The 2017 Detroit Design Festival officially started on Tuesday, but it runs through Saturday, September 30. This year the theme for the festival is Design Is Everywhere.
The goal of the festival is to show people that there is design from your most abstract pieces to the light poles that go down the street.
Detroit is the first city in the United States to be named one of UNESCO’s Cities of Design. Earlier this year designers from Detroit traveled to the 10th International Design Biennale in Saint-Etienne, France.
The Detroit Design Festival has a ton of events that will be going on during the five days. I’m just going to give you my top five picks or else we will be here all day.
1. Eastern Market After Dark
Eastern Market After Dark will take place on Thursday evening. It really is a great event that showcases a different side of Eastern Market. Not only is it cool, it closes out Murals in the Market which started last weekend.
2. Craftsmanship, Preservation + Beers:
This Friday evening event is being presented by The Parducci Society and will take place in the parlor of the Beaubien House which was built in 1851.
Come listen to a panel discussion about current project that relate to Detroit’s revitalization and the celebration of Detroit as a UNESCO City of Design.
The event is free, but you will need to register.
Craftsmanship, Preservation + Beers will take place between 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
The Beaubien House is located at 553 East Jefferson Detroit, MI 48226
3. Brainard Street Blast
This is a trifecta of creative fun. On Friday between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., Ocelot Print Shop, Back Alley Bikes and Hardcore Detroit are throwing an event highlighting members work of work that ranges from t-shirt vendors to fine artists, graphic designers, students, product makers and small custom printers.
Hardcore Detroit will show their fashion line and have a couple of dance routines at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Back Alley Bikes will show off custom built bicycles – which are always fun to check out in the D.
Check them out at 3535 Cass in Detroit. Facebook event here.
4. Light Up Livernois
Head over to the historic Avenue of Fashion on Saturday night for an evening of design.
Local Livernois businesses and Detroit based artists will be exploring various ways design can shape the future of Detroit’s Avenue of Fashion. There will be open studios, performances, putt putt, and urban furniture installations.
Be sure to stop by Good Cakes and Bakes and DCreated Boutique because both places will be doing special things during the event.
Light Up Livernois will take place from 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
5. Design Village at Ponyride
This two day event will take place on Friday and Saturday. You will be able to check out some of Detroit’s most talented makers and designers.
Bring some money with you because you will also be able to do some shopping. There will be apparel, accessories, homewares, and interiors.
There will also be programming that will include lectures, workshops, and design experiences. You can find the entire schedule here.
Ponyride is offering tours of the space on Saturday from 12 p.m.-4:00 p.m. on the hour.
Hours: Friday, September 29 4:00 p.m.-10 p.m. and Saturday, September 30 10 p.m.-6 p.m.
Ponyride is located at 1401 Vermont Street Detroit, MI 48216