Design Week Lagos 2026 is set for 18 to 25 October 2026, turning Lagos into a city-wide showcase of African design. The festival’s theme this year is “Making A New Africa: From Material to Market”. It is not a specifically Yoruba event, but it is a major cultural moment in Lagos, a Yoruba city, and it features craft, materials and storytelling that connect to the region’s creative traditions. Always confirm dates and venues with the organisers, as one source gives a slightly different closing date.
Key Facts
- Dates: 18 to 25 October 2026 (most listings).
- Main hub: the National Theatre in Iganmu, Lagos, now run as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts.
- Other venues: activities take place across the city, including satellite locations such as Design House.
- Founder: Titi Ogufere, who also leads the Africa Design Network.
- Milestone: organisers describe the 2026 edition as a landmark 10th anniversary exhibition.
What to Expect
The programme typically includes exhibitions, installations, workshops, talks, open studios and trade shows. The festival has also toured international design weeks in Milan, Paris and London under the banner “All Roads Lead to Lagos” before returning home. Learn about the venue’s namesake in Wole Soyinka: biography and works.
Why It Matters for Yoruba Culture
Many designers work with Yoruba textiles, symbols and craft techniques. See our guides to Adire indigo cloth, Yoruba artists and the Nike Art Gallery, and visit the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art or the John Randle Centre while you are in town.
Other Lagos Events This Season
- Lagos Fringe: 3 to 8 November 2026, a multi-venue arts festival.
- Entertainment Week Africa: 17 to 22 November 2026.
- Felabration: 12 to 18 October; see Felabration 2026.
Listings are drawn from a Guardian Nigeria events round-up and from the organiser’s announcements. For city background, see the history of Lagos and our Events category.
Design Week Lagos FAQs
When is Design Week Lagos 2026?
It runs from 18 to 25 October 2026, according to most listings.
Where is Design Week Lagos held?
The main hub is the National Theatre in Iganmu, with events at other locations across Lagos.
What is the 2026 theme?
“Making A New Africa: From Material to Market”.
