By CGN Staff

The River North Design District (RNDD) will celebrate a major milestone this fall with the 10th Annual Fall Gallery Walk, marking a decade of collaboration between Chicago’s design and visual art communities.

The River North Design District paused its annual fall Gallery Walk in 2025 but it just announced its September 2026 return will mark its 10th annual event. The RNDD Fall Gallery Walk was inspired by the decades-long tradition of a big art season opener for the area's art galleries. RNDD's event also aims to transform River North’s street-level showrooms and galleries into immersive environments where art and interior design intersect. For its anniversary edition, RNDD is pairing leading Chicago interior designers with influential and emerging artists to create curated vignettes that reimagine how art is experienced in the home.

Each participating showroom becomes a living gallery, integrating fine art into thoughtfully designed interiors. The installations are often playful and unexpected — past highlights have included pop-up kitchens on sidewalks and bathtubs filled with donuts — underscoring the event’s lively energy and collaborative spirit while taking advantage of the public's enthusiasm for a buzzy fall event around art and creativity. Past gallery participants have included Zolla/Lieberman Gallery, Addington Gallery, and others in River North.

By placing artwork within fully realized interior spaces rather than on traditional white walls, the Gallery Walk demonstrates how art functions in everyday life. Visitors can expect bold installations, lively programming, and special touches honoring the event’s 10-year legacy.

The event is free and open to the public. Ticketed VIP experiences will include access to a VIP lounge and an after party celebrating a decade of inspiration and innovation.

In recognition of the anniversary year and the opening of the walk on September 11, 2026, a portion of ticket sales will benefit the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Homeless Veteran Program. The Foundation is dedicated to ending veteran homelessness nationwide, providing housing assistance and supportive services to more than 10,000 veterans and their families through its Veterans Villages and National Case Management Network. Its model pairs high-quality affordable housing with comprehensive services designed to promote long-term stability and independence.

Founded in 2013, the River North Design District is a collective of showrooms offering lighting, tile, plumbing, rugs, kitchens, furnishings, and more. Designed to be accessible to both trade professionals and consumers, the district’s street-level spaces invite visitors to explore the neighborhood while discovering personalized design resources.

Ten years in, the Fall Gallery Walk continues to highlight River North as a dynamic hub where art and design meet.

For more information, visit rivernorthdesigndistrict.com