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DESIGN WEEK RI 2025 Events Calendar
What is DESIGN WEEK RI? +
DESIGN WEEK RI is the annual celebration of design featuring Rhode Island designers and entrepreneurs. The 12th Annual DESIGN WEEK RI brings you 8 days of events!
Each year, DESIGN WEEK RI offers talks, tours, panel discussions, parties, and more that showcase the design talent across Rhode Island – featuring and hosted by our many partners and design friends.
Friday, Sept. 12
Friday, September 12
1:00-5:00 PM
Providence
Sponsoring Open Studio: DESIGN UNDER SKY
DESIGN UNDER SKY is an award-winning Landscape Architecture studio in Providence, RI with several recent projects—including the National ASLA Honor Award for 10,000 Suns, The Living Edge and the Roger Williams Park Gateway—that have contributed to the transformation of the urban landscape of Providence and beyond. Ultimately, we look to create joy, wonder, and curiosity in the living world.
Friday, September 12
1:00-5:00 PM
Providence
Sponsoring Open Studio: Kelly Taylor Interior Design
Kelly Taylor Interior Design is a 21 year old design business in Providence, RI. Vistors can view displays of their work, drawings, and samples, and even touch and feel materials!
Friday, September 12
5:00-8:00 PM
Providence
Kickoff Party
Join DESIGNxRI in partnership with Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses and the Rhode Island design community to celebrate the start of DESIGN WEEK RI! Featuring fabulous raffle prizes, mini-Pecha Kucha, and the reveal of the DESIGN WEEK RI 2025 beer can!
Saturday, Sept. 13
Saturday, September 13
10:00 AM-9:00 PM
Northern RI
Saturday Open Studios – Northern RI
Check out the spaces and work of nearly 20 incredible designers and creatives in northern Rhode Island. Click the button below for the full list of studios.
Saturday, September 13
10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Pawtucket
A Map for a Cat: Reimagining cartography through the eyes of animals
Making a map means lots of decisions: what goes on the map, what can be left off and who are we making a map for? This is a fun and creative activity that will challenge you to make paper maps that will make you see the world in a very different way.
Saturday, September 13
1:00-4:00 PM
Providence
Youth City Workshop: Designing the Future of Our Communities
Calling all youth artists & designers ages 10-14 years old interested in learning more about buildings, city planning, design, and architecture in our city! Learn about architectural concepts, sketching, drawing, modeling, and local architects + designers working, creating, and engaging with our communities.
Saturday, September 13
5:00-9:00 PM
West Warwick
Stained Glass: An Industry Reboot
Listen to a brief history of stained glass and watch how it is done live in the studio.
Sunday, Sept. 14
Sunday, September 14
10:00 AM-9:00 PM
Southern RI
Sunday Open Studios – Southern RI
Visit the spaces and view the work of 10 incredible designers and creatives in southern Rhode Island. Click the button below for the full list of studios.
Monday, Sept. 15
Monday, September 15
10:30 AM-12:00 PM
Providence
The Power of Collaborative Storytelling in Social Media Campaigns
Brown’s Office of University Communications Creative Services and Marketing teams will explore the dynamic partnership between content creators and visual designers whose collaboration provide authentic, visually rich and narrative-driven experiences across social platforms.
Monday, September 15
1:00-3:00 PM
Warwick
[CANCELED] Illuminating Design: A Hands-On Journey with Lumetta Lighting Design & Manufacturing
Go behind the scenes with Lumetta for an immersive, hands-on tour of premium luminaire design and manufacturing—culminating in a workshop where you’ll build your own custom light fixture using signature materials and design elements. Discover the artistry, engineering, and craftsmanship behind every Lumetta creation while engaging directly with our team and creative process.
