The Detroit Design Festival returns for its fifth year of celebrating Detroit's "Creative Corridor" — that is, the network of designers, builders, innovators, and other creators that drive the Motor City's industrial design scene. Headed by the Detroit Creative Corridor Center, the event will once again bring exhibitions, workshops, lectures, open houses, and block parties to a variety of venues this fall.
As usual, things will kick off with a Drinks x Design networking party, this year on Thursday, Sept. 17 at St. Vincent Corktown. The transformative Eastern Market After Dark will also return, which will see the historic market serve as a late night design district featuring more than 30 studios, shops, happenings, and more.
New this year is the addition of the Detroit Design Village, a designer pop-up marketplace where people can shop for locally made goods. The shop will feature wares designed by 30 local, national, and international designers. One of the participating designers includes Sweden-based Marc Henry, who will debut a series of office furniture designed in Sweden and made in Detroit.
Another aspect of the fest is its educational component, Industry Days, which feature two days of lectures, discussions, and panels. There's also "DDF on the Cut," which will see the Dequindre Cut greenway outfitted with interactive installations centered on the theme of "play." Other happenings include the opening of the Wasserman Projects, a Birmingham-based art gallery that will opening in Detroit with a party Sept. 25.
Detroit Design Festival is Tuesday, Sept. 22 through Saturday, Sept. 26; see website for full schedule and participating venues; detroitdesignfestival.com; free and open to the public.
