Detroit Design Month is here!
Story by Max White
Detroit is the only UNESCO City of Design in the United States, and the designation will be celebrated once again during the 14th annual Detroit Month of Design from Sept. 1-30 all across the city.
Detroit is the only UNESCO City of Design in the United States, and the designation will be celebrated once again during the 14th annual Detroit Month of Design from Sept. 1-30 all across the city.
Detroit Month of Design is returning once again in September 2024 – the 14th annual event in the city.
Detroit is the only UNESCO City of Design in the United States, and all month long, events will celebrate the city’s unique art and creative spirit.
This year’s theme, according to festival organizers, is “Creative Currents,” which celebrates the city’s “unique legacy of artistry and innovation."
"The ripple effects of Detroit’s design history stretch across the globe, spanning time and space. Detroit forever changed the way the world lives, works, and moves,” the website said.
Here are some events worth checking out. You can see the entire calendar here.
Detroit Month of Design Opening Celebration
Detroit Month of Design officially kicks off on Sept. 1 at NewLab, which is part of the Michigan Central campus in Corktown. The celebration with Design Core Detroit, which is a steward of Detroit’s UNESCO City of Design designation.
Eastern Market After Dark
One of the most popular events of Detroit Month of Design is Eastern Market After Dark. It takes place throughout Eastern Market on Sept. 19 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. and is presented by the Gilbert Family Foundation. You can explore retailers, brands, music, galleries and more and had tens of thousands of attendees in 2023.
Youth Tank: Design Day at the Greenway
Future leaders are encouraged to check out Youth Tank at the Warren Gateway of the Joe Louis Greenway. It’s from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 14, at 8304 W. Warren Ave. Sponsored by General Motors Design, the event will allow youth to learn and practice design skills, work with design experts and much more.
The ReVamp Clothing Swap Festival
Have some clothes you don’t want anymore, or want to shop for an updated wardrobe? That’s where The ReVamp Clothing Swap Festival comes in. It’s taking place Saturday, Sept. 7 at Detroit Shipping Co. Bring your old clothes, shoes or accessories to donate, and bring your own bag! You can fill a bag for $20, and fill as many bags as you want. At the end of the day, all leftover items are donated to Detroit nonprofits.
Innovate & Celebrate: The ISAIC + Carhartt Fashion Experience
Carhartt is an iconic metro Detroit brand, and they’re teaming up with the Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center (ISAIC) for an open house and fashion experience. It’s at Carhartt’s flagship location along Cass Ave. in Detroit across all three floors. There, you can explore ISAIC’s manufacturing facility, explore the pop-up shop, and get a behind-the-scenes look at Carhartt’s workshop space.
Shop and See/Shop and Sip
Bedrock’s Decked Out Detroit is once again partnering with Detroit Month of Design for a host of events. Shops and See will feature five local artists collaborating with Downtown Detroit businesses for custom artwork, which they can see while they shop throughout September. Those artists & businesses are:
- Claire Thibodaeu & Eatóri Market at 1215 Griswold St.
- Jaime Wadsworth & Hot Sam’s Detroit at 127 Monroe St.
- Nabeela Najjar & Rifai Detroit at 1001 Woodward Ave.
- Joe Reilly & The Brakeman at 22 John R. St.
- José Maldonado & Greyson Clothiers at 1500 Woodward Ave.
On Thursday, Sept. 12 and Saturday, Sept. 21, there will also be “Shop and Sip,” which is a guided tour of the Shop and See exhibits with cocktails, promotions, gift bags, gift cards and more.
Black Food and Wine Experience
The debut of the Black Food & Wine Experience will take place Sept. 12 through Sept. 14 highlighting Black entrepreneurs throughout the culinary industry. It showcases and celebrates Black excellence and artistry in food, wine and cocktails.
The kickoff reception is at Book Tower from Sept. 12 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Black Food & Beverage Hospitality Summit is Sept. 13 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at One Campus Martius. The Grand Tasting is Saturday, Sept. 14 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at State Savings Bank.
UNDERCURRENT Photo Essay
Taking place from Sept. 7 through Sept. 30, UNDERCURRENT is an indoor/outdoor exhibition that was built upon the work from photographer Elonte Davis. According to organizers, the project will transform the Irwin House Gallery into an “immersive photo, moving image, and sonic-cave culled from over 20,000 extraordinary everyday moments” from a five-year period.
They say it’s designed to celebrate the pulse of Detroit. The Irwin House Gallery is located at 2351 W. Grand Blvd. in Detroit.
Closing Weekend Block Party at Murals in Islandview
Detroit Month of Design will close out with two events. The Block Party at Murals in Islandview will take place Saturday, Sept. 28 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Spot Lite, and is presented by the Gilbert Family Foundation with Design Core Detroit’s Maker’s Market, Hospitality Now and Art Clvb.
Closing Celebration at Michigan Central
The celebration will wrap up with a closing celebration at the recently-restored Michigan Central Station in Corktown. It will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sept. 28, and feature live music and activities.
