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Forget white-walled galleries – one of Chiang Rai's busiest markets is about to become the city's most exciting art space.
From July 24 to August 2, Pagad Festival: Awakening Chiang Rai's Market Through Art returns for its second year, transforming the century-old Chiang Rai Municipal Market 1 (Gad Luang) into a sprawling ‘living art museum’ where contemporary art, performance, culture and community all collide.
And while Chiang Rai is no stranger to art – it is, after all, a UNESCO Creative City of Design – this event focuses on everyday life as an artform itself. Artists are here in the droves, all doing their part to turn the market into a canvas.
This year's theme, ‘Playing with Things’, has inspired many of them to take ordinary objects found around the market and transform them into contemporary artworks that tell the stories of Chiang Rai's multicultural heritage.
What’s on at Pagad Festival?
- View more than 30 art installations created by over 40 artists
- Snap photos of street art and hidden photo spots
- Taste local food ‘Made in Gad Luang’ – a food experience redesigned for international visitors
- Ride the ‘Rod Noi’ little truck, tour around the market and join a variety of workshops
- Cheer for more than 20 Chiang Rai street shows, including market-centre stage plays, open-air film screenings, a song contest and a Northern Thai fashion show
- Share your ideas for developing markets through the ‘My Creative Kitchen’ activities
But despite the takeover, the everyday market stays alive too. The festival leans into its identity, using art to highlight the people, cultures and traditions that make the city's oldest market such an important gathering place.
There's plenty happening beyond the art, too. Hop aboard the market's charming Rod Noi truck for a guided ride through the neighbourhood, join creative workshops, or catch one of more than 20 live performances, ranging from open-air films and theatre to Northern Thai fashion shows, music competitions and youth dance performances.
With more than 20,000 visitors expected, this vibrant celebration of art, food and community is well worth the journey north.
Pagad Festival: Awakening Chiang Rai's Market Through Art.
July 24-August 2. Free. Chiang Rai Municipal Market 1 (Gad Luang), Thanalai Road. 9am-5pm every day.