The Seattle Design Festival is a platform for bold design conversations. We believe that design is for everyone and that inclusive co-design practices are essential to shaping an equitable Seattle. We are multidisciplinary, socially engaged and civic minded.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT
SDF ‘25: FEEDBACK
Join us for 6 days of transformative programming designed to unleash the design thinker in everyone and build more equitable communities through design.
This year, we explore FEEDBACK as a tool for discovery rather than critique. What becomes possible when we engage with hope and humility? How can design create spaces for meaningful dialogue and renewal?
Block Party: Lake Union Park, August 16-17, 10am-7pm
Design Mixers & Closing Party: Various locations in SLU, Fremont, the Central District, North Queen Anne and Downtown, August 18-21
Festival Replay: Available on SDF YouTube Channel starting August 18
Public Transit: Lake Union Park is accessible via several bus routes and the South Lake Union Streetcar.
Biking: Bike parking is available at the park. Plan your route with the City of Seattle’s Interactive Bicycle Map.
Driving: There are over 300 spaces at the 320 Westlake pay lot and several paid parking garages nearby. Free parking is available on the weekends at 321 Terry Ave N Garage.
Drop-offs: Guests can safely unload at the Pay by Phone parking lot in front of the Wagner Education Center.
Lake Union Park is close to several bus routes as well as the South Lake Union Streetcar line. For timetables and trip planning, consult King County Metro’s trip planner tool. Bike parking is available in Lake Union Park.
We encourage attendees to take advantage of public transit options but understand that you may need to travel by car. There are over 300 spaces available at the 320 Westlake pay lot, and several paid parking garages nearby. Guests who need to be dropped off can safely unload at the Pay by Phone parking lot directly in front of the Wagner Education Center.
The sun is finally out in Seattle! Be sure to slather on your SPF, pack some water and snacks, and stash a mask in your pocket if that would make you feel safer in large crowds. We’ve requested the splash pad be left on, so if you’re bringing young designers, you may want to bring items to enjoy the water!
We prioritize accessibility as we plan all of our Festival events, and require all Festival Partners to prioritize safety, inclusivity, equity, and accessibility when designing their experiences. However, we are constantly aiming to increase support to our community. Read more about how we encourage accessibility in design.
If you have any specific concerns that aren’t addressed on event pages, please reach out to us at info@seadesignfest.org.
Almost every Festival experience is free and does not require registration. However, some of our experiences require registration, and our Closing Party relies on a ticket price of $40+ to help offset the cost of food and drink.
See a list of events that require registration below:
- SDF Design Mixer— Create Now x SDF @ Adobe Seattle, August 18, 5:30-7:30pm
Presented in partnership with Adobe - SDF Design Mixer— Arcade NW x SDF Mixer, August 19, 5:30-7:30pm
Presented in partnership with Arcade NW Publishing - SDF Design Mixer— Feedback in Print: A Hands-on Screen Printing Mixer, August 20, 5:30-7:30 pm
Presented in partnership with Pratt Fine Arts - SDF ‘25 Closing Party, August 21, 6-9 pm
Join us at LMN’s The Shop, as we celebrate our partners, volunteers, and sponsors who make the Festival possible.
Tickets start at just $40.
Seattle Design Festival envisions a culture of design that fosters equitable, resilient, and thriving communities. To achieve this vision, it is critical that we cultivate and sustain an inclusive environment rooted in trust, mutual respect, and accountability.
To support this, SDF and AIA Seattle worked together to develop a Community Standard, to support our growth as members of this shared community.
It is the expectation that all Seattle Design Festival contributors agree to uphold and integrate these standards in all Seattle Design Festival-related activities and shared spaces (committees, site visits, programs, discussions, community events, etc.). We are grateful to everyone for helping further our mission, values, and goals!
When you attend Seattle Design Festival events, you are entering an area where group photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By entering the event premises, you consent to such recording media and its release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction thereafter.
When 4 or less adults are being photographed in an image – or any number of children – our photographers will inform the subjects verbally of their representing the festival and asking for consent/parental consent. They will also have individuals fill out photo release forms.
These media materials may be utilized in SDF publications, news releases, online platforms, and other communications aligned with SDF’s mission only.
Volunteer your time to bring the Festival together! SDF offers 70+ day-of volunteer opportunities to support the Festival this August. If you’re looking for a long-term commitment, we will be soliciting applications for our Festival Planning Team this fall.
Sponsor the Festival to demonstrate your commitment to the Seattle design community, and help us unleash the design thinker in everyone to illuminate Seattle’s challenges and ignite action.
Donate to make a gift to support the design thinker in everyone and keep the festival FREE!
Contact info@seadesignfest.org with any additional questions.