Festival of the Future
2026
The UK's largest festival introducing young people to careers in the built environment returns to the Royal College of Art for 2026.
Inspiring the next generation of city-makers, designers and creative thinkers.
Festival of the Future is an annual festival that brings together young people, educators, universities, industry leaders and communities to explore the future of the built environment and the creative industries.
Created by Beyond the Box CIC, the festival exists to inspire the next generation of architects, planners, engineers, designers, artists, technologists and innovators by opening doors to careers that many young people never knew existed.
Taking place at the Royal College of Art's Battersea Campus on 9–10 October 2026, the festival transforms one of the world's leading creative institutions into an interactive hub of ideas, creativity and discovery.
Across two days, visitors can take part in workshops, talks, exhibitions, installations, live demonstrations and hands-on activities delivered by some of the UK's leading architecture practices, universities, cultural organisations and creative professionals.
Whether you're considering your future career, supporting a young person's ambitions, studying within the creative industries or already working in the sector, Festival of the Future offers a unique opportunity to explore how our towns, cities and communities are designed—and the people who shape them.
Why We Created the Festival
Too many young people remain unaware of the incredible range of careers available within architecture, planning, engineering, urban design, landscape architecture, sustainability, digital technology and the wider creative industries.
Many professions continue to face challenges around diversity, accessibility and awareness, while employers increasingly recognise the need to inspire future talent at an earlier age.
Festival of the Future was created to change that.
By bringing education and industry together in one place, we create opportunities for young people to meet professionals, discover courses, develop new skills and experience the industries shaping tomorrow's world.
We believe that every young person should have the opportunity to imagine themselves designing better places, solving global challenges and creating more inclusive, sustainable communities.