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Johannesburg’s design community has something big to look forward to this spring, with the city’s third edition of Design Week South Africa taking place from 8 to 11 October 2026.
Designers, galleries, studios, hospitality venues and creative businesses keen to be part of the four-day celebration of South African design can now apply, with applications closing on 2 August. Building on the success of previous editions, the citywide event will see galleries, studios, hotels and other participating venues host installations, talks, exhibitions, product launches, workshops and creative collaborations across Johannesburg.
Under the theme The Shape of Us, this year’s programme will celebrate how culture, identity and innovation continue to shape South African design today. According to the organisers, the theme invites participants to explore “how cultural identity, historical roots and future-thinking continue to shape South African design” through their own creative expression.
Rather than taking place at a single venue, Design Week South Africa unfolds across Johannesburg, with restaurants, galleries, retail spaces, hotels and design studios all hosting events. Across four days, the programme will celebrate the breadth of South Africa’s creative industries by showcasing the best of architecture, furniture, interiors, fashion, graphic design and product design.
Also read: The 7 best art districts in Johannesburg
The festival is another sign of Johannesburg’s growing status as one of Africa’s leading creative capitals, bringing together established designers and emerging talent while encouraging visitors to discover the people and places that influence local design.
What you need to know
Those hoping to take part in Johannesburg’s Design Week have until 2 August to submit their applications.
The full programme will be revealed closer to the event. With events taking place across the city, Design Week South Africa offers visitors plenty of opportunities to experience Johannesburg’s design scene and discover designers and creative spaces this October.
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