10 Things You Can’t Miss at Toronto’s DesignTO Festival This January 2026
January in Toronto can be a drag. It’s cold, it’s dark, and your couch looks really good. But trust us, there’s one massive, city-wide party that’s worth bundling up for, and it’s DesignTO Festival 2026.
This isn’t just some stuffy gallery show. It’s Canada’s largest annual design festival, and it’s a non-profit on a mission to show how design can build a “sustainable, just, and joyful world.” From January 23 to February 1, 2026, the 16th annual festival will take over the city with over 100 events, wild installations, and fascinating talks.
Not sure where to start? We’ve got you. As your in-the-know best friends, here’s our list of the 10 things you absolutely can’t miss.
Don’t Hibernate. Here Are the 10 Must-See Things at DesignTO 2026.
1. The Kickoff: The DesignTO Launch Party
If you only go to one thing, make it this. The DesignTO Launch Party is the official kickoff, and it’s always a packed house of the city’s creative best. It’s your first chance to see a major anchor exhibit, grab a cocktail, and (let’s be honest) people-watch. The fest starts Jan 23, so we’re betting the party will be the night before (Thurs, Jan 22). Tickets for this sell out fast, so the second you see them drop, grab them.
2. The Big Idea: The 2026 Theme is “Traces”
This is the big, must-see conversation piece. The official DesignTO Festival 2026 theme for its main exhibition is “Traces.” The festival is exploring how design responds to displacement from things like the climate crisis and social unrest. Expect powerful, human-centred work that’s about migration, community, and identity.
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3. The Anchor Exhibit: ‘Traces’ at Harbourfront Centre
Speaking of the theme, the main event will be the ‘Traces’ group exhibition at the Harbourfront Centre (Gallery 235). This is the “can’t-miss” anchor of the whole festival, where you’ll see the theme brought to life by a ton of different artists and designers. Pro-tip: this exhibit runs longer than the festival (until late March) but seeing it during DesignTO week is when the city is buzzing.
4. The Yonge + St. Clair Installation Crawl
One of our favorite hacks is to hit a neighbourhood with a high density of exhibits. Based on past years, the Yonge + St. Clair BIA is always a major DesignTO Festival 2026 venue hub, hosting multiple installations in lobby windows and public spaces. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon—just hop between buildings and see a ton of art without freezing.
5. The 24/7 Window Installations
This is the most “Toronto” part of the festival. Dozens of storefronts and galleries across the city turn their windows into 24/7 art installations. It’s magic to just stumble upon one while you’re on a streetcar or walking to get coffee. We’re always partial to the work that pops up along Dundas West and Ossington.
6. The Must-See Talks
This isn’t just about pretty things. The DesignTO Talks symposium is where you get to hear from the brilliant minds behind the projects. We’re especially excited to hear new DesignTO Executive Director Anna Bartula speak. A real insider move is to catch any talk by Artistic Director Deborah Wang or Head of Programming Robyn Wilcox. They have their fingers on the pulse of what’s next.
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7. Discovering the Next Big Thing
Some of the best and most experimental work at DesignTO comes from students and emerging designers. We always make a point to check out the showcases from OCAD U and Toronto Metropolitan University. You’re literally seeing the future of Canadian design, and you might just spot the next big name before they blow up.
8. Know When the Real Schedule Drops
Want the ultimate local tip? The full DesignTO Festival 2026 schedule is built from hundreds of independent submissions. The final deadline for designers to submit their event listings is October 24, 2025. That means you should keep your eyes peeled for the full program to drop in November or early December. That’s when you can really plan your attack.
9. Think About Participating (Yes, You)
Ever wonder how all this art appears? A lot of it is from independent artists and designers. DesignTO actually has a “Venue-Designer Matchmaking Program” to pair creators with spaces. It’s a core part of how they’ve showcased over 6,500 artists since 2011. It’s probably too late for 2026, but it’s a cool thing to file away for next year.
10. Just… Exploring
Honestly, the best part of DesignTO is the sense of discovery. With over one million visitors since it started, the festival’s magic is in its scale. Pick a neighbourhood, grab a hot chocolate, and just wander. You’ll find art in lobbies, cafés, and parks. It’s a 10-day reminder of how creative this city is, and it’s the perfect cure for the January blues.
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Planning your adventures for the rest of the year? After you’ve explored Toronto’s design scene, why not set your sights on the rest of the country? Check out our guide to 18 Unmissable Places to Visit in Canada This 2026 (Here’s Who Made the Nat Geo List).
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