The best things to do in Bangkok this August

No awkward icebreakers or forced networking and forget the usual ‘what do you do?’ introductions. At Type to Meet You: EP. 1 Type to Shine Yourself, your MBTI type becomes a new way to start conversations.

The Academic Bar x MBTI Community event brings together knowledge and conversation beyond the four letters. The evening features an MBTI lecture by BeruArny Channel (MBTI Certified Practitioners), followed by a panel discussion with author and The MATTER co-founder, Champ and Pharaoh of The Common Thread on personality, self-growth and how understanding our MBTI preferences can help us better understand ourselves and others. 

Set in a cosy bar atmosphere, this event is about good conversations and new connections – drinking is completely optional. Come meet new people with shared interests, exchange perspectives or simply enjoy listening and learning in a relaxed environment.

August 5. B650 and includes a complimentary drink. Reserve your spot here. Bottle Rockets Bar, Silom. 7pm-10pm

Always missing the action while you're busy reading the subtitles? This wordless festival lets movement and gesture do all the talking. The line-up gathers seven troupes from three countries, Thailand, Japan and South Korea, each act arriving with its own style and sense of humour. Leading the pack is Kojimaya Mansuke, the Japanese veteran who's performed here since the very first edition joined by Yamamoto Koyo and Sivouplait, a Japanese mime duo known for their playful physical storytelling. Representing Thailand is Ta Nuttapol, bringing the country’s vibrant mime scene to the stage, while Guri Guri Girls add a musical twist with their accordion-driven performance. Satoco rounds out the programme with a unique blend of mime and puppetry, shaped by her training in Canada. Closing the lineup is Ryu Sung-Gook from South Korea whose precise, clean movements and storytelling create emotionally resonant performances.

August 8-9. B1,100-B1,800. Grab your tickets here. Muang Thai Life Assurance Auditorium. 1.30pm and 6pm

DAS HAUS BKK is hosting its first Classic Car Market transforming its Bangna space into a weekend gathering for car lovers, collectors and anyone drawn to timeless classics. The event will feature a curated selection of rare and classic cars for sale, alongside a car meet where enthusiasts can gather, chat, and admire each other’s rides. If a new car isn’t in the budget, shop at the curated lifestyle market, enjoy food and drinks, pick up some vintage finds and listen to vinyl DJs for a relaxed weekend hangout.

August 8-9. DAS HAUS BKK, Bangna. 9am-6pm

This one-night spectacle brings together contemporary ballet, a live orchestra and a stage loaded with atmospheric lighting and visual effects with iconic scores from Harry Potter, Interstellar and more, all reimagined for the stage. One evening only, the evening splits across two acts: the first, 'Birth Struggle Path' explores growth, hardship and self-discovery, to music from Pirates of the Caribbean, Dune, Tron, Interstellar and The Last Samura. The second follows on with 'Destruction Rebirth Freedom' – turning the vibe to concepts around collapse, renewal and the chase for freedom through scores from Oppenheimer, Kung Fu Panda, Avatar, Gladiator and Harry Potter – all interpreted through modern dance on stage. Even more noteworthy is the cast with former soloists from the Mariinsky Theatre, dancers from the Novosibirsk Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre and artists from the Bolshoi Theatre of Belarus.

August 9. B1,988-B5,988. Grab your tickets here. SiamPic Hall. 2pm-4pm and 6.30pm-8.30pm

Something about a physical camera still has its charm. Combine that with Song Wat’s nostalgia and every alley, wall and riverside corner feels made to be captured, making it the perfect setting for Song Wat Film Day: Craft & Indie Market.

Hosted at the 100-Year-Old Gate Alley, the historic riverside warehouse district opens its doors to film photography lovers. Browse film cameras and the accessories that keep them alive, discover handmade creations from local makers and explore vinyl culture that continues to spin decades after being declared a thing of the past.

Beyond the arts and collectibles, the market also offers craft drinks and wine, with shaded spots to slow down, chat and let conversations and music fill the air.

