festival 2025 calendar

from the US to Korea, a journey through design

design festivals are making a comeback after a brief hiatus following COVID-19. instead of just showcasing brands’ new products or collections, they’ve evolved into events that emphasize creative collaboration and global networking. this year, the essential role of design will be discussed in a variety of ways, with key topics including artificial intelligence, convergence with technology, and designing a sustainable future. here’s a list of design festivals around the world to get you ready.

march, USA

south by Southwest (SXSW) 2025

SXSW is an annual arts festival held in Austin, Texas, USA, where creative innovators and visionaries gather to explore and share new ideas. founded in 1987 as a music festival, it has grown to encompass a wide range of industries, including film, interactive media, technology, education, and culture.

this year’s SXSW will take place from March 7-15 at the Austin Convention Center. the keywords to watch this year are artificial intelligence and mobility, and electric car manufacturer Livian will be a major sponsor with exhibits and panel discussions. therewill also be a 22-track conference, covering topics as diverse as artificial intelligence, sci-fi, climate change, creative media content, the future of the music industry, and more.

what makes this year’s SXSWeven more exciting is that SXSW London 2025 willbe heldin London for the first time,June 2-7 , and will be a new platform to explore European creativity and innovation under the theme of “Beautiful Collisions.

when: March 7 – March 15, 2025

where: Austin Convention Center, Austin, Texas, USA

april, Italy

milan Design Week 2025

milan Design Week, one of the world’s largest design events, takes place April 7-13. this year’s theme is “Connected Worlds,” exploring how design can converge with technology, culture, and more.

the Salone del Mobile, which runs alongside the festival , will hostthe biennial EuroLuche International Lighting Forum.conferences and workshops will be held on sustainability, well-being, technology integration, and human-centered design.

and let’s not forget Fuorisalone, which takes place throughout the city of Milan. there will be exhibitions and events in several design districts, including Brera, Durini, 5VIE, Porta Venezia, Sarpi, Tortona, and Isola. alcova Milano will once again present interesting exhibitions in the city’s historic spaces.

when: April 7 – April 13, 2025

where: All over Milan

june, China

design Shanghai 2025

now in its 12th year, Design Shanghai will take place June 4-7 at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center. it is one of Asia’s largest international design events, with exhibitors from more than 30 countries and more than 80,000 industry professionals visiting.

this year’s theme is “Design for Humanity,” highlighting how design can positively transform human lives and the environment. with more than 200 of the world’s design leaders, the forum will center on collaboration and sustainability.

this year’s edition will featurefour key exhibition zones– Furniture & Lighting, Kitchen & Bath, New Materials & Applications, and Lifestyle & Living – to address more specialized design trends.

when: June 4 – June 7, 2025

where: Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center

june, United Kingdom

london Design Biennale 2025

the London Design Biennale brings together the world’s leading design and creativity to foster international exchange. now in its fifth year, it takes place June 5-29 at Somerset House.

this year’s artistic director, fashion designer Samuel Ross, will explore the theme of Surface Reflections, which explores how design can create connections between generations. there will be interactive installations, immersive exhibitions, and design forums tied to the theme, as well as talks and creative workshops with global design leaders.

when: June 5 – June 29, 2025

where: Somerset House, London, UK

september, France

maison & Objet Paris 2025

the world’s leading interior design fair , Maison & Objet Paris,takes place twice a year, in January and September. this year, the January edition of the show celebrates creative design under the theme of Sur/Reality, while the September edition will feature a more diverse program.

this year, the January show will celebrate creative design with the theme of “Sur/Reality,” while the September show will offer an even more diverse program.

when: September 4 – September 8, 2025

where: Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center

november, South Korea

seoul Design Festival 2025

now in its 25th year , Seoul Design Festivalis one of the largest design events in Korea. organized by Design House and the monthly ‘Design’ magazine, it aims to promote global exchange in the Korean design industry and harmonize design across generations.

its signature program, the Young Designer Promotion, provides exhibition opportunities and mentorship to emerging designers, while global design seminars share the latest design trends and insights.

this year’s event will be held at COEX in Seoul from November 12 to 16, while Busan Design Festival will be held at BEXCO in Busan from June 26 to 29.

when: November 12 – November 16, 2025

where: COEX, Seoul

the year 2025 will be a year where design and creativity intersect in every corner of the world. experience the latest trends and innovative ideas at various design festivals around the world.