Next week, from May 14 to 20, the NYCxDESIGN Festival returns. It is the New York City official design week, annual celebration of design across disciplines. As the city’s official design festival, it brings together over 163,000 designers, architects, innovators, industry leaders, and enthusiasts from New York and around the world.
With more than 250 hosted events, trade fairs, exhibits, installations, talks, and keynotes all around the area, this festival is undoubtedly influential in the city’s design scene. It provides a platform for diverse voices in a vast array of design disciplines including:
Architecture
Landscape Architecture
Urban Design
Interior Design
Industrial & Product Design
Graphic Design
Light & Sound Design
Technology x Design
Art x Design
Entertainment x Design
What is NYCxDESIGN?
To understand the festival’s impact, it helps to look at its origins and the organization behind it. NYCxDESIGN began in 2012 as an initiative of the New York City Economic Development Corporation. In 2021, it transitioned into an independent non-profit organization with a mission to unite and amplify New York City’s multidisciplinary design community. They champion the city as a global capital where design culture and industry meet.
Photo Courtesy NYCxDESIGN.
NYCxDESIGN Festival 2026 Events We’re Looking Forward To
Now in its 14th year, the festival has a whole slew of events to look forward to. NYCxDESIGN is spread out across multiple locations within the city including multiple studios, museums, schools, auditoriums, and even public spaces. For anyone planning to go to any of these events, it’s recommended that you plan ahead. Some events required registration and ticketing, while many others are free and open to the public.
You can check out the detailed festival calendar on the official website. As the event covers the whole spectrum of design disciplines, there’s definitely something for everyone! Here are some of the events that we at Wood & Co. are looking forward to the most.
International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF)
The ICFF is the country’s leading contemporary design fair. This 2026, the event’s theme is “Common Ground: A Global Dialogue on Design and Shared Values.” THe ICFF positions design as a connective force that can bring together people of different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. The event features a variety of exhibitors showcasing various products, furniture, lighting fixtures, and many more.
The ICFF will be held on May 17-19, 2026 at Javits Center, NYC.
Fisher & Paykel Presents a Conversation on Legacy
Luxury appliance brand Fisher & Paykel will host a panel exploring the idea of legacy, an enduring theme that resonates with designers and creatives, and is an integral part of the human experience. Speakers include architects from renowned practices in the city such as Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA), Corey Damen Jenkins & Associates, and TenBerke Architects.
The Fisher & Paykel panel will be held at the Fisher & Paykel Experience Center on May 15, 2026.
Féau Boiseries Presents the Art of Wood Paneling
Féau Boiseries is a historic French atelier known for its mastery of decorative wood paneling and classical interior detailing. Taking their Paris atelier as inspiration, the NYC showroom is transformed into an experience where visitors can immerse themselves in the artistry of traditional French woodworking.
The Féau Boiseries open studio will be on May 14-15 and May 18-20, 2026 at the Féau Boiseries New York Showroom.
Celebrating Design in New York City
NYCxDESIGN is a reminder of how deeply design is woven into the fabric of New York City, shaping the way people live, build, and experience space. Whether you are drawn to furniture, interiors, or architecture, the festival invites you to step into showrooms, attend events that resonate with your interests, and engage with the people behind the work. Take the time to explore, ask questions, and experience the details up close. In doing so, you not only discover new ideas, but also take part in celebrating the beauty and impact of design in everyday life.
For more news, updates, and information about the festival, be sure to check out the NYCxDESIGN official website.
Photo Courtesy of NYCxDESIGN
