CHICAGO, IL — May 2026 — Fulton Market Design Days returns June 8–10, transforming Chicago’s vibrant Fulton Market District into the ultimate destination for design discovery. It spans the full spectrum of the city’s architectural identity, from sleek new glass skyscrapers to historic brick warehouses and the storied grit of its cobblestone streets. The three-day event invites architects, designers, and enthusiasts to create their own path through the heart of Chicago’s budding creative epicenter.

“Now in our fourth year, Fulton Market Design Days has grown into a dynamic celebration of Chicago’s design, fashion, and lifestyle communities, highlighting the power of collaboration and the importance of bringing creatives, brands, and neighbors together to build meaningful connections and shared inspiration,” said Rob Tivader, Founder of Oetee. “When we started this, it was a much smaller idea centered around bringing a few creative voices together. Four years later, it has grown into a neighborhood-wide celebration that reflects the incredible energy and collaboration happening across Fulton Market.”

10 Things to Experience at Fulton Market Design Days 2026:

1. Explore Chicago’s Design Epicenter 

Wander a district where 80+ brands, permanent showrooms, and creative pop-ups come alive. Fulton Market is a rare place where luxury furniture showrooms and concept-pushing galleries sit shoulder-to-shoulder with world-class dining and fashion. Experience the district's raw character, from its industrial past to its high-design future.

2. Catch the First Look at Product Debuts

Many of our brands spend years perfecting products specifically to unveil them for the first time at Design Days. This isn't just about new items; it’s about being the very first to see the collections that will define the next decade of contract, hospitality, and residential design. Be the first to touch, test, experience these never been seen creations.  

3. Step into the Beaudega

A recent favorite of Design Days, the Beaudega is a "mini trade show" that feels nothing like a trade show. It is an immersive collection of specialized brands that are rarely seen in one place. Explore the latest from seven standout brands, including Access Product Incorporated, Allseating, Brentano, Bush Business Furniture, Cumberland, Cyncly, Hyphyn, and Ultrafabrics. 

4. Witness the "Less Than a Truckload" (LTL) Installation

Inspired by Chicago’s legendary Guerrilla Truck Show of the early 2000s, this competition sees innovative young designers and local legends transforming 8x10 shipping containers into high-concept design experiences. It’s a raw, creative exhibit in a space the public rarely gets to see, proving that constraints fuel the best innovation. 

5. Experience Showrooms Like Never Before

Forget boring panels. With nearly 50 permanent showrooms to explore, they are embracing the "wow" factor with subtle, high-tech, and sensory experiences. Walk into one space that feels like an Iron Man-inspired lab where you can slide digital furniture into place on a room-sized screen. In others, curated playlists from legendary Chicago DJs turn your walkthrough into what feels like a personalized museum tour. You might even spot a few local celebrities showing off their favorite pieces. 

6. Take a "Meet the Maker" Guided Tour

For those who want to dig deeper without the intimidation, many showrooms offer free guided tours. It’s a chance to hear the story behind the materials and meet the people who crafted them, giving you a museum-level understanding of the pieces you’re seeing. 

7. Global Design, Local Roots

Chicago is a global melting pot, and our exhibits reflect that. Don't miss "Interiors from Spain," a massive returning installation that perfectly balances forward-thinking aesthetics with practical, everyday design. It’s a testament to how international cultures influence the way we live and work in the Midwest. 

8. Network Without the Stuffy "Networking"

With an expected 15,000–20,000 attendees from across the globe, the connection opportunities are endless, but we keep it casual. From high-energy showroom parties to spontaneous happy hours on the street, these are the moments where real collaborations are born, beyond the business cards and blazers. 

9. The Architecture Tour Commute

We’ve made the trip between Fulton Market and the Mart a highlight of your day. Our free coach shuttles feature mini architectural tours, so you can stay engulfed in the history and curiosity of the city while you move between shows. 

10. Unlock the Neighborhood with Your Wristband 

Design Days is about more than just furniture; it’s about the community. This year, registration is free at any of our three hubs (the Welcome Center at Fulton & Morgan, or our showblocks on Halsted and May). Your Design Days wristband unlocks the neighborhood: get free admission to the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC), special menus at Fulton Market’s best restaurants, and exclusive promos from Credo Beauty and spa services at East End Chicago.

Fulton Market Design Days takes place June 8–10 in Chicago’s Fulton Market District. For programming updates, participating showrooms, and event information, visit https://fultonmarketdesigndays.com.

ABOUT FULTON MARKET DESIGN DAYS

Fulton Market Design Days is a celebration that brings together a curated selection of brands, designers, and artists who are pushing the boundaries of design and shaping the future of the contract furniture industry. 

Our brand story is one of collaboration, connection, and inspiration. We believe in the power of design to transform the way we live, work, and play. By uniting a community of like-minded individuals who share our passion for design, we can amplify our impact and create a collective voice that is greater than the sum of its parts. 

At Fulton Market Design Days in Chicago, we celebrate the diversity of design, from cutting-edge technology to timeless craftsmanship. Great design knows no boundaries, and by bringing together brands from across the creative spectrum, we can spark new ideas, foster collaboration, and inspire others to push the boundaries of what is possible.