Tag: sanfrancisco

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.