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SDF 2026 At a Glance
Block Party
August 15 & 16, 10am-7pm
Lake Union Park
860 Terry Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
The Seattle Design Festival Block Party is our signature event—a two-day street fair at Lake Union Park featuring large-scale installations, performances, and hands-on activities.
For our 16th anniversary, the Block Party will explore the theme of IN[FLUX] recognizes that we are living in a moment of transition. Flux suggests movement, instability, and possibility all at once. It reflects the ways our city is evolving and the role design can play in navigating change. Join us for this free, immersive experience that showcases how design shapes our everyday lives.
Built Installations
Temporary installations created by the SDF community. These interactive structures do more than catch the eye—they promote collaboration, empower communities, and demonstrate design thinking in action. Each installation engages multiple senses through touch, sound, and visual elements, making design accessible to everyone.
Pop-Up Experiences
Short-term engagements lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, bring design to life in exciting ways. These timed activities included hands-on workshops, interactive art projects, immersive learning opportunities, and more. Check the schedule to plan for specific experiences that catch your interest, or simply wander the park and discover what’s happening in the moment!
Mainstage Events
Thought-provoking talks by design leaders, practical skill sharers, filmmakers, and more demonstrate techniques and shared knowledge through captivating performances that blend creativity with storytelling. Check the schedule to find Mainstage events that align with your interests—these centerpiece presentations provide perfect moments to rest, reflect, and feel inspired throughout the day.
Design Mixers
August 18 & 19
Beyond the Block Party, the Festival extended into evenings with free, registration-required Design Mixers hosted at partner venues throughout the city. These networking events—presented by Adobe and Space.City with ARCADE NW Publishing —offer unique opportunities to connect with fellow design enthusiasts in creative environments. Each host crafts a distinctive experience that builds on the Festival’s theme while providing a relaxed setting for meaningful conversation.
Closing Party
August 20, 6-9pm
@ LMN’s The Shop
We will cap off an incredible week of design at our Closing Party! This festive celebration brings together Festival attendees, partners, and organizers for a night of music, light bites, and community connection. Tickets are priced with accessibility in mind, with options to support the Festival’s mission through additional donations.
Festival Replay
The Seattle Design Festival lives on long after the 6-day celebration through the Festival Replay. Visit the SDF YouTube channel after the Festival to revisit your favorite Mainstage Programs, explore Built Installations you might have missed, and discover Pop-Up Experiences from throughout the Block Party. This growing digital archive allows you to engage with design thinking whenever- or wherever- inspiration strikes. The 2026 Festival Replay will launch after the Festival’s conclusion in August.