Monday, September 15
4:30–6:00 PM
Providence
[CANCELED] Providence Modern! How Urban Renewal and Modern Design Shaped Downtown and College Hill
Monday, September 15
5:00-7:00 PM
Providence
Designing a Providence Web Maker Community
All web makers are invited to this drop-in networking event and charrette to design the future of the web design community in Providence
Monday, September 15
6:30–8:00 PM
Providence
Bottom Line by Design: A bold discussion on design’s role in business performance
Join us for a bold discussion on design’s role in business performance. Through case studies and candid conversation, we’ll explore how designers can better position their work within the value stack to influence growth and impact.
Monday, September 15
6:30-8:30 PM
Providence
Bending Light: A Neon Bending Demonstration
This demonstration will show the process of neon bending from beginning to end.
Tuesday, Sept. 16
Tuesday, September 16
12:30-1:30 PM
Newport
Exploring the Exhibition of Bobby Anspach: Everything is Change
Attendees will engage in a guided looking tour with the Newport Art Museum team throughout the Museum. They will engage with the show on view, Bobby Anspach: Everything is Change, as well as the other summer shows Through A Collector’s Lens: Iconic Photography from the Christopher Hyland Collection and Howard Gardiner Cushing: A Harmony of Line and Color.
Tuesday, September 16
4:30-7:00 PM
Newport
Industry Spotlight – Design: Growth & Collaboration
The design industry can feel full of creative silos and solo work, but this event celebrates how collaboration fuels growth, sparks innovation, and strengthens the design ecosystem. Join us for a series of partnered lightning talks highlighting successful collaborations across the RI design industry. Stick around post lightning talks for delicious food, beverages, and an evening of connections!
Wednesday, Sept. 17
Wednesday, September 17
10:00-11:30 AM
Providence
The Elements of Place: An Immersive Sensory Workshop – Designing Inclusive Environments for All
“The Elements of Place” is an immersive event exploring how sensory design creates inclusive, human-centered spaces. Come share, learn, and be inspired to reimagine environments that truly welcome everyone.
Wednesday, September 17
12:00-1:00 PM
Providence
RISD Museum Exhibition Design Tour
As part of DESIGN WEEK RI, RISD Museum staff will share how collaborative design shaped the immersive exhibition Liz Collins: Motherlode. Hear how graphics, layout, and interpretive choices support accessibility, inclusion, and meaningful visitor engagement.
Wednesday, September 17
1:30–3:30 PM
Providence
A Conversation with LOMA: How Design Sets the Stage for Experience
An intimate conversation with the founders of LOMA, discussing how design sets the stage when building an experience. Come get an inside look into a design/hospitality forward space, learn insights into developing a concept and idea, enjoy a drink dive into a community conversation about all things design, entrepreneurship, and creating an experience.
Wednesday, September 17
6:30-8:00 PM
Providence
Navigating Turbulence: the Role of Creatives(ity) in Uncertain Times (formerly the RISD Arts Innovation Research (AIR) Showcase)
A panel discussion moderated by Provost Touba Ghadessi and Margot Nishimura, Assistant Provost for Academic Engagement, around “Navigating Turbulence: the role of creatives(ity) in uncertain times” will bring together a diverse group of panelists using public art, research and history to reimagine the meaning of monuments against the backdrop of today’s societal challenges and political landscape.
Thursday, Sept. 18
Thursday, September 18
10:00-11:00 AM
Providence
Slither in to the snake den: A behind the scenes tour of the Pretty Snake store and brand
Led by creative director, Joe Segal, delve into the world of Pretty Snake. Established in 2009, learn about the brands history, store design, inspiration and process creating and maintaining fashion brand.
Thursday, September 18
12:30-1:30 PM
East Providence
Introduction to Virtual Production: Lunch and Learn
Step inside the future of content creation with a behind-the-scenes look at virtual production, hosted by Scott Maiocchi, Senior Vice President and Executive Producer at (add)ventures.
Thursday, September 18
4:00–6:00 PM
Providence
Design Sprint Happy Hour
Join DownCity Design for our Design Sprint Showdown, where Rhode Island creatives will showcase their innovative ingenuity! Enjoy a happy hour with light refreshments in the courtyard of our non-profit community design studio. Whether or not you choose to compete in the fun and casual drop-in design challenge, swing by to check out our space, connect with other designers, and help select the People’s Choice winner. One standout designer will take home the coveted Golden Prototype trophy!