August 4-12. Free. 100-Year-Old Gate Alley in Song Wat’s riverside warehouse zone (opposite Adidas). 10am-8pm

Yes, that David Byrne. The former Talking Heads frontman brings his Who Is The Sky? Tour to town for one night only, following a widely praised Coachella performance that reminds everyone why he remains one of live music’s great innovators. Expect a meticulously staged show, complete with choreography, striking visuals and a band constantly shifting across the stage. The set mixes songs from his latest album, Who Is The Sky?, with classics spanning a career that continues to reshape art rock, funk and pop. Nearly five decades after Talking Heads first emerged, Byrne still finds new ways to surprise an audience without relying on nostalgia alone.

August 10. B2,800-16,300 via here. UOB LIVE, EMSPHERE. 6pm onwards 

Road to Melt Festival brings together two of indie music’s most distinctive singer-songwriters, Matt Maltese and Phum Viphurit, for a night of intimate live music in Bangkok.

With his bittersweet songwriting and heartfelt storytelling, Matt Maltese creates songs known for turning everyday emotions into beautifully honest lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners. The British-Italian singer-songwriter earned a loyal following with his charmingly melancholic style and captivating live performances. 

Sharing the stage is Phum Viphurit, the Bangkok-born, New Zealand-raised singer-songwriter behind global hits like ‘Lover Boy’ and ‘Long Gone.’ With his laid-back charm, warm vocals and feel-good approach to songwriting, Phum has become one of Thailand’s most recognised indie artists, winning fans around the world with his effortlessly relatable sound.

Together, they bring two distinct worlds of indie music from opposite sides of the globe together.

August 16. B2,500 via here. Cloud 11 Hall. 7pm

After a seven-year hiatus, Siam Carnival Funfair returns for two weeks of classic carnival fun, bringing back colourful rides, games and fairground favourites. Take a spin on the Ferris wheel, brave thrilling new attractions imported from Europe or keep things low-key with a round of classic carnival games and a chance to win a giant prize. 

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, refuel with irresistible street food and sweet treats, from fluffy cotton candy to warm funnel cakes dusted with powdered sugar. Whether you’re chasing adrenaline, testing your luck or simply soaking up the lively atmosphere, this nostalgic fair promises a fun-filled day out for all ages.

July 31-August 16. B15 for entry plus B60 per ride. Grand Rama 9 Plaza. 5-10pm

‘Well, I think they call this love…’ if the lyrics don’t ring a bell, then Matthew Ifield’s warm romantic voice might. The rising Australian artist captured listeners around the world with his cover of ‘I Think They Call This Love’ that became a viral sensation with his smooth vocals and heartfelt delivery.

Now, Matthew Ifield is heading to Bangkok for his first-ever solo concert in Thailand. As part of VERY Live Presents: Matthew Ifield ‘Close To Your Heart Tour 2026’ in Bangkok, the singer-songwriter will bring his soulful performances, original romantic melodies and heartfelt ballads to stage. 

August 19. B1,900-B2,500. Grab your tickets here. Volume Livehouse. 7pm

The Bangkok International Children’s Theatre (BICT) Festival returns for its 10th edition with theatre, circus, dance and hands-on play for kids and grown-ups with the theme of Play Attention: Look Who's Growing Up! 

Bringing together 11 performances by artists from Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Indonesia, Belgium, France and the United Kingdom, these are not sit-still-and-watch performances but audiences are encouraged to interact, explore and get involved alongside the artists.

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. 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.

August 21-30. Free entry with ticketed performances here. Across various venues at One Bangkok, Goethe-Institut Thailand and Sodsai Pantoomkomol Centre for Dramatic Arts

This literary gathering brings together fellow bookworms who find comfort and joy between the pages of a book with author talks, panel discussions, workshops, a book and craft market and an offline reading session. 

Featuring four acclaimed authors from Thailand, China and the UK including Veeraporn Nitiprapha, the first woman to win two Southeast Asian Writers Awards; Regina Kanyu Wang, the award-winning Chinese science fiction writer; Katalina Watt, author of the Sunday Times bestseller Saltswept; and Apinuch Petcharapiracht, author of Death and the Maiden, published by Penguin Random House SEA – the festival offers a behind-the-scenes look at how some of your favourite books came to life.

