Event Details
Dutch Design Week 2026 – Nine Days of Design Future in Eindhoven
Dutch Design Week (DDW) transforms Eindhoven into Europe's design capital from 17 to 25 October 2026. As the largest design event in Northern Europe, more than 2,500 designers present their work across 100+ locations throughout the city. Around 350,000 visitors from across the globe experience nine days of exhibitions, talks, award ceremonies, workshops and networking events. The central question driving it all: how does design shape our future?
What Is Dutch Design Week?
DDW is not a conventional trade fair. The festival spreads across the entire city of Eindhoven: from the former Philips industrial complex Strijp-S and the iconic Klokgebouw to galleries, studios, public spaces and street installations. Core disciplines include product design, spatial design, fashion and textiles, graphic design and design management. Alongside established studios and international names, newly graduated designers from the Design Academy Eindhoven, AKV|St.Joost and SintLucas present their degree show work. The Design Academy Graduation Show on the opening Saturday (17 October) starts at 13:00.
Highlights
- Grand Opening on the evening of Friday, 16 October 2026
- Design Academy Eindhoven Graduation Show from 13:00 on opening day
- Dutch Design Awards: the leading Dutch design prize ceremony
- DDW Talks: keynotes and seminars from international design experts
- Mission Days: an in-depth programme around DDW's societal design missions
- Work in Progress: young designers share honest lessons from failure
- Free Design Rides (shuttle service between locations) for all ticket holders
- Included DDW bicycles for all nine days with your ticket
- 100+ exhibition venues spread across the entire city
Program and Opening Hours
Most locations are open daily from 11:00 to 18:00. The full programme with all exhibitions, talks and special events will be published on the official website from September 2026. Mission Days take place Monday to Friday during the second half of the festival and are particularly aimed at professional visitors. For sustainable city navigation, DDW bicycles are available at central pick-up points and included in the ticket price.
Tickets and Prices
Tickets for Dutch Design Week 2026 are available via the official shop at ddw.nl. A regular ticket starts from €24.50 and grants access to all nine festival days. Student and youth tickets (ages 12 to 17) start from €15. Children up to and including age 11 have free admission. A Family Ticket for €70 (up to five people) is available at the door only. Professional visitors can purchase a PRO ticket, which includes access to the Business Lounge, unlimited barista coffee, personal support and an invitation to the Grand Opening. Tickets bought at the door carry a surcharge of €2.50 per ticket; only debit and credit cards are accepted on site.
Getting There and Getting Around
Eindhoven is well connected: Eindhoven Airport is just 15 minutes from the city centre. Direct train connections run from Amsterdam (approx. 1.5 hours), Rotterdam, Utrecht and Brussels. During the festival, the distinctive Design Rides (free branded shuttle taxis) connect the main locations. Included bicycles for all ticket holders are the fastest and most enjoyable way to reach the many exhibition spots scattered across the city.
Visitor Tips
- Buy tickets online in advance to avoid the €2.50 door surcharge and to plan your visit efficiently.
- Study the interactive location map on ddw.nl once it goes live in September 2026.
- Wear comfortable shoes; locations are spread across the whole city.
- Book accommodation in Eindhoven early; hotels fill up fast during the festival week.
- PRO visitors: collect your wristband and badge at the Business Lounge on Strijp-S.
- Children under 12 enter free; a great reason to make it a family outing.