Thursday, September 18
5:00-8:00 PM
Providence
Discover Art in Providence with Gallery Night
Free guided tours to Providence art spots leaving from The Graduate Hotel and WaterFire Arts Center. Tour times and schedule and suggestions for self guided tours will be posted on the Gallery Night website by September 4.
Thursday, September 18
5:30-7:30 PM
Providence
Minority Meetup
Please join us Thursday, September 18th at 5:30pm at Mt. Fuji Japanese Steakhouse for apps, drinks, and great conversation. With an increase in visible diverse designers, learning and gaining confidence from one another, the Rhode Island design community has a bright future ahead.
Friday, Sept. 19
Friday, September 19
10:00-11:00 AM
Providence
DARE TO ZHUSH: Being Brave in a World of Greige
This workshop is all about learning to craft your personal interiors. Through this interactive workshop, the JohnnyCakes team will help expel fears of making design choices by giving an overview of key concepts to keep in mind when creating a space — in the end, we hope everyone gains some tips and tricks to be brave and add some zhush of your own!
Friday, September 19
12:00-1:00 PM
Providence
[CANCELED] Intro to Visual Thinking Strategies with CoDesign Collaborative
Join us for an introduction to Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS), a facilitation methodology that uses art or visual stimuli to encourage group participation and critical thinking. You’ll learn how to adapt your communication style to be inclusive to different audiences, using evidence-based reasoning to ensure all voices contribute to a shared understanding. No prior experience with VTS is necessary!
Friday, September 19
5:30-8:00 PM
Providence
The Closing Party: Anyhow Studio’s MOST EXCELLENT POTTERY THROWDOWN!
Eat, drink, reconnect with all your favorite DESIGN WEEK RI pals, and watch Rhode Island’s boldest ceramicists throw down for the crown! Will our potters prevail in rapid fire challenges, or will their work flop on the wheel?? Come through DESIGN WEEK RI’s no-holds-barred closing party to find out!
Post-DESIGN WEEK RI Events
Friday, September 18 – Friday, September 26
Statewide
Rhode Island Startup Week
Rhode Island Startup Week brings together entrepreneurs, students, corporations, and innovation-based organizations to collaborate on advancing the growth of innovative businesses in our region. We are committed to fostering diversity in innovation and entrepreneurship, creating a community where everyone’s ideas can thrive. By building cross-sector partnerships, we strengthen our region and cultivate a vibrant Innovation Community.
Wednesday, September 24
5:30-8:00 PM
CIC Providence
WEEK NIGHT
It’s showtime. Get ready for an electrifying evening at the CIC, where design, apparel, and innovation collide in an explosion of creativity! Mingle with visionary designers, groundbreaking innovators, and dynamic entrepreneurs while enjoying delicious beverages and treats. Prepare to be dazzled by pulsating music, captivating entertainment, and breathtaking apparel! Hosted by RI Startup Week and RI Fashion Week.
Wednesday, September 24 – Saturday, September 27
Rhode Island
Rhode Island Fashion Week Season XVII
At Rhode Island Fashion Week, we offer a unique and exciting experience for fashion and style enthusiasts. Our events include panel discussions with industry experts, presentations by up-and-coming designers, clothing swaps for sustainable fashion, and glamorous runway shows. We invite you to click the links below to learn more and reserve your seats for the events that pique your interest.
Friday, October 3 – Sunday, October 5
The 48 Hour Film Project – Providence
Make a FILM in 48 hours and attend its PREMIERE SCREENING!! From Film Weekend Kickoff… to Screening… to Awards… Gather Teammates – Friends/Colleagues/Family! Write, shoot and edit a short film based on the genre you draw at The Kickoff and the required character, prop, and line assigned for your city. Premiere YOUR film!
