The festival opens with Berlin Design Nights on May 28: design studios, galleries, agencies and universities open their doors across Berlin. Visitors navigate the city via digital maps – organised by district and opening times.

On May 29, The Berlin Format takes the main stage as the festival’s conference programme. From brand strategy, design research and materials to circularity and architecture – scientifically grounded knowledge meets creative perspectives in keynotes, panel talks and short bits.

Design Pool on May 30 and 31 at PLATTE.BERLIN combines fair and market: two days of direct contact between designers, producers and an audience seeking small series, special editions and crafted products in interior, furniture, fashion, jewellery and accessories.

The programme is complemented by self-organised formats across the city: in previous years, up to 91 satellite locations participated throughout Berlin – from showrooms and studios to galleries and pop-up spaces. Participants showcase their work in their own locations or at one of the festival’s design spots. All contributions are featured in the official programme, festival catalogue and press cloud.

“Four days, four formats – each bringing DESIGN REAL to life in its own way,” says Festival Director Alexandra Klatt. “We are creating a framework that works for every discipline.”

Key Facts

• Dates: May 28–31, 2026
• Location: Berlin
• Motto: DESIGN REAL
• Web: berlindesignweek.com

About Berlin Design Week Berlin Design Week is an annual design festival that presents and celebrates the diversity of design in Berlin and beyond. It provides a platform for designers, architects, companies and organisations to showcase and discuss the latest trends and innovations in design. Berlin Design Week is a project by state of DESIGN GmbH.