This March, Pakistan’s capital will host the first-ever Lahore Design Week, putting it on the map for design lovers. Closer to home, Boston—a traditional city experiencing a jolt of new energy—will host Boston Design Week, and Maine will celebrate 200 years of statehood with a weekend of special events in Portland, Rockland, and beyond. In Europe, Iceland’s capital will welcome visitors to attend the country’s most important design event of the year. Meanwhile, in Munich, the Forward Festival will draw innovators to Bavaria’s capital for a series of workshops and other events.

Reykjavík

For a dose of Nordic design inspiration, consider going to Iceland’s capital for the 12th annual edition of Design March, the country’s leading design fair. This year, the event will take place March 25–29, starting with a day of lectures by international and local design figures. Other events range in focus from fashion to furniture to landscape architecture. If you go, consider extending your trip so you can spend a couple of nights at the Retreat at the Blue Lagoon, a luxurious hotel that lets you indulge in healing spa treatments, including an in-water massage in Iceland’s famed Blue Lagoon.

Portland, Maine

The great state of Maine is celebrating its bicentennial this year with a full calendar of events, a highlight of which is Statehood Weekend on March 13–15. On March 13, the Maine Historical Society will kick off its exhibition “State of Mind: Becoming Maine.” In nearby Rockland, the Farnsworth Art Museum, the Center for Maine Contemporary Art, and the Strand Theater will host a birthday bash that will include art making, art trails, storytelling, and a traditional supper. Then, at the end of the month, on March 28, the Portland Museum of Art will open “Stories of Maine: An Incomplete History,” which will present 20 stories about the state’s past. Check out our Design Lover’s Guide to Portland for where to stay, eat, drink, shop, and what to do in town.

Munich

The Forward Festival will bring a jolt of creative energy to Bavaria as part of Munich Creative Business Week. For two days (March 12–13) renowned film school HFF Munich will host a series of workshops, lectures, and exhibitions by graphic designers, digital entrepreneurs, and others. If you go, be sure to visit the Lenbachhaus, which is home to a treasure trove of 20th century art saved from the Nazis, including pieces by Kandinsky and other members of the Blaue Reiter group. Check out our Design Lover’s Guide to Munich for more tips on where to stay, where to eat and drink, and what to do.

Boston

Boston has a renewed spirit of creativity these days, thanks to an influx of new hotels, restaurants, and more. So what better time to discover what Beantown has to offer than during Boston Design Week? From March 25 through April 5, the city will host a variety of events, including the World Design Weeks Forum. Consider staying at the new Whitney Hotel or the Four Seasons One Dalton Street, and book a table at Mariel, the glamorous new Cuban restaurant in a former bank, which is run by the team behind Yvonne’s. February may be sold out, but tickets are currently available in March for the Yayoi Kusama infinity room at the ICA Boston.

Lahore, Pakistan

When you think of places with great design, Lahore likely doesn’t come to mind, but maybe it should. The capital of Pakistan will host the inaugural edition of Lahore Design Week March 12–18. Founded by leading Pakistani contemporary artist Rashid Rana, the weeklong event will feature a design summit, exhibitions, awards, a design expo for the industry, and a range of satellite events happening around the city. If you go, be sure to explore some of the historic landmarks in the Old City, like Lahore Fort, which contains the shimmering Shish Mahal.

Originally Appeared on Architectural Digest