Make sure to also check out the book and craft market with plenty of bookish finds, from second-hand books and zines to stationery and handmade creations by local artists. Even if you resist adding another book to the collection already gathering dust on your shelves, chances are you'll head home with plenty of inspiration and a longer to-be-read list.

August 22. Free. Register here for an exclusive festival freebie. Bangkok Kunsthalle, Pom Prap. 10am-6pm

Jelly Roll Jazz Club turns Lumphini Hall into a classic swing ballroom, with international jazz acts, beginner classes and some friendly competition. Never danced before? This is your chance to give it a go, with free beginner classes led by professional instructors – who knows, maybe you’ll even be ready to enter the competition later (but no pressure). 

The night features live jazz from Thai and international artists, including Thailand’s Yusu Jazz Band, Japan’s Clap Stomp Swingin’, Eyal Vilner from the US, The Brothers Arntzen from Canada and Steven Coombe representing the UK, with the ‘Swing Era Cadets’ closing out the night with one final swing performance. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early before the hall fills up. 

August 23. Free. Register here. Lumphini Hall, 4pm-7pm

YONLAPA, Chiang Mai's finest dream-pop band, just wrapped up a sprawling Asia tour in May and plans to return to Bangkok with their first-ever full-scale solo gig. 

The show is part of Fungjai SOLO Series, a concert series that puts the spotlight on a single artist, giving musicians the space to craft a full-length, concept-driven performance. The intimate concert, ‘Homebound’ marks a milestone for the indie quartet known for their hazy, atmospheric sound, offering fans the chance to experience their music in a setting designed entirely around the band. While the setlist remains under wraps, expect a carefully curated performance featuring songs from across YONLAPA's catalogue – and perhaps a few surprises along the way.

August 28. B1,290 at the door. Get early-bird prices here. Volume Livehouse, 5th floor of The Street Ratchada

Whether you've followed Kodaline since the beginning or only recently discovered their music, this is your last chance to see the beloved Irish alternative rock band live in Bangkok. As one of Ireland's most beloved bands, Kodaline brings its ‘Farewell Tour’ to the city as the band closes the chapter on more than a decade of heartfelt songwriting, soaring indie-rock anthems and emotionally charged live performances.

The set is expected to span the band's career, featuring fan favourites including ‘All I Want’, ‘High Hopes’ and ‘The One’, in a performance that reflects on the music and moments that have defined Kodaline's journey.

August 28-29. B1,900-B9,600 via here. UOB LIVE, Emsphere (sixth floor). 9pm-late

FLO is bringing their ‘Therapy At The Club Tour’ to Bangkok for the British R&B trio’s first-ever show in the city. Formed in London in 2019, Jorja Douglas, Stella Quaresma and Renée Downer have become one of the most talked-about new R&B acts, known for reviving the classic girl group sound with ’90s and 2000s influences, powerful vocals and tight harmonies. Their Grammy-nominated debut album ‘Access All Areas’ further cemented their rise, showcasing the trio’s signature blend of nostalgic R&B and modern pop.

As part of their wider Asia tour, FLO will bring fan favourites like ‘Cardboard Box’, ‘Walk Like This’ and ‘Fly Girl’ to Bangkok, alongside new music from their upcoming second album.

August 29. B2,800-B3,300. Grab your tickets here. Sphere Hall, EmSphere. 7pm-late

Nippon Haku Bangkok 2026 is ‘one of Thailand’s biggest Japan-focused expos’, bringing the best of Japan to Bangkok with a packed lineup of food, culture, travel, study and career opportunities. Spend the day exploring stalls, sampling regional specialties, learning the art of matcha-making with tea experts or dressing up in a kimono. Make sure to catch the live J-pop performances from artists including UNIVER23, SHUN and Fukushima Seika.

For those dreaming of making Japan more than a holiday destination, the expo also features education and career opportunities, including study-abroad programmes, Japanese language courses and pathways to connect with Japanese companies.

August 28-30. Free. Register here. Queen Sirikit National Convention Center Halls 5-6 (LG floor). 10am-8pm