DVF 2026 Theme
Design Vancouver Festival returns this September with a city-wide invitation to experience design up close. Under the theme BUILD. The best response to uncertain times is to build something stronger together.
Design is not just something people admire. It impacts how people live, connect, and belong. Through Open Studios, building tours, talks, exhibitions, and gatherings, DVF connects the public with the people behind the work, while creating real pathways for students and emerging designers to step in, meet the industry, and be seen.
Date and time: September 17-26, 2026
Location: Vancouver
Key Dates
Application and registration fee due: June 5, 2026
Participant marketing toolkit available: September 1, 2026
Festival dates: September 17–27, 2026
Who Can Participate
Designers, studios, architects, landscape architects, educators, students, organizations, brands, collectives, cultural institutions, and collaborators working in any design-related discipline.
DVF invites all members of the design community to curate and host events as part of the festival.
What They’re Looking For
DVF welcomes proposals that:
- Invite the public into design, process, and making
- Encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing
- Build connection across disciplines, neighbourhoods, and communities
- Support students and emerging designers with real access and visibility
- Highlight local practice and emerging talent
- Contribute something meaningful to Vancouver’s design culture
Event Formats (Visit DVF 24′ Recap for example)
Open Studios (More Details)
Building tours or landscape tours, including behind-the-scenes site tours
Talks, panels, lectures
Workshops (hands-on, skill-based, community learning)
Exhibitions, installations, screenings
Mentorship sessions and portfolio reviews (especially student-forward)
Social gatherings that support connection (with a clear design focus)
Key Requirements
To be listed as part of DVF, events must:
- Take place during DVF, September 17–27, 2026
- Be hosted in Metro Vancouver
- Be open to the public (free or ticketed)
- Have a confirmed venue or location and a clear plan for audience access
- Provide final event details by the required deadlines
What DVF Provides
Accepted events receive:
- Event listing on the DVF Calendar
- Promotion through DVF channels
- DVF brand assets and guidance for marketing
- DVF signage and poster for onsite use
Registration Fees
DVF has a registration fee for accepted events, scaled by organization size. The fee allows the festival to support each event by employing an administrative team and design team to promote events and provide additional support as needed. Registration fees and sponsorship help produce this community festival.
Solo designer or ad hoc collective: $250
Small businesses (4–40 employees): $350
Large businesses and institutions (40+ employees): $500
Curation and Refund Policy
DVF is curated, and submitting does not guarantee acceptance. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis weekly.
If a project does not meet the festival’s artistic guidelines and is declined, DVF will notify the applicant and refund the registration fee in full.
If an applicant withdraws before June 5, 2026, the fee will be refunded minus a $50 administration fee. After June 5, 2026, fees are non-refundable.
If applicants are unsure where their idea fits, they can contact hello@designvancouver.org. The team is happy to help guide placement.
