12–20 September 2026 | London, UK
London Design Festival returns from 12–20 September 2026, bringing together more than 300 events across the British capital. Spanning 11 Design Districts, from Mayfair and Soho to Shoreditch and Bankside, this year’s programme explores material intelligence, regenerative design, craftsmanship and new approaches to making. Alongside exhibitions, workshops, talks, product launches and pop-ups, major Landmark and Special Projects will take over some of London’s most recognisable cultural and architectural spaces, including St Paul’s Cathedral, the V&A, Barbican, Somerset House and Wapping Hydraulic Power Station.
Schedule & Highlights
11–12 September | Park Royal Design District
Manufactory launches its inaugural edition, opening factories, workshops and creative studios across Park Royal for exhibitions, performances, workshops and behind-the-scenes access.
12 September | Festival Opening
London Design Festival officially begins, launching a citywide programme of exhibitions, installations and events. The Global Design Forum also opens at the V&A, bringing together leading voices to discuss the future of design.
14 September | Mayfair Design District Late
Mayfair presents What Matters Now, with exhibitions, installations, new commissions and launches exploring the ideas and objects shaping contemporary culture.
15 September | Shoreditch Design Week Begins
London Design Festival’s largest dedicated district launches its programme across more than 60 showrooms, galleries and creative spaces. Material Matters also opens at UNLOCKED Shoreditch, running through 17 September.
16 September | Bankside, Fleet Street Quarter & Soho
Three districts host dedicated late-night programming. Highlights include exhibitions and open studios across Bankside, craft and cultural programming in Fleet Street Quarter, and Soho’s first year as an official London Design Festival district.
17 September | Brompton, Chelsea & EC1
A major day across the festival calendar, with district programming throughout Brompton, Chelsea and EC1, including exhibitions, talks, installations, showroom events and new product presentations.
18–20 September | Blackhorse Creates
Blackhorse Lane opens its studios and workshops, inviting visitors to discover local manufacturing, craft and experimental design, with Blackhorse Creates Day on 19 September.
19 September | Dalston to Stokey Design District
Open studios, exhibitions and installations celebrate East London’s independent makers, with a focus on craft, sustainable materials and neighbourhood-scale production.
20 September | Closing Day
The festival concludes after nine days of citywide programming, although selected exhibitions, including Craft x Tech Tokai Project at the V&A, continue beyond the official festival dates.