Atlanta’s creative community takes center stage as the Atlanta Design Festival returns from September 27 to October 5, 2025. This year’s festival builds on its role as a cornerstone for the city’s thriving design economy, offering an expanded lineup of seminars, tours, and educational programming under the Creative Futures brand.

With a focus on equipping architects, designers, and creatives with the tools to grow their practices, the festival underscores Atlanta’s position as a leader in innovation and creative enterprise.

Now more than ever, Atlanta Design Festival is a platform for equity and diversity in the creative industries. As one of the most diverse cities in the U.S., Atlanta is a proving ground for inclusive innovation, where talent from all backgrounds drives the design economy forward. In 2025, the festival deepens its commitment to supporting underrepresented voices by hosting a DEI workshop and round table, as well as launching a mentorship program to provide guidance and opportunities for emerging designers.

Festival cofounder Elayne DeLeo announces “Through these initiatives, Atlanta Design Festival continues to foster a more equitable creative industry, ensuring Atlanta’s design community reflects the richness and diversity of the city itself.”

Design is fundamental to Atlanta’s identity, contributing $39.5 billion to the city’s GDP in 2021 and employing 110,800 people. The Atlanta Design Festival serves as an annual gathering point for this community, providing resources and inspiration to foster innovation and professional growth.

“The Atlanta Design Festival is more than a celebration of creativity—it is a resource for the people driving our city’s knowledge-intensive economy,” says Bernard McCoy, founder of the Atlanta Design Festival. “Design is a critical sector that fuels innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. This festival provides a platform for creative professionals to exchange ideas, gain industry insights, and position themselves at the forefront of a rapidly evolving global market. Our goal is to ensure Atlanta’s design community has the knowledge, connections, and opportunities to thrive.”

The Creative Futures series has grown to become an indispensable resource for architects, designers, and creative professionals:

Creative Futures Conference 2025 – Saturday, Sept 27, 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM. A daylong event featuring expert speakers and panel discussions on the future of design in technology, architecture, product, government, and well-being. Includes workshops, mentoring sessions and networking.

Creative Business Workshop 2025 – Monday, Sept 29, 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM. Practical sessions aimed at refining business strategies, marketing, and client acquisition, designed to empower creative entrepreneurs.

Creative Practice CEUs 2025 – Tuesday, Sept 30, 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM. Architects and designers can earn AIA-accredited Continuing Education Units while exploring sustainable materials, advanced technologies, and smart design solutions.

Blueprints & BBQ Seminar 2025 – Sunday, Sept 28, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM. A full-day seminar for homeowners designing contemporary residences and projects, featuring expert insights and hands-on activities to navigate the complexities of home building.

Design is Human Awards — Now in its third year, the Design is Human Awards recognizes work across architecture, design, digital, and film. These awards emphasize the power of design to drive change and inspire innovation while highlighting Atlanta’s growing role in the global design conversation.

A Broader Creative Vision — This year, the festival highlights the broader success of Atlanta Art Week, which has grown into a major platform for contemporary art and design. Under the leadership of Kendra Walker, Atlanta Art Week has attracted a vibrant mix of galleries, artists, and cultural events, reinforcing the city’s role as a creative hub. As part of this city-wide celebration, the Atlanta Art Fair returns, offering another space for artists and collectors to connect within the dynamic landscape of Atlanta’s expanding art scene.

Citywide Events: https://atlantadesignfestival.net/visit/