Dutch Design Week is the biggest design event in Northern Europe and the reason Eindhoven, a former Philips factory town, now calls itself a design city. For nine days, factories, studios, schools and shops fill up with furniture, fashion, tech, food and plain weird ideas, much of it made by young designers who have not been discovered yet.
The 2026 theme is R.A.W. (Rebel Authentic Worth), which promises the unpolished and experimental side of design. The Design Academy Eindhoven graduation show is usually a highlight, and Piet Hein Eek’s workshop and shop are worth the detour.
- When: Saturday 17 to Sunday 25 October 2026
- Where: locations across Eindhoven, including Ketelhuisplein, Piet Hein Eek, Stadhuisplein, Sectie-C and the Design Academy Eindhoven
- Tickets: a DDW wristband gives access to the paid locations; buy it in advance on the official site
- Getting there: direct intercity trains run from Amsterdam Centraal to Eindhoven Centraal in about 1 hour 20 minutes.
Good to know: with a wristband you can use the free Design Rides shuttle between official locations, daily from 11:00 to 18:00. Wear comfortable shoes.
Planning your year? See everything on the events calendar.
