For nearly two years now, design fans have largely relied on digital devices to stay connected to the ever-changing creative industry. But if you’re ready (like we are) to step away from the screen and get up close and personal with design again, then attending Denver Design Week—which begins this Saturday, October 16, and runs through Sunday, October 24—is a great way to start.

Now in its sixth year, the event, which is presented by Denver’s IDC Building, shines a light on the broad spectrum of design that’s all around us in the Mile High City—from architecture and interior design to urban planning and branding—through a weeklong series of expert-led discussions, panels, tours, and events held at inspiring locations around town.

Attendees of the session “To Fabricate, To Think: James Florio and the Making of Radical Logic,” will have the opportunity to talk with architectural photographer James Florio about his new book and immerse themselves in a small gallery of original prints. Photo courtesy of Denver Design Week

This year, for example, architecture fans can tour DU’s first mass-timber building with Shears Adkins Rockmore, or explore a minimalist, Japanese-inspired residence in the Cole neighborhood. Antiques aficionados can learn from Eron Johnson and Eric Mandil how to incorporate old treasures into modern spaces. Ambitious makers can pick the brains of the Raw Creative team during a tour of their low-tech-meets-high-tech workshop. Eco-conscious attendees can discuss strategies for reducing the carbon footprint of buildings and products. And photographers of all skill levels can learn how to take their images to the next level with insights from pros Parrish Ruiz de Velasco and James Florio.

At “Off the Wall: Jason Thielke’s Urban Mural Works Presented by Eliana Chioetto,” the local artist will discuss his creative process, show original artworks, give a block-printing demonstration, and host an informal Q&A. Image courtesy of Denver Design Week

Though many events are geared toward attendees immersed in the world of design (e.g. “Designing for Performance with Steel Windows + Doors,” or “The Story of Scent: How to Incorporate the Olfactory into Experiential Design”), there’s plenty for casual design fans as well, from an up-close look at one of local artist Jason Thielke’s recently completed contemporary murals to a CSU horticulturalist–led session on gardening with Front Range native plants.

This year also marks the debut of the Maker Marketplace & Artisan Fair—Sunday, October 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at McNichols Civic Center Building in downtown Denver—which will feature the work of more than 40 local makers and artists, including modern furnishings by LVTD, tableware from See Saw Ceramics, original art by the Hummingbird and the Beagle, and textiles by Jill Quillian and Lava Linens.

Modern furnishings by local, multidisciplinary design firm LVTD will be available at the inaugural Maker Marketplace and Artisan Fair. Photo courtesy of Denver Design Week
See Saw Ceramics’ Kelsey Julian and Dillon Canfield will showcase their wares at this year’s marketplace. Photo courtesy of Denver Design Week

Admission to the marketplace is free, and tickets for daytime and evening events during the week of October 16–24 are on sale now at denverdesignweek.com for $10 each. To view the entire schedule of events, click here.