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A Celebration of Self-Expression and Inclusion

The evening’s drag performance was a show-stopping highlight, hosted by the incomparable Black Opal Munro. She opened the night with a dazzling number and later emceed the costume contest. More than entertainment, the performance stood as a tribute to self-expression and to the LGBTQ+ community that has long shaped the Bay Area’s creative spirit. As the crowd cheered and applauded, it was clear this was a celebration of artistry, identity, and joy.

Meanwhile, guests explored the Castro Closet, where they could experiment with accessories and transform their surrealist looks. Face painting stations added a playful, hands-on way to express creativity. These interactive experiences kept every corner of Monroe alive with movement and connection. As a result, the evening felt spontaneous and immersive—exactly what makes Design After Dark one of the most anticipated events of the year.

On the eve of Halloween, the San Francisco City Center hosted its annual Design After Dark at Monroe Lounge. The space became a dreamlike playground for the design community. Now in its second year, the event was a vibrant, high-energy celebration that brought together more than 150 design professionals for a night of creativity, connection, and self-expression.

This year’s theme, Surrealist Ball, invited guests into a world where imagination reigned supreme. Attendees arrived in bold, inventive costumes that blurred the line between art and fantasy. Each look was more inspired than the last. The room pulsed with color, laughter, and conversation, creating an atmosphere that was as inclusive as it was electric.

Community, Creativity, and Connection

The excitement even extended beyond the main event. Vendor partner Mohawk Group hosted a pre-party in Design After Dark’s honor, highlighting how strongly the design community has embraced this celebration.

“I’m beyond proud of the incredible SF City Center team who made Design After Dark happen this year,” said Shannon Sheppard, SF City Center Director and Design Director at One Workplace. “Their creativity, energy, and hard work turned the night into a magical, unforgettable celebration. The space was buzzing with laughter and imagination—it was amazing to see our community come together and show up with such enthusiasm and creativity.”

The Event of the Year

With sold-out tickets and record attendance, this year’s Design After Dark reinforced its reputation as the must-attend event of the season. The combination of performance, costume, and community created something truly surreal. It was an experience that captured the spirit of design—joyful, inclusive, and endlessly expressive.

The IIDA San Francisco City Center hosted its first-ever Design After Dark event on October 30, and it was a night to remember. In place of previous events like Scene Local and Future So Bright, this new celebration brought together over 100 attendees from the design community for a festive Halloween-themed evening at Monroe SF. With costumes, entertainment, and a lively atmosphere, Design After Dark left a lasting impression and is already set to become an annual tradition.

Unlike typical industry events, Design After Dark was designed solely for connection and celebration, with no product showcases or presentations in sight.

Attendees embraced the opportunity to come together in a purely social setting, donning imaginative costumes for the night. Monroe’s dark, moody ambiance and spooky decorations set the perfect stage. The venue transported guests into an immersive and fun Halloween world with fog machines, spiderwebs, and eerie lighting. 

One of the evening’s highlights was the costume contest, which kept everyone in suspense as secret judges roamed the crowd, quietly noting standout costumes. Toward the end of the night, winners were announced, and fantastic prizes were awarded. The effort and creativity put into costumes were impressive, with guests showing off outfits ranging from classic spooky characters to unique, inventive designs. 

Beyond the costumes, the event featured engaging entertainment that energized the crowd. Local drag queens performed throughout the night, captivating the audience with upbeat dance numbers bringing a signature San Francisco flair to the evening. The drag show was a standout moment full of personality, creating an atmosphere of celebration and inclusivity that resonated deeply with the design community.

In addition to the drag performances, Design After Dark offered several themed surprises, including spooky cocktails crafted for the occasion and palm readers ready to reveal secrets from beyond. These touches added an element of mystery, making the night feel like a true Halloween celebration. Students and industry professionals alike mingled and danced together, with many students taking to the dance floor, eager to participate in the festivities and connect with others.

Ultimately, Design After Dark provided more than just a fun evening—it fostered a sense of unity within the design community, celebrating what makes it unique and bringing people together in a relaxed, enjoyable setting. The success of this debut event has set the stage for it to become a highly anticipated annual gathering, with attendees already looking forward to next year’s festivities.