Detroit's Month of Design returns with sustainability focus

A snapshot of Detroit Month of Design at ten years in—where UNESCO recognition, sustainability goals, and nearly 100 events show how design shapes civic life, culture, and the city’s future.

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August 22, 2025

December 13, 2025

UNESCO dubbed Detroit the sole City of Design in the U.S. a decade ago, and nearly 100 events in September are celebrating that milestone.

Why it matters: Exhibitions, studio tours, product displays, parties and workshops during the 15th annual Detroit Month of Design festival connect designers and artists while showing the public how design can improve our world.

Think of industry, architecture, technology and furniture — as well as culture, art and music.

Context: As a UNESCO City of Design, Detroit is part of a global collaborative network prioritizing creativity when tackling civic challenges and growing economies.

It also gets recognition for its history of inventing industrial design, according to Design Core Detroit, which runs the festival.

The big picture: Design Core is tying this year's events to the UN's 17 sustainable development goals, an international blueprint for tackling problems like climate change, poverty and justice.

Incorporating these goals into the Month of Design shows people how they can tie Detroit's UNESCO design designation into their own lives, Design Core co-executive director Kiana Wenzell tells Axios.

A fashion pose with a model on the right; on the left, a brightly colored vase and fruit bowls — Work by Yosuke Shimano, a featured designer in the Detroit Warehouse: Art and Design Fair (left); and work by Taylor Childs from last year. Photos: Courtesy of Art Clvb (left) and Design Core Detroit

Zoom in: Some highlights of the design month calendar:

🚶 Belle Isle Commons: An interactive preview of the proposal to create a walkable central space on the island park.

3 Inselruhe Ave. on Belle Isle, 6-9pm Sept. 16.

🏡 From Our Side of the Street: A storytelling installation from generations of Black Detroiters, centered on the front porch as a space for community, history and resistance.

633 Plum St., 3-8pm Sept. 21.

🗑️ Waste to Wander: A panel and exhibition on reuse, including a "City of Tomorrow" model showing how a city can use technology and waste for sustainability.

Urban Tech Xchange, 1520 Woodward Ave.; 4-7pm Sept. 10.

☀️ On Air Off Grid: Join Solar Party Detroit, which rents out solar generators for DJ equipment and electronics, for sets celebrating its fifth anniversary.

Location TBD, 3-8pm Sept. 20.

🪩 Last but not least, the party: Eastern Market After Dark is the signature event. Grab drinks and food, experience design installations and visit businesses and artists' displays. Get there early for parking.