BICT Fest 2026 brings the world of play to Bangkok

Play is not only the stuff of childhood afternoons spent tearing around the neighbourhood park. At Bangkok International Children's Theatre Festival (BICT Fest), it becomes a way to spark imagination, curiosity and discovery – and a good excuse for grown-ups to join in too. 

Now in its 10th edition, BICT Fest invites everyone from curious little ones to adults who have not entirely grown out of playtime. These are not sit-still-and-watch performances; audiences are encouraged to interact, explore and get involved  alongside the artists. 

Running from August 21–30, BICT Fest 2026 brings together 11 performances by artists from Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Indonesia, Belgium, France and the United Kingdom. This year’s theme is Play Attention: Look Who's Growing Up!, with events taking place at One Bangkok, Goethe-Institut Thailand and Sodsai Pantoomkomol Centre for Dramatic Arts.

Highlights include IYKYK, an interactive parking-lot performance that whisks audiences aboard golf carts into a world of light and shadow created by DuckUnit, Plock!, a Belgian contemporary circus show that turns movement into a living painting inspired by Jackson Pollock; and Frolic, a contemporary dance work performed by disabled and non-disabled artists. Families with babies aged three to 24 months can try Kaow Kome, a sensory performance exploring rice through Thai and Japanese cultures. Afterwards, keep the playdate going at TBC, a new interactive playground built from recycled materials by artists from Singapore and Taiwan in collaboration with the Mirror Foundation. 

The wider programme also includes workshops and post-show talks. Six performances are free, while five require tickets.

Support options include:

BICT TO GIVE (THB 2,000) – help bring children to the festival so they can experience the performances.

BICT TO GROW (THB 100 / 500 / 1,000 / 5,000 / 10,000) – supports the festival team and the development of future BICT Fest’s programmes and activities.

Parent, child or committed kid at heart, take a break from screens and come play. Tickets and activity bookings are available now via Eventpop.