If you love modern design, October is going to be a big month. The WestEdge Design Fair returns to Santa Monica this fall, and it promises to be bigger and better than ever. Whether you are a seasoned design professional or simply someone who appreciates beautiful spaces, this event is worth adding to your calendar right now.
This guide covers everything you need to know before you go — from dates and venue details to ticket prices and what to expect once you walk through the doors.
What Is the WestEdge Design Fair?
The WestEdge Design Fair is Southern California’s leading celebration of contemporary design. It brings together premium home furnishings brands, interior designers, architects, and design enthusiasts under one roof. The fair is not just a trade show. It is an experience. Visitors can shop, learn, network, and draw inspiration from some of the most creative minds in the industry.
This year marks the 11th edition of the event. Over the past decade, it has grown into a must-attend gathering for anyone who cares about how spaces look and feel. Additionally, it has become a launchpad for new products and ideas that shape the direction of design across the West Coast and beyond.
Dates and Schedule
The 2026 fair runs for three days across the Halloween weekend. Here is the schedule at a glance:
- Thursday, October 29 — Opening Night Party, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Friday, October 30 — General admission, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday, October 31 — General admission, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The Opening Night Party on Thursday kicks things off in style. It is an exclusive evening event that gives attendees early access to the fair, along with a lively social atmosphere. Therefore, if you want to beat the weekend crowds and enjoy a more intimate setting, Thursday night is the way to go.
Venue: The Barker Hangar, Santa Monica
The fair takes place at The Barker Hangar, located at 3021 Airport Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90405. This iconic venue sits inside the historic Santa Monica Air Center and offers a dramatic, open-plan space perfectly suited to showcasing large-format furniture and design installations.
The Barker Hangar has hosted the fair for several years now, and it has become synonymous with the event itself. Its soaring ceilings and flexible layout allow exhibitors to create fully immersive room settings and experiential displays. However, the venue does fill up, so arriving early on general admission days is a smart move.
Parking is available on site at a flat rate of $20. That said, the organizers strongly encourage visitors to use rideshare services instead, as the area can get congested during peak hours.
Who Attends?
The fair attracts a wide and diverse crowd. Interior designers, architects, real estate developers, and retail buyers all make up a significant portion of the attendees. However, design-savvy consumers are equally welcome and very much at home here.
In past editions, more than 150 premium brands from across the United States and abroad have exhibited. This year, visitors can expect a similarly curated lineup of both established names and emerging designers. Additionally, the 2026 program features over 45 speakers, making it one of the richest educational offerings the fair has ever presented.
What to Expect Inside
Walking into the Barker Hangar, you will immediately notice how much thought goes into the layout. Exhibitors do not simply set up booths. They create fully designed environments that feel like rooms lifted straight from an aspirational home.
Beyond the exhibits, the fair offers a full program of events and experiences:
- Panel discussions and talks on topics ranging from sustainability to emerging design trends
- Culinary demonstrations for those who love the intersection of food and design
- Workshops and hands-on learning sessions
- Immersive art installations that blur the line between art and furniture
- Live product launches and world premieres from leading brands
- Book signings with notable designers and authors
- Networking receptions and social events throughout the weekend
The main stage programming this year is produced in partnership with Convo By Design, a respected voice in the design world. Therefore, the quality of speakers and conversations is expected to be exceptionally high.
Ticket Prices and How to Buy
Tickets are straightforward and offer good value for the experience on offer. Here is a breakdown of the pricing:
- General admission (Friday or Saturday): $25 in advance, $30 on the day at the door
- Opening Night Party (Thursday, October 29): $120
- VIP All-Access Pass: $150 — includes all three days, the Opening Night Party, and a gift bag
Trade professionals, including interior designers and architects, can register for free. Design students and accredited press also qualify for complimentary registration. However, this free registration must be completed online before October 15, 2026. Missing that deadline means paying standard admission prices at the door.
Attendee registration opens on July 1, 2026, so mark your calendar and book early to secure the advance discount.
Special Highlights to Look Out For
Several curated areas and features make the 2026 fair stand out from previous years.
The Rebuild Connect Zone is a dedicated space focused on rebuilding and restoration, reflecting the design community’s response to recent events affecting Southern California. It is a thoughtful addition that adds depth and purpose to the fair’s broader programming.
Made:Modern is another highlight, showcasing handcrafted and artisan-made pieces that celebrate the meeting point between traditional craft and contemporary design.
WestEdge Xteriors brings outdoor living into focus, featuring products and ideas for gardens, terraces, and exterior spaces. Additionally, the Connoisseurs’ Club: American Style by Design offers a curated look at distinctly American design traditions and how they are evolving today.
IIDA, the International Interior Design Association, also has a dedicated presence at the fair this year, including a competition with winners announced during the event.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
Planning ahead will make your experience much smoother. Here are a few practical tips:
- Register online before July 1 if you qualify for complimentary trade or student tickets
- Book general admission tickets in advance to save $5 per person
- Use rideshare to avoid parking stress and the $20 parking fee
- Arrive when the doors open at 10:00 a.m. on Friday or Saturday to beat the afternoon rush
- Download the fair’s fact sheet from their official website once it goes live, as it lists all exhibitors and the full speaker schedule
- Wear comfortable shoes — the Barker Hangar is a large space and you will cover a lot of ground
Conclusion
The WestEdge Design Fair 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most compelling design events on the West Coast calendar. Running from October 29 to 31 at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, it offers something for everyone — whether you are a trade professional looking to source the latest products or a design enthusiast seeking inspiration for your own home.
With over 150 exhibitors, 45-plus speakers, immersive installations, and a packed schedule of events, the fair delivers far more than a typical trade show. Tickets start at just $25 in advance for general admission, making it accessible as well as impressive. Therefore, whether you plan to attend the glamorous Opening Night Party or spend a full Saturday exploring every corner of the Hangar, there is no shortage of reasons to go.
Mark the dates, register early, and get ready for three days of design discovery in the heart of Santa Monica.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the WestEdge Design Fair 2026?
The fair runs from Thursday, October 29 to Saturday, October 31, 2026. The Opening Night Party is on Thursday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., while general admission runs Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Where is the WestEdge Design Fair held?
The fair takes place at The Barker Hangar, 3021 Airport Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90405.
How much do tickets cost?
General admission is $25 in advance or $30 at the door. The Opening Night Party ticket is $120, and the VIP All-Access Pass costs $150. Trade professionals, design students, and press can register for free before October 15, 2026.
Can members of the public attend, or is it trade-only?
The fair is open to the general public. Anyone can purchase a general admission ticket. Trade registration is simply complimentary for verified industry professionals.
Is parking available at the venue?
Yes, parking is available at a flat rate of $20. However, the organizers strongly encourage visitors to use rideshare services due to limited availability and potential congestion during busy periods.
