NYCxDESIGN 2026: Six event highlights to check out

The NYCxDESIGN Festival is returning to New York City today for its 2026 edition. Open until May 20th, the festival brings together more than 160,000 designers, innovators, and enthusiasts for a “week-long celebration of creativity, collaboration, and cultural exchange.”

Throughout the week, a variety of design studios, schools, brands, and cultural institutions will host exhibitions, installations, talks, tours, and parties. All five boroughs of the city are included in the programming. 

Below, we have picked out six highlights from the 2026 schedule:

Pratt Shows: Design

May 13 – May 19,  9am–9pm
Pratt Institute, Brooklyn Campus, ARC Building

Pratt Shows: Design is an annual exhibition showcasing graduating student work from the Pratt Institute School of Design, School of Architecture, and School of Art’s Fine Arts Jewelry area. Featuring disciplines including industrial design, communications design, and architecture, the exhibition highlights emerging talent and includes a professional and alumni reception celebrating graduating students.

NYCxDESIGN Keynote: An Evening with Santiago & Gabriel Calatrava

May 16, 5–7:30pm
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church & National Shrine (more about the project here)

The evening features a keynote conversation between Santiago Calatrava and Gabriel Calatrava, and includes discussion on architecture, civic space, and design legacy. The event is followed by a cocktail reception and an optional guided tour of the Oculus by Gabriel Calatrava.

Future of Design Conference

May 16, 12–8pm
Sanders Studios NYC

Future of Design Conference is a full-day event exploring design and creativity in an AI-driven context. Presented by 241 Members and partner organizations, the program includes panels, workshops, live demonstrations, and immersive installations featuring designers, artists, technologists, founders, and students discussing AI, creative practice, identity, and collaboration within contemporary design culture.

ICFF

May 17, 10am–6pm
Javits Center

The International Contemporary Furniture Fair takes place under the theme “Common Ground.” The event features exhibitions, talks, immersive installations, and presentations from emerging and established designers, alongside partnerships, educational showcases, and programming focused on materials, sustainability, housing, and contemporary design practice.

FUTURE NOW: Art of the Possible AI SUMMIT

May 19, 10am–5:30pm
Cornell Tech

Future Now is a one-day summit presented in partnership with Cornell Tech, examining the impact of artificial intelligence across design disciplines. The program includes keynote talks, panels, and discussions featuring academic researchers and industry professionals exploring AI’s role in contemporary creative and design practices.

Dumbo Design Day

May 20, 12–9pm
Dumbo

Dumbo Design Day is a full-day program featuring open studios, gallery tours, panel discussions, workshops, video art projections, and a closing party in Dumbo. Events include artist studio visits, design activations, live music, and the Dumbo Projection Project, with participation from local designers, galleries, and creative organizations.