As a content material freelancer, social media is usually a breeding floor for FOMO. There’s all the time one thing occurring—press journeys, model launches, style weeks—however till just lately, design weeks had handed me by. Even with my connections to that world, they felt distinctly “too industry.”
This yr, nonetheless, Copenhagen’s 3daysofdesign started dominating my feed. I seen influencers like New York–based mostly Laura Reilly, founding father of style publication Magasin, touring for the pageant, posting pictures of Louis Poulsen lamps and sculptural chairs. Suddenly, it felt too cool to disregard. “There’s a noticeable shift: those shaping the conversation are no longer exclusively industry professionals,” says Sophie Axon, PR Manager at Danish model Ferm Living. “In 2025, we opened our brand events to a wider cross-section of lifestyle voices from abroad,” she continues. “If audiences discover design through social media, why not meet them where they already are?”
But are artwork and design showcases value touring for with out an invitation? Surprisingly, sure: many festivals are ticketed, with city-wide pop-ups designed for dropping in and out of. “I went to Milan’s Salone del Mobile for the first time and was amazed by how much I could access,” explains New York–based mostly journalist Sarah Wood González. “Brands know fans want to experience their universe, and not everyone gets invited. Lines were snaking around the block for Gucci’s bamboo exhibition—it’s a chance to step briefly into that world.”
With many gala’s held in Europe, they require additional planning for vacationers based mostly elsewhere, however curiosity in touring particularly for design showcases is rising. “London Design Festival has become a cultural destination in its own right,” agrees Director Ben Evans. “We’ve seen significant growth in non-industry attendees inspired by what they’ve seen online, with the U.S. our top country of origin.”
Whether in London or Milan, Nairobi or New Delhi, the thrill round artwork and design spotlights is constructing—mirroring what was as soon as reserved for style weeks. Except this time, you should buy a ticket to expertise it first-hand, wander at your personal tempo, and revel in a broader cultural program.
Design weeks are the latest cultural journey motivator. See beneath for 2026’s worldwide design calendar—and begin planning.
January
Maison&Objet, Paris
When: January 15 – 19
Where: Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, ZAC Paris Nord 2, 93420 Villepinte
Why: Paris is all the time a good suggestion, even in January. Maison&Objet is likely one of the most esteemed design gala’s in the enterprise, courting again to 1995 and spanning a number of exhibition facilities with over 2,300 manufacturers. The theme for 2026 is ‘Past Reveals Future’, and can discover the heritage behind modern furnishings design. There’s additionally cultural programming throughout Paris known as ‘In The City’ with studios, shops, and workshops inviting company to take a more in-depth look.
Tickets: from $70 out there here